THE establishment of the Institute for Marine and Riverine Ecologies and Economies (IMAREE) at the University of Guyana marks a significant milestone for the nation’s academic and environmental landscapes.
This innovative institute represents a crucial step in addressing both the urgent need for skilled professionals in Guyana’s burgeoning maritime and marine sectors and the imperative of environmental sustainability. As the world shifts towards more nuanced approaches to economic and ecological challenges, IMAREE stands as a beacon of forward-thinking educational strategy.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, eloquently articulated the institute’s purpose during its inauguration at the Berbice Campus. By offering a comprehensive suite of undergraduate and graduate programmes, IMAREE aims to bolster both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

The initiative aligns perfectly with Guyana’s national and international priorities for sustainable development, illustrating the university’s commitment to creating a balanced approach to economic advancement and environmental conservation.
Guyana’s natural wealth, underscored by its extensive river systems and coastal zones, is both a treasure and a challenge. The country’s rapid economic development, particularly in the oil and gas sectors, amplifies the need for skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of marine and riverine management.

Professor Mohamed-Martin’s ambitious goal of graduating 500 to 700 students in the next four years reflects an astute recognition of the sector’s labour gap. The need for between 2,000 and 6,000 workers highlights a critical shortfall that IMAREE is poised to address, bridging the gap between the burgeoning demands of the industry and the available skilled workforce.

The institute’s unique focus on integrating the study of rivers, oceans, and coastal work into a single academic framework is a pioneering approach. As the only institution globally to offer such a comprehensive blend, IMAREE’s curriculum will likely set new standards in the field. This holistic perspective not only fills a niche, but also ensures that graduates are well-versed in the multifaceted issues surrounding marine and riverine environments.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, aptly described the launch of IMAREE as “timely and necessary.”

His emphasis on the institute’s alignment with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) of 2030 and the creation of a ‘blue’ economy reinforces the strategic importance of this educational venture.
The integration of port management, risk assessment, and health and safety into the curriculum ensures that students will be equipped to handle the dynamic challenges of the emerging sectors, particularly in a rapidly evolving economy like Guyana’s.
Moreover, IMAREE’s establishment at the Berbice Campus represents a strategic effort to revitalise and leverage the university’s resources, addressing previous enrolment challenges. The decision to focus on marine and riverine studies reflects a keen awareness of the need to adapt academic offerings to the country’s evolving economic landscape.

It exemplifies how academic institutions can play a pivotal role in bridging educational gaps and supporting national development goals. As Guyana navigates its path towards becoming a global player in the marine and maritime industries, IMAREE’s contributions will undoubtedly be instrumental in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future.