epa

The transformation of Guyana to an oil producing country triggered changes in our development as a Regulatory body. As new and scaled-up projects took off, the demand for pollution control and environmental management increased. As such the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) transformed and found flexible solutions to new and increasing demands on its services.

At  24  years  old,  the  Environmental  Protection  Agency  (EPA),  has  come  a  long  way. Moreover, the past two years the Agency has seen a transformation in its culture by investing heavily in our most valuable resource, our human capital, through aggressive recruitment, development of skills,   and enhancing customer service. Employee development  includes  exposure  to  local  and  international  training  opportunities;  and networking  and  collaboration  with  international  organisations  such  as  International Association of Impact Assessment (IAIA), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International  Offshore  Petroleum  Environmental  Regulators  (IOPER)  and  the  Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA).

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.

The Web of Life.

Entwined we are, connected we are, dependent on each other, yes we are.

Each day we see the trademarks of biological diversity in trees rooted for years, natural processes and through the influence of humans. All of these characters form the web of life of which we humans are an integral part of and on which we fully depend. 

Do you know that scientists have identified over 13 million species of plants and animals?

Diversity is often understood as a wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms. Biological diversity is the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns which are formed. Biological diversity also includes genetic differences; it is our genetic building block that determines the uniqueness of each species of life.

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.