Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment
On occasion of World Environment Day 2012
World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. This year, World Environment Day 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the event which was first established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.
It is celebrated in 2012 under the theme of “Green Economy: Does it include you?” As Guyana, and the world at large faces increasing pressure on our environment and natural resources, the discussion on green economy and individual participation has never been more important.
The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) defines a Green Economy as ‘one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.’ A green economy is one whose growth in income and employment is driven by public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy and resource efficiency, and prevent the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. These investments need to be catalysed and supported by targeted public expenditure, policy reforms and regulation changes.
Guyana has advanced ahead of most countries of the world, through the elaboration of its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), outlining a thorough concept for Guyana’s path to a green economy. Natural resources are important supporting the achievement of a green economy through the provision of green jobs and sustainable development. The establishment of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment was also established to coordinate activities within the natural resources and environment sector, thereby contributing to the achievement of a green economy.
However, despite all efforts being made by Governments, the second part of the theme, “Does the green economy include you?” recognizes the crucial importance of involvement of everyone in the achievement of a green economy. This question causes each and everyone one of us to reflect on our own roles in building an economy that is sustainable, and that will provide lasting benefits for our children, and our children’s children.

We can contribute by:
1. Using sustainable sources of energy such as solar power;
2. Reducing, re-using and recycling waste;
3. Planting trees in our neighnourhoods;
4. Maintaining kitchen gardens;
5. Minimising environmental pollution;
6. Being a watchdog for the environment; etc.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment will on this year’s observance launch its “Pick it Up Guyana” Campaign which would allow for the public to take up its role in keeping Guyana clean.
Every Guyanese, with a desire to see our country develop sustainably, with benefits enjoyed by all, would answer “Yes, the green economy does include me, it has to!”