VICE-CHAIRMAN of Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Mr. Vishnu Samaroo has appealed to people in Essequibo to help protect mangroves along the shoreline for the protection of the coastline. Speaking to stakeholders at a mangrove restoration workshop, at Anna Regina, on the Essequibo Coast last Friday, he said the low cost alternative of preserving and restoring mangrove forests as against the high cost of building sea defences is the choice.
Samaroo said the changes along the coast, as a result of the destruction of mangroves in certain areas, threaten the coastline and the livelihood of residents through erosion.
He warned, too, that the destruction of mangroves growth is illegal.
Project Coordinator of the Mangrove Restoration Programme, Mr. Bissasar Chintamanie, in his address to the gathering, including fishermen, farmers and students of Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), said the objective of the project is to abate climate change by carbon sequestration through reforestation and forest preservation and mitigate its effects  on sea defence and biodiversity.
He said mangrove conservation and rehabilitation are Government priorities and noted that Atlantic mangroves, like other mangrove species, are affected by climate change.
Mangrove specialist, Mr. Owen Bovell, in his presentation, said there are three species of mangrove in Guyana – black, red and white, which help to shield the coastline and lessen the force of waves.
Community Development Specialist, Mr. Paul MacAdam called on participants to support the drive, stating that mangroves are essential to hold the soil together and aid prevention of coastal erosion.