A WARM and happy new year to you, dear readers. We hope that you had a very merry holiday season, while keeping the environment in mind. We hope you continue to be eco-conscious in the new year, or make it one of your top resolutions for 2022.

The United Nations designates specific days, weeks, years and decades as occasions to mark particular events or topics to promote, through awareness and action, the objectives of the organisation. Usually, one or more member states propose these observances, and the General Assembly establishes them with a resolution. On occasion, these celebrations are declared by the specialised agencies of the United Nations, such as the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) etc., when they concern issues that fall within the scope of their competencies. Some of them may be later adopted by the General Assembly.

A focus on science
The International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development has invited all member states, organisations of the United Nations system and other global, regional and sub-regional organisations, as well as other relevant stakeholders, including academia, civil society, inter alia, international and national non-governmental organisations, individuals and the private sector, to observe and raise awareness of the importance of basic sciences for sustainable development, in accordance with national priorities.

UNESCO is expected to be the lead agency and focal point for the year and to organise activities to be realised during the year, in collaboration with other relevant entities of the United Nations system and international governmental and non-governmental scientific organisations.

FUN FACT: 2022 IS ALSO THE YEAR OF SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT, AND THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ARTISANAL FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE.

While the UN system shines a light on issues that require global attention and action, the EPA in Guyana will continue to fulfil its mandate of sound environmental management for the good of all Guyanese. In the new year, the EPA intends to emphasise:

* Complaints Management – ensuring that all complaints received are investigated and strengthening the capability of the agency to manage pollution;
* Enhanced monitoring capabilities – using Geographic Information Systems and acquiring modern equipment to measure environmental change;
* Collaboration with sister agencies – in recognising that the agency needs support from all stakeholders, the EPA will continue to engage both state and non-governmental agencies in pursuit of its mandate; and
* Capacity building – the EPA intends to continue to invest in its human resources as the most important asset.
We call on all Guyanese to be good stewards of the environment in 2022 and beyond.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.