epa

Dr. Vincent Adams, Executive Director

Environmental Protection Agency, Guyana

Now in its 50^th year, Earth Day is a time to reflect on the relationship between humanity and the vast resources which make life viable. Conceived in the United States in 1970 due to rampant environmental degradation, Earth Day has evolved into the largest global environmental movement. Public pressure has led to steady actions to stymie environmental degradation, demonstrating the invincible power of advocacy and political action to effect change.

Legal Officer, Mr. Saeed Hamid (first in row in photo) represented Guyana at an "Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) Workshop" in Brussels, Belgium,  during the period of January 28-29, 2020.

The  workshop aimed to support the ongoing negotiations at the United Nations, in the context of the Intergovernmental Conference, to elaborate the text of an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Mr. Hamid participated in a panel discussion which included discussions on issues regarding thresholds and criteria for conducting EIA’s, what type of activities are subjected to EIA’s, decision-making procedures and global minimum standards for conducting EIA’s. The workshop provided an understanding of the global framework within which EIA’s currently operate, introducing new concepts and practices, which is timely as the EPA is currently engaged in revising its Act and evaluating its EIA processes.

The EPA hosted approximately 180 students and 16 teachers from the Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary and Berbice High Schools, respectively, during the month of February. The students were excited to learn more about the work of the Agency especially the equipment and processes used as well as skills and qualifications needed to work in the environmental field. The students were intrigued by the use of drone technology and Geographic Information Systems to aid in environmental management and protection.

They were also sensitised on the impending ban on single-use plastics in 2021 and encouraged to take positive actions to improve the environment and human health.

As the Environmental Protection Agency strives to ensure that its mandate is fulfilled, communication and education, especially targeted to the young, play a critical role in changing the transformation of the future to where all must take ownership for the environment. 

It was announced at the International Offshore Petroleum Environmental Regulators (IOPER) Annual General Meeting attended by Executive Director of the EPA , Dr. Vincent Adams, that Guyana was accepted as the ninth member of the organisation.  IOPER is an international group composed of national regulators whose members are dedicated to  developing new scientific and technological standards; and raising environmental performance standards within the offshore petroleum exploration and production industry. To date, the members of IOPER include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Guyana's acceptance into the group will aid in the exchange of information and shared resources and experiences in the sector. Membership into the organisation also allows Guyana to stay informed of current trends and developments in the sector. By having affiliation with this group of experts, the EPA will be able to expand its technical knowledge with exceptional insight and best practices to oversee the emerging oil industry. 

Guyana became an oil producing nation on December 20, 2019, bringing new economic opportunities as well as, significant environmental risks associated with the potential negative impacts on the coastal and marine environment. Through the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana. The EPA has the responsibility of ensuring that all activities under the oil and gas sector are regulated in accordance with best practices and adequate environmental safeguards.  

For additional information see http://www.ioper.org/