The bilateral relationship between the Government of Guyana and Canada continues to gain momentum. This was evident yesterday at the re-commissioning of the refurbished nature school at the Guyana Zoological Park.

High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Francois Montour, hands over the keys for the refurbished Nature School to Yolanda Vasconcellos, General Manager, National Parks Commission.

The Guyana Nature School, which was constructed in 1992 with funding through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), again received support from the agency to refurbish and extend the building to accommodate the increasing number of students visiting it.

During the opening ceremony, General Manager, National Parks Commission, Yolanda Vasconcellos, said that the old building did not have the capacity to accommodate the increasing number of students visiting, and with the extended structure, more students can be accommodated, making their visit to the park hassle free.

She noted that the institution will now be able to effectively carry out its education and awareness programme.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Francois Montour, said that he was delighted to be associated with the initiative to renovate and extend the Nature School.

The refurbished Guyana Nature School, Zoological Park.

He urged the administration of the institution to continue efforts to promote wildlife conservation and environmental protection to visitors, nature groups, students and the general public.

He pointed out that the Canadian Government is heartened to be given the opportunity again to strengthen its relation with the Guyana Zoological Park which was initiated over a decade ago.

“Our partnership with the Guyana Zoological Park dates back to 1992, when the Canada fund made an initial contribution of furniture, television, video equipment, educational material and two vehicles to the institution,” he said.

Montour noted that everyone is now gearing to learn about the important issue of climate change and its impact on the environment, and that an institution of this nature is tasked with role of promoting ways and means to contribute to overcoming the challenges it presents.

He encouraged students present at the opening to learn more about nature, the animals and trees, and to get involved in improving their environment by helping to keep their surroundings clean.

The building was refurbished at a cost of over $3M. It now includes a library, reading room and a sick bay. (GINA)