IN a bid to raise awareness and advocate for mangrove conservation, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), hosted an exhibition and signboard unveiling ceremony at the Kingston Seawall Esplanade on Friday. This event marked the celebration of International Mangrove Day 2024 under the theme, “Mangroves Matter: Safeguarding Our Coastal Guardians for Tomorrow.”
Chief Executive Officer of NAREI, Jagnarine Singh, spoke on behalf of Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha.

He emphasised the crucial role of mangroves in carbon sequestration, shoreline stabilisation, sediment absorption, and wave action mitigation—essential components of Guyana’s marine defence.
Delivering the Minister’s speech, Mr. Singh highlighted Guyana’s commitment to the global celebration of International Mangroves Day 2024.
He lauded the country’s progress in mangrove restoration, conservation, and management. “Mangroves are our coastal guardians, vital to Guyana’s environmental and economic health,” he read. “They act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and surges, protecting our communities and infrastructure. With over 23,000 hectares of mangroves, they support fisheries, livelihoods, food security, and provide habitats for diverse wildlife.”
Mr. Singh also underscored the importance of mangroves in sequestering carbon, enhancing efforts against climate change as outlined in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. He stressed that the resilience of coastal communities and the preservation of ecological balance hinge on the restoration and conservation of these coastal guardians.
Reflecting on Guyana’s investments and achievements, the CEO noted that since 2010, the government has committed over 1.9 billion Guyana dollars to strengthen coastal district resilience through mangrove restoration.

He announced that more than 500 hectares of mangroves have been restored across 35 locations in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six. This year alone, an additional 275 million dollars have been allocated for rehabilitation initiatives in Regions Two and Five.
“Our achievements are the result of strategic planning and collaboration,” Mr. Singh said. “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.”
Mr. Singh emphasised the importance of supporting community livelihoods through mangrove conservation. He pointed out that mangrove ecosystems sustain the lifestyles of many coastal communities by providing vital services. Investing in livelihoods based on mangroves enhances economic resilience while promoting environmental sustainability. The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to working with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) to promote ecotourism, leveraging the rich biodiversity of mangrove forests to attract tourists.
Additionally, Mr. Singh highlighted the potential of beekeeping as part of mangrove restoration initiatives. “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.”
Mr. Singh also noted that mangrove restoration initiatives significantly impact several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). “Our efforts enhance the resilience of coastal zones, biodiversity, livelihood support, and the fight against climate change,” he concluded.