– linkages of mangroves must be recognised, says Minister Robert Persaud
PARTNERSHIPS, particularly community engagement, has been underscored as a pillar for the sustainability of the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project (GRMP) – a message reiterated at the Mangrove Action Committee’s (MAC) first orientation workshop for Village Mangrove Committees (VMCs).
And Agriculture Minister Robert, delivering remarks at the workshop last Friday at the Guyana School of Agriculture, stressed that Guyanese, through the VMCs, should recognise the linkages of mangrove protection, restoration and management.
He said mangroves are a low cost option to sea defence and by protecting them we protect thousands of Guyanese who are coming under increasing threat because of the impacts of climate change.
Guyana is approximately 0.5 to 1.0 metres below mean sea level, and is currently faced with the challenge of draining its coastal waters.
Persaud referred to the recent spring tide levels which affected many, and noted that Guyana cannot run away from this reality, and must respond to the emerging challenges because of climate change.
An important point to note is that mangrove forests have the potential to sequester 1.7 tonnes of carbon per hectare annually and therefore increases its importance in the climate change fight.
Apart from sea defences in the climate change fight, their importance extends to other areas. Mangroves serve to shield inland areas during storms; trap sediments and break down pollutants; serve as a source of food for fish, shrimp and crabs that live in rivers and shallow areas of the sea/ ocean; provide homes and nurseries for many animals, primarily fishes; and provide a safe haven for juvenile fish, shrimp and crab located on Guyana’s coastline.

Intensified Efforts

The minister acknowledged that in the past the mangroves were used to support the income of some families, but maintained that there are alternatives uses that can be pursued without damaging the mangrove forests or compromising their major role as a form of sea defence.
On this note, he said efforts to protect, restore and manage mangroves need to be intensified.
Persaud pointed out that the GMRP is essentially a three-year project, after which the VMCs will be expected to support the sustainability of the work that was started.
“The sustainability depends on you,” he charged.
The VMCs involved in the orientation session were from Mon Repos, Victoria, Number Six Village, Number Eight Village and Greenfield.
The representatives were briefed on the different aspects of the GMRP and the roles and responsibilities of the VMCs.
Included as roles and responsibilities were support for project activities, participation in MAC activities, development of community activities, and maintaining information to ensure a smooth flow between the MAC and the wider public, among others.
The general consensus among the stakeholders reflected a sense of enthusiasm at being involved in the national effort to protect, restore and manage the country’s mangroves forests.
In Guyana there are seven types of mangroves, but the more popular ones are the Red, Black and White mangroves.
Unfortunately, an estimated 35 per cent of the world’s original mangrove cover has already gone, with some countries having lost up to 80 per cent.

Move Forward

MAC Chairperson, Mrs. Annette Arjoon-Martins, who also made a few remarks at the orientation, noted that the project will continue its advance with the support of all stakeholders.
However, the project has had something of a setback, with the resignation of the only recently appointed GRMP Coordinator, Dr. Simpson Da Silva.
Under the GMRP, a National Mangrove Management Action Plan was developed and presents a concise overview of the key issues related to the sustainable management of the national mangrove forest. The associated guidelines have been identified as national imperatives for the protection and sustainable management of mangroves.