LAST week we examined how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is being repositioned as an effective and influential regulator to meet the needs of Guyana’s emerging green economy.The article also highlighted efforts being made to improve the Agency’s operations at all levels to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

This week we will continue to examine the transformative process which commenced in 2017, in greater details under three (3) broad categories to increase your awareness of the Agency’s work.

IMPROVING ORGANISATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE CAPABILITIES
– Commenced Laboratory Development – EPA has also commenced the development of the Agency’s first independent environmental analytical laboratory.

– Dedicated training arm/programme – The Agency is more strategic in its continuous capacity building efforts. This is to ensure it is equipped with a cadre of trained professionals to effectively deliver on its mandate.

– Improved HR and Financial management procedures – Significant strides were made to improve HR and financial management procedures through the development of a number of policies.

– Field Ready and Functioning Fleet – A priority for the Agency is ensuring adequate field-ready vehicles and equipment to execute work.

IMPROVED CONFIDENCE IN THE EPA AS THE PRIMARY ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATOR
The Agency sought to improve the experience of people who interact with EPA by focusing on outcomes and timeliness. Efforts being made to address these include:
– Fast-tracking of the Environmental Authorisation Process for low-risk projects: (e.g. Gas stations, lumber yards etc.)

– Referral of complaints to other relevant authorities: (RDCs, NDCs etc.)
– Improving communications with the media, government agencies, NGOs, educational institutions, developers and the general public through consistent social media and other engagements; as well as the establishment of a new website.

– Exploring improved opportunities to engage communities and make environmental laws and policies more accessible to educate them on EPA’s role and promote awareness of the duty of care to the environment.

– Improving the Information Management System for Authorisation and complaints through the acquisition of a new software.

– Increase the use of GIS to aid science-based decision making – Acquired Drone technology, tablet and internet system for improved field monitoring and informed decision -making.

EFFECTIVE PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT
– Re-aligned and Improved Effectiveness of Regulatory Functions through;
– Update and publication of the State of the Environment Report.
– Robust Authorisation Process re-aligned to Environmental Protection Act.
– Adopted a Risk-Based approach to compliance and enforcement focusing our efforts on risks and where we were most likely to provide the biggest benefit to Guyanese and the environment. To this end, 64 risk assessments spanning nine (9) sectors were completed in 2017. Risk-based approach includes:

– Risk-Based Screening for Authorisations and Complaints;
– Environmental and Human Health Risk Assessments; and
– Key strategic objectives based on State of Environment, such as;
– Ensuring clean air.
– Reduced impacts of mining and other development activities on our waters.
– Improved waste management and promotion of resource efficiency and recovery in industry.
– Protection and Conservation of our Biological Resources – ecosystem-based approach to managing coastal and marine resources.
– Heighten education and awareness.

Join us next week as we continue to engage you in environmental matters and remember;
“The environment is everybody’s business”

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.