–with new MoU to boost research, public awareness

THE University of Guyana (UG) and the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS), on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which paves the way for enhanced research and public education and awareness on environmental issues in Guyana.
The MoU, which aims to leverage joint resources and expertise to address key environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices, was signed at a simple but significant ceremony at UG’s Education Lecture Theatre (ELT), Turkeyen Campus, in the presence of officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Lab Guyana, European Union, Iwokrama, British High Commission, Greater Guyana Initiative and staff and students of the University of Guyana, among others.
According to a press release, the signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone towards enhancing local research efforts and environmental awareness in Guyana, particularly along the Barima-Mora Passage (BMP) coastline.
The initiative is being supported with funding from IDB Lab. Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin emphasised the pivotal role of UG in tackling environmental issues, highlighting the university’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and strategic actions in implementing policies to safeguard the environment.
The VC noted that the signing of the MoU is expected to broaden UG’s research capacity thereby enabling students, especially those from the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES) and the Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) to engage in meaningful research endeavours aimed at preserving the planet and safeguarding human existence.
Chairperson of the GMCS Board of Directors, Dr. Marie Correia, stressed the significance of the MoU in facilitating local research initiatives and promoting environmental awareness. She emphasised the alignment of this collaboration with the goals of World Environment Day, particularly in addressing land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience.
Speaking on behalf of the IDB in Guyana, Ms. Lorena Salazar highlighted the importance of preserving the Amazon rainforest and emphasised the need for comprehensive approaches to conservation.
Ms. Salazar noted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration involving governments, private sectors, and civil society organisations to protect the Amazon’s biodiversity and promote sustainable practices.
Along with the signing of the MoU, the GMCS hosted its Second Biannual Symposium which was held under the theme: “Foundations of Sustainability: The People and Resources of the Barima-Mora Passage”.
The symposium provided a platform for researchers to showcase their findings related to the Barima-Mora Passage. Topics ranged from floral species abundance and wildlife monitoring to community involvement in mangrove conservation and advances in mangrove monitoring technology.
The presentations shed light on the ecological importance of the BMP and underscored the need for concerted efforts to preserve its ecosystems.