IN an effort to empower young minds and raise awareness about the importance of mangroves, Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Guyana, in collaboration with the National Library of Guyana, has launched a Mangrove Library Corner at the National Library.

This initiative is part of a broader educational campaign to highlight the critical role of mangroves in coastal protection, biodiversity, and community livelihoods.

The Mangrove Library Corner features a special collection of brochures, children’s books, and educational materials developed by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and other local organisations. These resources aim to engage young readers and help them understand the significance of mangrove ecosystems in safeguarding Guyana’s coastline.
The launch was made possible through collaboration with NAREI, the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, and support from the ExxonMobil Foundation under the Guyana Conservation Initiative (GCI).

The initiative has also reached out to educational institutions, with similar Mangrove Library Corners being introduced at the Tutorial High School and Marian Academy in Georgetown.
Mangroves play an essential role in Guyana’s sea defence by damping wave action, trapping sediments, and stabilising shoreline substrates. They are also vital for carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change impacts. However, these ecosystems face threats from both natural factors, such as coastal erosion and mud bank movements, and man-made activities, including urban development, agriculture, and overharvesting for raw materials.

Guyana’s mangrove restoration and management efforts were initially executed through the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project from 2010 to 2013. Recognising the importance of mangroves for coastal defence, the government integrated these efforts into NAREI in 2014. Since then, a comprehensive approach to conservation and management has been maintained.
In response to rising sea levels and increased risks to the low-lying coastline, the Government of Guyana has shown a strong commitment to mangrove conservation. In 2023, over $500 million was invested in restoring and developing mangrove ecosystems. Additionally, since 2010, more than $1.9 billion has been allocated to strengthen coastal resilience through mangrove restoration, with over 500 hectares restored across 35 locations in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six.

In 2024 alone, $275 million was dedicated to rehabilitation initiatives in Regions Two and Five, reflecting the government’s continued focus on environmental sustainability.

Through educational initiatives like the Mangrove Library Corner, EMC Guyana and its partners hope to inspire the next generation to appreciate and protect Guyana’s vital mangrove ecosystems. As these young minds explore the rich biodiversity and environmental benefits of mangroves, they are encouraged to become future stewards of coastal conservation and sustainability