Shyam Nokta, founder and director of the Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Foundation, credits his success in the fields of climate change and environmental management to his modest upbringing and the values instilled by his parents.
In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Nokta reflected on his journey from playing in the mud of Ogle village to becoming a prominent figure in environmental conservation.
Growing up in Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara, Nokta spent his childhood immersed in nature.
“In my days of growing up in Ogle, there were no cell phones or any sort of technology around us at that time, so like the other young people in my village, I spent a lot of time in the outdoors, playing in the mud, among the trees, and in the trenches. Those were the types of fun that I looked forward to after returning home from school,” he reminisced.

A former student of The Bishops’ High School, Nokta went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Guyana, followed by a Master of Science in Environmental Assessment and Management. His academic excellence was recognised with several honours, including a Fulbright Scholarship for his doctoral studies.
Nokta’s extensive experience spans environmental assessment and management, conservation, tourism development and climate change. He has been instrumental in significant projects in Guyana, including his tenure as an adviser to the President and Head of the Office of Climate Change. Nokta played a key role in the creation and execution of Guyana’s climate change response, the REDD+ Partnership with Norway, and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
Reflecting on his work with Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana’s current Vice President, Nokta said, “Being a part of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and working beside Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has been a tremendous pleasure for me. Hearing of his vision and now seeing that it has become a reality for the indigenous people of this country is special.”

Nokta has also served as President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and is currently the Chief Representative for the Caribbean at the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) of Delhi.
Impacting Youth and the Environment
Nokta attributes his passion for the environment to the guidance of his parents, particularly his father, Harripersaud Nokta, a former minister of local government and regional development. “I must thank my parents for instilling in me the value of having an education and also the importance of it. Being a parent myself, I understand the important role that we play in our children’s lives,” Nokta said.

“Even though I may not voice this as often, having my parents’ support meant everything to me, especially during my years of studying and trying to accomplish, and it still does,” Shyam said.
Emphasising the importance of a balanced upbringing, Nokta encouraged parents, community leaders, and educators to help young people engage with the environment beyond technology.
“Technology is an important tool in today’s world, but our youngsters should be able to learn and survive without it too,” he advised.
Speaking to the young people and educators, Shyam said, “Most of the people from my generation and older will understand our way of upbringing. I would say that my generation was fortunate to get first-hand experience of life through our childhood activities; however, we can impart that knowledge to our children by making learning fun for them.

“Whether it is by the teachers in the schools, through their parents’ support, or even from community leaders within the respective villages, we can all play a role in engaging with our young people and the environment.”
Celebrating World Environment Day
In honour of World Environment Day on June 5, 2024, the EMC Foundation launched a landmark coffee table book, “The Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves,” at the historic Umana Yana in Georgetown.
Nokta explained that the book was released to celebrate and promote the sustainable management of Guyana’s natural and cultural assets, aligning with the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
Nokta expressed gratitude to President Dr. Irfaan Mohamed Ali for his continuous support.

“Let me first and foremost thank our President for his continuous support in ensuring that our environment is a part of the country’s development. I have seen his drive to showcase Guyana since he was the Minister of Tourism, and that passion has only intensified since becoming the President of Guyana. His unwavering support for the private sector and myself is truly appreciated.”

“Our aim, through EMC, has always been to highlight Guyana and the many wonders of our country. I have seen his drive to showcase Guyana since he was the Minister of Tourism, and that passion has only intensified since becoming the President of Guyana,” he said.
Earlier this year, the EMC Foundation also released “Arya Takes a Swim,” Guyana’s first children’s book on turtle telemetry tagging, celebrating the First Lady of Guyana, Mrs. Arya Ali, for her commitment to environmental protection.
Nokta concluded by thanking his wife, Malisa Nokta, for her unwavering support, and expressed pride in his son’s pursuit of an environmental career. “I am proud of my son’s desire to improve both the environment and other people’s lives,” he said.
With his roots firmly grounded in the values of his upbringing, Shyam Nokta continues to make significant strides in environmental conservation, impacting lives and shaping the future of Guyana’s natural heritage.