AS evidence of Guyana’s continuous leadership in forest management and climate change, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Friday launched the first of its kind Mangrove Centre (Knowledge Centre) in the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) compound at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

Recognising that mangroves are an asset to Guyana and the rest of the world, Prime Minister Phillips explained that they are essential for reducing the effects of climate change because of their distinct ecology and outstanding ecological significance. According to him, they absorb and store enormous volumes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which acts as a natural carbon sink.
Citing global estimates, the PM said that the two hundred million tonnes of carbon will be mitigated if mangrove loss is prevented by even 1%, which, according to him, means preserving and safeguarding the mangroves in Guyana.

“We actively contribute to global efforts, striving to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Recognising the importance and valuable contribution of these unique ecosystems to coastal protection and climate change mitigation, the Government of Guyana has committed to their protection, sustainable management, and restoration, and this has been articulated in the transformative LCDS 2030 and the new National Mangrove Action Plan,” he added.

The Prime Minister emphasised that the combination of our natural mangroves and artificial sea defences lessen the vulnerability of Guyana’s low-lying coastline, which he said is home to over 90% of our population and our productive agricultural fields.

He stated, “This green-grey infrastructure approach to securing our coastline by combining hard ‘engineered’ sea defences with the restoration, conservation, and management of mangroves is a strategy that provides climate resilience for vulnerable coastal communities.”

Prime Minister Phillips also stated that the Government of Guyana is dedicated to the sustainable management and preservation of the environment as the country navigates revolutionary economic growth and development. With the government’s ongoing acknowledgement of the vital role that the nation’s forests play, the PM added that Guyana has gained notoriety as the first nation to receive a payment of this kind for the historical sale of carbon credits through ART TREES to HESS Corporation.

“Globally, mangroves are estimated to be worth at least US$1.6 billion annually in ecosystem services. These blue-carbon ecosystems are therefore an important resource to be protected and restored. As Guyana continues to make significant strides in the protection of mangroves, restoration efforts will intensify, and work to explore the blue carbon potential in Guyana through the LCDS 2030 will focus on Guyana’s mangroves in the initial stages. This mangrove centre will serve as a critical hub for researchers to pool their knowledge and advance knowledge in this area,” the PM explained.

Additionally, Prime Minister Phillips said that in order to ensure that all Guyanese can continue to enjoy this valuable recreational space, the Government of Guyana, through the soon-to-be instituted multi-agency Mangrove Management Action Network, will develop interventions that seek to integrate mangroves into the landscape as the natural regeneration of mangroves linked to the movement of mudbanks along the Georgetown coastline continues to transform the seawall.

“The conservation and sustainable management of mangroves in Guyana is not just a local issue; it is a global imperative. By protecting our mangroves, we contribute to international commitments, striving for a sustainable and resilient future. As we open the Mangrove Centre, which will serve as a hub for the dissemination of information on the fundamental importance of mangroves, I urge all Guyanese to let us champion the preservation of these invaluable ecosystems, ensuring a legacy of prosperity and environmental harmony for generations to come,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, explained that the opening of the centre is not just to mark the inauguration of a building. According to him, it is an embodiment of the Government of Guyana’s commitment to the preservation of the invaluable mangrove ecosystem.

“Today, we are seeing that more mangroves are being planted across the coastland, and we have seen almost two hundred percent increase in budgetary allocations over the last three years for this important sector.”

He further stated that the centre is evidence of the government’s dedication to protecting the nation’s natural resources, preserving the mangrove ecosystem, and ensuring a secure future for Guyana and its citizens. He also explained that the government’s recognition of the mangroves’ enduring worldwide significance and our commitment to their preservation are embodied in the Mangrove Information Centre.

“The mangrove information centre symbolises the government’s acknowledgement of the mangrove’s persistent global importance and our dedication to its conservation. The centre is a testament to the government’s commitment to safeguarding the mangroves, preserving the country’s heritage, and securing the future of Guyana and its people,” Mustapha explained.
With the increase in climate change in the Southern Hemisphere, the Minister of Agriculture further emphasised the importance of mangrove trees and the significant roles they play in protecting the people of Guyana. According to him, “Today, when climate change is real, we in this part of the world are seeing it constantly affecting us…mangroves play a very important role in safeguarding us.”

Reflecting on one of the most devastating floods in Guyana’s history in 2021, Minister Mustapha stressed that mangroves play an indispensable role. According to him, “they are the nurseries of our fisheries, the buffer in coastal erosion and serve as our first line of defence against sea levels rise and flooding, resulting from climate change.”

Finally, Minister Mustapha thanked ExxonMobil Guyana, NAREI, Iwokarama, and the Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) for their unwavering support in making the centre a success.