At recent consultation…
THE $100M Government funded Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project (GMRP) is conducting regional consultations organised by the Mangrove Action Committee (MAC). At the most recent, in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), last Friday, several persons with whom the Guyana Chronicle spoke agreed it is a good initiative.
One of them, Mr. Ernest Monah, suggested that those caught destroying mangroves should do more that serve jail time.
At present, under the Sea Defence Act of 1998, destruction of mangrove forests carries a fine of $12,000 and a sentence of 12 months imprisonment.
The amended Forestry Act 2010 also provides for custodial and monetary penalties but Monah proposed that convicted persons should, after serving jail terms, be compelled to work on the restoration.
He said, now more than ever, the threat of climate change is visible and any effort to restore mangroves should be supported.
“Climate change is here and the sea levels are rising. Anyone who looks will see. The mangroves protect the sea defence and us,” Monah said.
He observed, too, that enforcement is a quintessential part of the programme and said, while persons contend that they destroy the mangroves to sustain themselves and families, in the long term, the adverse effects will be felt by all.
Another man, Mr. Ravi Rajkumar, concurred that the restoration project is good and posited that the destruction of the mangroves is primarily because people do not know of the danger.
“People see mangroves as bushes. They don’t see the value and this is why consultations will help. Education is good,” he said.

MOSQUITOES

Rajkumar added that the mangroves also harbour mosquitoes, a major inconvenience for people living in the same area and that is why they cut the mangroves to address the problem.
“We have to find other ways to deal with the mosquitoes because the mangroves do not only protect our coastline but is a source of income,” he proffered.
Rajkumar is one of the beekeepers who believe that some of the best honey comes from flowers of the black mangroves.
Another beekeeper, Ms. Janis Hayman, reiterated the importance of protecting the mangroves.
“If the mangroves are doing a good thing we have to protect them. The mangroves protect us from the sea and it provides income,” she acknowledged.
Hayman claimed that, in the current economic situation, a secure source of income is something that is badly needed and protection of the mangrove forests will meet that need.
Ms. Rhonda Robertson said: “Protection of the mangroves ensures that we are in a good place, financially and otherwise. The mangroves are good for many things and the consultations will help people to see that.”
Mr. Niram Bissoondayal declared that the problem is people’s mindset.
“People, these days, think about the now. They don’t think about the future,” he stated.
Bissoondyal admitted that consulting people across the regions would increase awareness and compel them to think about the next 10 years.
“This is a good first step and, because regular people are involved, the project is at a good place and we can help do more,” he said.
Mr. Nazroodeen Kamaloodeen said: “The information we get from the consultations is that mangroves protect us but, from sight alone, you see what is happening. You also see that the mangroves are depleting.”

STRUCTURE

He feels the consultative process provides a structure to ensure that the mangroves are protected.
“We need to maintain the mangroves,” Kamaloodeen insisted.
Ministry of Public Works employee, Mr. Kenneth Hamer said: “Being a part of sea defence works, I know first-hand the importance of mangroves. There is much damage that can happen. One main thing is salt water infusion into farm lands and cause much loss.”
He said, apart from averting such losses, protecting the mangroves helps to reduce the large sums of money spent on sea defence works.
“The sensitisation, these consultations will help more people to see the reason for conservation and will impact the restoration programme in a big way,” Hamer asserted.
An Agriculture Ministry employee, Mr. Krishna Sewlall, said the threats to the environment need to be seen more seriously.
“We need to include all stakeholders. Only then this will work. The more aware they are, the better off we will be,” he said, emphasising the importance of collaboration.
Mr. Michael Simeon, maintaining that protection is a must, said: “This project is very valid and it will ensure that we sustain the mangrove forests.”
He pointed out that there are many who do not know or recognise the importance of mangroves and efforts to advance public awareness are commendable.
Ms. Shondell Bristol, who said she was in the dark as to the importance of the mangroves, offered: “These consultations are good because they take the message to the local level. Persons like myself now know.”
She said consultations also provide a platform for the sharing of experiences and ideas in the interest of protecting the mangrove forests.
The Friday exercise and others are aimed at engaging grassroots people in the examination of the National Mangrove Management Action Plan 2010, currently in draft form.
The three years period spawns 2010 to 2012 and the momentum built through successful implementation is expected to aid long term sustainability.
The objectives are to promote sustainable management of mangrove forests; develop effective protection of mangrove ecosystems and rehabilitation; increase public awareness and education on the benefits of the mangrove forests; establish and complete a legal framework for mangrove ecosystem management and encourage community-based mangrove management and establish the administrative capacity for the management of mangroves in Guyana.
There are seven types of mangroves but the more popular are the red, black and white. The importance of mangroves, apart from sea defence, extends to other areas, like serving to shield inland areas during storms; trap sediments and break down pollutants, being a source of food for fish, shrimp and crabs that live in rivers and shallow parts of the sea and ocean; provide homes and nurseries for animals and fishes and provides a safe haven for juvenile fish, shrimp and crab located on Guyana’s coastline.