What is it, why is it important, and what comes next?

AS the world observed another Earth Hour on Saturday, March 22, the significance of this annual event lingers in the hearts of those who took part. In over 190 countries, people switched off their lights for 60 minutes—not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a commitment to protecting the planet. In Guyana, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) spearheaded Earth Hour celebrations, bringing environmental awareness to the forefront through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

Speaking to Pepperpot Magazine, Kemptorne Daly, Communications Officer at WWF Guyana, shared insights into Earth Hour and the role the organisation plays in observing the occasion.
“WWF is a nature conservation organisation that works in over 90 countries, and we organise a nature conservation event called Earth Hour,” he explained. “Earth Hour focuses on two main pillars: the biodiversity crisis and climate change, along with issues related to climate change worldwide.”

This year, the global theme centred on freshwater preservation, a crucial topic for Guyana—a country blessed with abundant water resources yet facing growing environmental threats. Guyana hosted its 11th Earth Hour celebration this last Saturday, marking an important milestone in the country’s increasing commitment to environmental sustainability.

From midday to late evening, the event was packed with activities aimed at educating and inspiring the public. One of Earth Hour’s most recognisable traditions is the Lights Out moment. Around the world, individuals, businesses, and landmarks go dark for an hour as a statement of solidarity for the planet.

“Lights Out is the iconic moment that WWF created in the world. We encourage people to be active—switch off their lights or do something for nature,” Daly said. Earth Hour isn’t just about turning off a light switch; it’s about making a conscious effort to engage with nature beyond the celebration.

Beyond Earth Hour: Sustaining Environmental Action
Although Guyana is known for its vast, intact forests and rich biodiversity, the country is not immune to environmental challenges.
“WWF recently published a report, and we see that biodiversity loss has increased. There’s massive loss of biodiversity in our space,” Daly stated.

While Guyana has a strong reputation for conservation efforts, Daly stressed that threats are growing. He believes that greater awareness and education are key to ensuring the country’s forests continue to provide a safe haven for biodiversity.

“However, we believe that these threats can grow, and there’s a lot of awareness and education needed so that forests can better protect our biodiversity,” he shared.
Earth Hour is just one night, but its message is meant to inspire year-round action. A key part of WWF’s efforts is engaging young people in environmental advocacy.

“One of the things we would like people to do—specifically youths—is to get involved because Earth Hour really focuses on youth involvement, engagement, and interaction,” Daly explained. Improper waste disposal remains a major issue in urban areas, and he encourages communities to take responsibility for their surroundings. “In urban spaces, we encourage people to dispose of their waste properly. Around Guyana, you can see many spots where garbage is being dumped regularly,” he said.

He also highlighted the need to educate people about the country’s freshwater sources, reminding them not to take this vital resource for granted. “We often take for granted that Guyana has a high volume of freshwater, but we don’t always see where that water comes from. It’s important that we understand and educate people on this,” Daly shared.

What started as a small environmental initiative has now blossomed into a national event. “This is the 11th edition of Earth Hour in Guyana. It’s the 19th edition globally,” Daly noted.
Each year, participation grows, with increased involvement from private sector sponsors such as ANSA McAL, Sterling Products Ltd., S&F Industry, and Sustainable Environmental Solutions. Youth groups are also playing a larger role, reflecting a shift in public awareness. “Youth organisations are heavily involved, and people are more concerned about the environment. There’s a more positive mindset about how we treat and celebrate the environment,” Daly explained.

Beyond Earth Hour
Beyond Earth Hour, WWF continues to spearhead long-term sustainability efforts. Their projects span marine conservation, sustainable forestry, and even responsible mining practices. “WWF has a number of programmes. Our work currently focuses a lot on the marine space and the fisheries industry,” Daly noted.

One notable initiative is BioDev 2030, which integrates biodiversity conservation into the fisheries sector. Another major project, Sustainable Forest Livelihoods, is backed by the European Union and AFD, supporting communities that depend on forest resources. However, Guyana is making impressive conservation and diversification efforts of its own. One of the most recent and significant additions to Guyana’s urban landscape has been green spaces. From new parks to other government-led initiatives, Guyana is working towards reclaiming its title as the Garden City. Daly sees these green spaces as vital to improving quality of life.

“Green spaces improve our relationship with nature. If you develop these areas, it’s an example of how we can use nature to improve our lives,” he added. He further noted, “They’re redoing the zoo, which is good because it gives people a chance to interact with nature. The nature park that’s being built will transform our lives. Hopefully, we’re waiting to see it.”

As the lights turn back on after Earth Hour, the real challenge begins: ensuring that the momentum from this event leads to lasting change. Whether through personal habits, community action, or policy support, Guyanese citizens are reminded that every effort—big or small—contributes to a healthier, more sustainable future.