In taking on a new holistic approach in dealing with environmental management, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) donated US$50,000 worth of equipment to enhance biodiversity protection through strengthened monitoring enforcement and uptake of environmental regulations in Guyana’s gold mining sector.

The supplies were handed over to the Ministry of Natural Resources on Wednesday. Some of the items included 30 torpidity test kits, soil sieve sets, measuring cylinders, ion meters and chemical flocculants among others.

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman said the project is a joint one between the government of Guyana and the UNDP.

“As we pursue the goal of developing the resources of Guyana, extracting and exploiting them, we will do so in a respectful and sustainable manner, respecting the environment and ensuring that after what we have finished what we are doing, we will to the best of our abilities restore the environment so that future generations may benefit from it,” Minister Trotman said.

In handing over the crucial equipment, UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Khadija Musa said the items are to assist trainers in ensuring environmental protection and biodiversity being made a priority in Guyana.