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JUNE 5, 1996 marks a historic day for environmental management in Guyana, for it was on this day that the Environmental Protection Act was made law. The Act not only established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) but is the legal framework to implement environmental policies and action plans. It is also a regulatory instrument to implement environmental management policies and practices in all industries, productive and social sectors and involving all levels of the Guyanese population. The Environmental Protection Agency
The EPA was set up to provide for the management, conservation, protection and improvement of the environment. It is also required to prevent or control pollution, assess the impact of economic development on the environment and promote sustainable use of natural resources.
The Act also makes it necessary for the EPA to be responsible for developing information on the environment and making it available to the Guyanese Public. The Agency has a further duty to promote public awareness and environmental education on environmental issues, and so involve the entire population in protecting our environment.
How does the EPA carry out its work?
The EPA has technical divisions that are tasked with carrying out the day to day work of the Agency.
• Natural Resources Management Division
This Division manages the use of, and impact on biological resources. Regulations and a system for permitting access to our biodiversity for the purposes of research and filming are examples of tools used to manage natural resources use. The Division also coordinates the development of Strategies and Action Plans which also guide its work. Regulations have been drafted for Wildlife Conservation and Management and Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing and when passed they will guide the use of our plants and animals for research, trade and livelihoods. Additionally, as the National Focal Point for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the EPA has successfully coordinated the establishment of two new Protected Areas at Kanuku Mountains and Shell Beach – a big step in advancing towards a National Protected Areas System.
• Environmental Management Permitting Division
The Environmental Protection Act (1996) gives the EPA the authority and responsibility to assess environmental impacts of development activities. An Environmental Authorisation Process enables the Agency to screen projects to assess potential impacts on the environment. Environmental Permits are granted to projects that will not have an adverse impact on the natural environment. The type and significance of impacts determines whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is necessary for a project. The EIA or EMP must be carried out before the Permit is issued.
• Environmental Management Compliance and Enforcement Division
The EPA is also responsible for investigating and monitoring pollution, especially as it relates to developmental activities. Additionally, the Agency is responsible for developing regulations, e.g., the Noise and Hazardous Waste Regulations, and standards and guidelines, e.g., air quality and water quality.
• Education, Information, and Training Division
This Division is responsible for promoting public awareness and participation in the protection, conservation and sustainable use of the environment using various means. Through television and newspapers, information is disseminated to the public about various environmental topics. This department also conducts outreach to schools and various target groups to raise awareness on the environment. Capacity building in environmental management also takes place through various training programmes, e.g., teachers’ training, environmental club supervisors’ training.
Kids’ Activity
Find the following words related to the work of the EPA in the word search below.
regulations, standards, resources, biodiversity, conservation, protected area, media, development, environment, education, guidelines, awareness, training.
The EPA was set up to provide for the management, conservation, protection and improvement of the environment. It is also required to prevent or control pollution, assess the impact of economic development on the environment and promote sustainable use of natural resources.
The Act also makes it necessary for the EPA to be responsible for developing information on the environment and making it available to the Guyanese Public. The Agency has a further duty to promote public awareness and environmental education on environmental issues, and so involve the entire population in protecting our environment.
How does the EPA carry out its work?
The EPA has technical divisions that are tasked with carrying out the day to day work of the Agency.
• Natural Resources Management Division
This Division manages the use of, and impact on biological resources. Regulations and a system for permitting access to our biodiversity for the purposes of research and filming are examples of tools used to manage natural resources use. The Division also coordinates the development of Strategies and Action Plans which also guide its work. Regulations have been drafted for Wildlife Conservation and Management and Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing and when passed they will guide the use of our plants and animals for research, trade and livelihoods. Additionally, as the National Focal Point for the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the EPA has successfully coordinated the establishment of two new Protected Areas at Kanuku Mountains and Shell Beach – a big step in advancing towards a National Protected Areas System.
• Environmental Management Permitting Division
The Environmental Protection Act (1996) gives the EPA the authority and responsibility to assess environmental impacts of development activities. An Environmental Authorisation Process enables the Agency to screen projects to assess potential impacts on the environment. Environmental Permits are granted to projects that will not have an adverse impact on the natural environment. The type and significance of impacts determines whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is necessary for a project. The EIA or EMP must be carried out before the Permit is issued.
• Environmental Management Compliance and Enforcement Division
The EPA is also responsible for investigating and monitoring pollution, especially as it relates to developmental activities. Additionally, the Agency is responsible for developing regulations, e.g., the Noise and Hazardous Waste Regulations, and standards and guidelines, e.g., air quality and water quality.
• Education, Information, and Training Division
This Division is responsible for promoting public awareness and participation in the protection, conservation and sustainable use of the environment using various means. Through television and newspapers, information is disseminated to the public about various environmental topics. This department also conducts outreach to schools and various target groups to raise awareness on the environment. Capacity building in environmental management also takes place through various training programmes, e.g., teachers’ training, environmental club supervisors’ training.
Kids’ Activity
Find the following words related to the work of the EPA in the word search below.
regulations, standards, resources, biodiversity, conservation, protected area, media, development, environment, education, guidelines, awareness, training.
