GUYANA is in a constant battle to protect and maintain the structural integrity of its sea and river defence structures, and to develop sustainable shorezone management systems to contain the ravages of the ever

encroaching Atlantic Ocean.
“Over the years we have suffered frequent intrusion, overtopping and inundation due to aged, porous or weak sea defence structures; as such, Government has continued to make significant investment to protect against flooding of our residential and farming communities,” Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh stated during his 2013 Budget presentation last week.
In 2013, the sum of $1.9B has been budgeted to ensure the further strengthening of the sea and river defences. Critical works will be done in Regions 2 to 7, in areas such as Johanna Cecelia, Blenheim, La Retraite and Abary.
The mangrove restoration and replanting programme will entail the sowing of 115,000 seedlings in areas such as Devonshire Castle, Lima, La Belle Alliance, Richmond, Anna Regina, Kilmarnock and Bush Lot, as government continues the implementation of the five-year National Mangrove Management Action Plan.
In 2012, the sum of $2.4B was spent to reconstruct, rehabilitate and maintain critical sea and river defences throughout the 425-kilometre coastline. During the year, 189,273 black mangrove seedlings were planted at select locations which restored 9.4 kilometres of mangrove forest. Additionally, the first geotextile breakwater structure was completed and made functional.