See below a message from the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha on the occasion of International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems:
Today, Guyana joins the global community in celebrating International Mangrove Day 2024, under the theme “Mangroves Matter: Safeguarding Our Coastal Guardians for Tomorrow.” This significant occasion is marked by notable progress made as a country in the restoration, conservation, and management of our valuable coastal defenders.

Mangroves: Our Coastal Guardians
Mangroves are vital to Guyana’s environmental and economic health. These unique ecosystems serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion and storm surges, protecting our communities and infrastructure. Our over 23,000 hectares of mangroves act as nurseries for fisheries, supporting livelihoods and food security, and provide habitats for diverse wildlife, contributing to our rich biodiversity.

As articulated in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, mangroves play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, enhancing our efforts to combat climate change. The restoration and conservation of these coastal guardians are essential for maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring the resilience of our coastal communities.

Government Investments and Achievements
Since the inception of our mangrove restoration program in 2010, the Government of Guyana has invested over 1.9 billion Guyana dollars in enhancing the resilience of our coastal regions. These efforts have led to the restoration of over 500 hectares of mangroves across more than 35 sites in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six. This year alone, an additional 275 million dollars has been allocated for restoration projects in Regions Two and Five.

Our achievements are the result of strategic planning and collaboration. We have established an inter-agency committee dedicated to promoting sustainable mangrove management and developed a 10-year National Mangrove Action Plan. In 2023, we launched an integrated online Mangrove Information System (www.mangroves.gov.gy), providing data on the status of Guyana’s mangroves and our restoration projects. The Mangrove Centre, also established in 2023, serves as a hub for education and research, fostering innovation in mangrove conservation and is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Government and private sector to safeguard our coast.

Contributing to community livelihoods
Mangrove ecosystems in Guyana provide essential services that support the livelihoods of many coastal communities. Investments in mangrove-based livelihoods not only promote environmental sustainability but also enhance economic resilience. The Ministry of Agriculture will collaborate with the Guyana Tourism Authority to foster opportunities for eco-tourism, where the rich biodiversity of mangrove forests can attract both local and international visitors.

Beekeeping, as part of the mangrove conservation efforts in Guyana, holds significant promise for local communities. The Ministry of Agriculture will be providing support to build the capacity of local communities to meet the local demand for honey and honey products. Currently, local apiculturists produce approximately 4,000 gallons of honey annually, while the demand is estimated at 15,000 gallons. This gap presents an opportunity for expanding local production. By establishing more hives in mangrove areas, communities can leverage this ecological niche to boost honey production, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic resilience.

Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals
Guyana’s mangrove restoration efforts significantly contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By restoring over 500 hectares of mangroves, we support SDG 14, which focuses on the sustainable management of oceans and coasts. Our initiatives also align with SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land). Mangrove conservation efforts help to combat climate change, support livelihoods, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the resilience of our coastal zones.

Conclusion
As we celebrate International Mangrove Day, we are reminded of the critical importance of preserving and protecting our mangrove ecosystems for future generations. The Government of Guyana remains committed to investing in mangrove restoration and promoting sustainable practices that ensure the health and resilience of our coastal communities.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our partners for their unwavering dedication to this cause. Together, we can ensure that Guyana’s mangroves continue to thrive, safeguarding our coastline and fostering a sustainable future for all.

Happy International Mangrove Day!
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For further information on Guyana’s mangrove restoration efforts, please visit the Ministry of Agriculture’s website or visit the NAREI Mangrove Centre at Mon Repos.