By Ravin Singh
AS the world prepares to observe World Environment Day on June 5, under the theme “Fight against illegal trade in wildlife,” Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has said that local wildlife conservation is a responsibility of all Guyanese. The minister made this disclosure on Friday at a National Youth Environmental Forum, which was held in observance of World Environment Day. Highlighting that wildlife does not only translate to fauna, but includes fauna, Minister Trotman noted that there is a global importance attached to Guyana’s wildlife.
To support this, he referenced the fact that Guyana is one of the world’s most important countries for biodiversity conservation, boasting the highest bio-capacity per capita in the world. Additionally, it was highlighted that Guyana is home to over 3000 wildlife species which are shared with neighbouring Venezuela, Suriname and Brazil.
But according to Trotman, while the country boasts these things internationally, domestically, “we have spent too much time digging it up and cutting it down and far too little time seeing its tremendous value.”
Speaking authoritatively, given his portfolio as Natural Resources Minister, Trotman explained that aside from its inherent values, biodiversity continues to be important to the survival and prosperity of many Guyanese and people worldwide.
He outlined that Guyana’s wildlife resources are utilised in diverse ways, including its use for building homes, making clothing, generating income and even assisting in healthcare. Additionally, he noted that for Guyana’s indigenous peoples, these resources often represent the foundation upon which village economies are sustained.
And with the tremendous economic value derived from the trade of wildlife, both flora and fauna, he said that this makes these resources vulnerable to over-exploitation.
Given this situation, which is prevalent around the globe, Trotman explained that it is therefore our responsibility to ensure that there is responsible utilisation of Guyana’s resources to ensure that future generations can reap the benefits in years to come.
“The theme ‘The fight against illegal trade in wildlife’ is instructive, since it places the protection and management of wildlife in the hands of all. Thus, observing World Environment Day is a timely reminder of our role and responsibilities as key stakeholders,” the minister said.
He continued that all must accept the fact that plants and animals are part of the natural patrimony and it must be acknowledged that it is the patriotic duty and responsibility of every Guyanese to ensure the protection of wildlife, which will lead to a greener and more sustainable economy.
Not limited to the collective will of the people to fight against the illegal trade in wildlife, Minister Trotman pointed to several agencies, including the Wildlife Division of his ministry and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which have striven to ensure the trade in wildlife is done in a sustainable manner.
He further added however that this is not enough and with the government cognizant of the illegal trade in wildlife which presents a threat to its existence, he hinted at the Wildlife Conservation and Management Bill 2016 which was recently tabled in the National Assembly.
Minister Trotman explained that this piece of legislation seeks to clear the way for the establishment of the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, which will be charged with overseeing the effective management of wildlife to ensure its conservation and sustainable use.
He reiterated however that even with strong bodies of laws, Guyanese must be a solution beyond the laws and regulations.
“It’s the human factor that makes the difference in any circumstance. As beneficiaries of wildlife, we must also see ourselves as protectors of wildlife. It is up to us to act, because the future of wildlife is in our hands,” the minister said.
Delivering remarks too at the forum, was Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Inderjit Ramdass, who examined several ways to counter the illegal trade in wildlife. He referenced several approaches which have been employed across the globe and has recorded success. Among these were introduction of legislation to ban sport-hunting, rigorous training for sniffer dogs to detect wildlife being traded, the introduction of new surveillance technology including drones and the establishment of special enforcement forces.
And apart from the direct involvement of citizens, Dr Ramdass underscored the importance of leaders of countries and agencies to the importance of combating the illegal wildlife trade. He referenced an episode recently in which the President of Gabon, in a visual message, destroyed guns and ivory tusks seized from poachers in a fiery display of zero tolerance.
“Further, religious leaders are coming on board with championing the cause to fight against the illegal trade in wildlife,” he said, adding that even actors, such as Leonardo De Caprio, have played a major role in championing an environmental cause.
Punctuating the ceremony were several environmentally themed dramatic performances, poetry and a visual presentation on turtles in Guyana. This was complemented by several rounds of trivia which focused on environmental issues in Guyana and around the world.
