By Corretta Sam

SUSTAINABLE development, as defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development (The Bruntland Commission: Our Common Future), is explained as “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Guyana is now firmly on a path towards sustainable development, which will ultimately benefit us as a nation. In fact, we have not even scratched the surface to discover what our new normal could be as it relates to sustainable development and making Guyana a MUST SEE, MUST EXPLORE destination in the future.

The Government is gradually introducing the greening concept to the Guyanese people. Bartica, upon receiving township status on May 7, 2016, was another step towards this initiative. During the months leading up to this event, Barticians were able to access information on the appropriateness of the green initiative, and how it could positively affect their lives directly.

Throughout the world, convincing people of the importance of sustainability has proven to be somewhat of a challenge. Notwithstanding, in Guyana, small, meaningful steps are being taken to promote green economic development.

Tourism is a vehicle through which innovative methods can be employed to heighten awareness of the benefits of Guyana’s natural resources, if utilised in a manner that is sustainable with creative linkages.
Sustainability requires an inter-governmental agency effort if there is to be a success story. In this regard, our public relations’ efforts become important, as these are required to send the messages we require about sustainability to the intended audience: the Guyanese people, both locally and in the diaspora.
My reason for including this group (the diaspora) is simply for the effective dissemination of information that will affect us all in the interim. This idea should always be promoted in a way that shows the possibilities of achieving the long-term goals through basic methods that are easily adaptable to Guyana.

If properly planned and carefully executed, the recently concluded GuyExpo 2016 could be used as a launching pad for our locally produced goods and services in a way that has never been done before.

If we are aiming for maximum success, we must move away from what is traditionally known to that which would take some getting-used-to. Change is good, if we look at it in the grand scheme of things. We have to be risk-takers and take full advantage of the many opportunities we are presently predisposed to take.
Procrastinating will take us nowhere, and leave us yet again in the shadows of an evolving world which has no place for a visionless nation.

A case study on sustainable tourism, published online on August 28, 2014 by Mynunghee Mindy Jeon et al with a specific focus on Heritage tourism, states that, “seasonal phenomena for a tourism destination may be key factors influencing residents’ perceived quality of life, in particular during peak tourism seasons.” It further went on to state that, “these challenges may influence residents’ attitudes toward tourism support in the host community.”

This takes us back to the fact that human beings are adaptable, but what encourages them towards a state of acceptance are the benefits to be derived from their so-called ‘displacement’ and disruption to everyday life as they know it.
This was one of the findings at the end of the study which was conducted in Salem, Massachusetts. This location was chosen because it attracts more than four times its population during the entire month of October every year, due to the diverse nature of tourism activities.

The end result was that the perception and morale of the residents of Salem were positively affected, which led to significant economic benefits to the community. The Salem example offers us an opportunity of putting to use the full resources that we do have here in Guyana, and avoid reinventing the wheel and creating expectations that are unrealistic and unsustainable.

For the last two decades, we have been doing the same things the same way, which obviously yielded the same results. The economic and developmental progress made was, at best, a ‘snail’s crawl’, and that has gotten us nowhere.
Though we all know that sustainability is more of an ‘attitude change’ than anything else, it is nonetheless human to resist what one is not comfortable with; but the message should always be one that speaks of the benefits for all Guyanese individually and collectively.

One recent example of resisting change is the relocation of the Stabroek Market vendors. Most of them are angry now, understandably so, because human beings are first creatures of habit; but the two-fold benefit that could be derived from this experience is: firstly, this area is much cleaner and clearer, and tourist and locals now feel a sense of pride when traversing it, instead of the feeling of resentment and disgust because we weren’t all able to enjoy the beautiful, unique scenery our market place is supposed to provide; secondly, by relocating, the possibility exists for a better life and adequate facilities, which would benefit all. Most times with change, the despair comes in the beginning, but patience and perseverance outweigh the negative.

There is no better time to jump on the movement of economic sustainability and development than the present. The developed world is way ahead of us, and we are now playing ‘catch up’. Though it puts us at a big disadvantage, we could still explore what’s available to us sensibly, without putting too much pressure on resources and ourselves by pursuing ‘pipeline’ dreams. Tourism is one of the main vehicles used by developed countries to realise their economic success, but the methods applied have to be carefully examined before they are utilised.

I believe Guyana is on its way to greatness; and through sustainable means, we will get there despite the hurdles and negativity that may be present along the way. (Comments can be sent to: towardsagoodlife@gmail.com)

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Ms. Corretta Sam is Green Tourism Officer within the Ministry of The Presidency. She holds a B.A in Tourism Studies and a Certificate in International Relations (University of Guyana). She recently completed an extensive MASHAV training program in Green Growth, Policy Measures and Implementation Tools in Israel. This program placed specific emphasis on Green Growth and Local Sustainable Economic Development (LSED), Project Design among others. Her strengths include advocating for the poor and the powerless, research and implementing ideas until fruition.[/box]