I CAME across an article in the KN on 23rd January, 2012 which dealt with technical assistance being provided to the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project through the European Union and Government of Guyana. What is amazing is that some time ago, it was released to the public that there are just approximately 23,000 Ha of mangroves along the coast of Guyana, while the article in  the Kaieteur News puts this figure at over 80,000 Ha. This can be corrected since the latest mapping and inventory which were carried out, could be obtained from the project’s website, which I think is very user friendly and well updated.
One of the main reasons for me to pen this letter is that this is a very huge contract between the Government of Guyana and the European Union, and it involves over one hundred million Guyana dollars. I am very concerned about the management of such a large amount of funds which I believe should be closely monitored.  I have been closely following the progress made by this project, since I am very environmentally oriented and have a deep interest in the protection of our sea coast.
The current Mangrove Action Committee, which is an oversight body that provides guidance and offers ideas to the project management unit, needs to step up its role. For example, there are reports to the effect that thousands of seedlings were planted at Victoria and they were all washed away.
This is a very critical project and calls for keen management by the oversight body
I wish to urge the Government of Guyana to ensure that people who are technically and theoretically equipped be included on the Mangrove Action Committee so that they can offer accurate and correct advice to the project unit for the proper execution of the project.