8

Amazing Facts

Most tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) are about 2 meters (7 ft) long,

stand about a meter (3 ft) high at the shoulder, and weigh be-

tween 150 and 300 kg (330 to 700 lb). Baby tapirs of all species

have striped-and-spotted coats for camouflage. The tapir has

highly flexible proboscis, which can move in all directions, allow-

ing the animals to grab foliage that would otherwise be out of

reach. Tapirs often exhibit the flehmen , a posture in which they

raise their snouts and show their teeth, in order to detect scents..

Although they often live in dryland forests, tapirs near a water

source will swim,

sink to the bot-

tom and walk

along the river-

bed to feed. They

have also been

known to sub-

merge themselves

under water to

allow small fish

to pick parasites off their bulky bodies

About Our Logo...

Our logo is the passion fruit leaf. Yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis

flavicarpa) is native to the Amazon.

It produces beautiful flowers and sweet– tart fruit. It was named by the Span-

ish missionaries in South America.

Passion fruit is widely grown throughout the tropics and subtropics. The

leaves are used in traditional medicine to settle edgy nerves, also for colic,

diarrhea, dysentery and insomnia.

THE GREEN LEAF The Green Leaf is published quarterly by

the Environmental Protection Agency,

Guyana.

This publication is intended to promote

awareness of the work of the Environ-

mental Protection Agency.

Editorial Committee:

Sharifah Razack

Padmini Persaud

Sonia Gumbs-Luke

Candacie Brower– Thompson

Renwick English

Michelle Chow.

E-mail: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com

Mailing address:

Environmental Protection Agency,

Lot 7 Broad and Charles Streets

Charlestown

Georgetown.

EIT DIVISION:

Ground Floor

Lot 7 Broad and Charles Streets

Charlestown

Georgetown.

Volume 4 Issue 111 Apr i l – J u ne, 2008

Did you know?

1

The EPA has been making progress on all fronts and

continues the tradition of high standards and integrity

set by its team of dedicated staff.

The trend in the first half of the year has set a very

promising foundation for the rest of the year. The

EPA has successfully conducted a number of projects

and has initiated some new strategies for enhancing the

work of the Agency.

Let us strive for increased productivity and be deter-

mined to overcome challenges as we aim for greater

achievements in the months ahead. The EPA family is

encouraged to move forward with the confidence,

commitment and zeal shown in the past as we aim for

greater achievements.

In this Issue...

Volume 4 Issue 111 April – June 2008

Editorial Note

World Environment Day (WED) 2008 was observed under the local theme: “Kick the CO2 Habit - Promoting Energy Conser-vation in Guyana”. This theme was adapted from the interna-tional theme: “Kick the CO2 Habit—Towards a Low Carbon Economy”. As has become customary in Guyana, a week of ac-tivities is staged in observance of this event., hence, the name Guy-ana Environment Week (GEW).

The EPA has successfully coordi-nated activities to raise awareness and encourage positive environ-mental actions for Wed 2008. The most prominent of these activities was the annual Green Walk which was held on June 1, 2008.

The event attracted environmental activists from diverse stakeholder groups which included schools, NGOs, sector agencies, private sec-tor, governmental organisations, environmental clubs and community member who has an interest in the environment.

This year’s walk may be recorded as one which attracted the largest number of participants decked in their brightly coloured T– Shirts depicting various messages in relation to the theme. Among those who participated were, the Prime Minister of Guyana Hon. Samuel Hinds, adviser to the President on environment Mr. Navin Chanderpal and PAHO/WHO representative.

Graham’s Hall Primary School emerged winner of the best banner prize while the largest contingent went to Banks DIH and the first prize for uniformity went to the Hydrometeorological department.

The walk was complemented by environ-mentally friendly lyrics from the mayor and City council steel orchestra and Fusion sound system. Green walk 2008 was con-sidered a great success since the route tar-geted residential areas to foster greater awareness and the weather was cool, unlike the past years when it rained alot which hindered the participation and the number

of persons looking on. Cont’d on Page

World Environment Day 2008 - A Grand success

World Environment Day 2008 - A Grand Success

EPA Celebrates International Day of Biological Diversity with a

Blast

EPA Build Capacity of Teachers in School Yard Ecology

Environmental Authorisations continues to climb

The Kaieteur ranger Kit Project Closes

Kids Corner

EPA Initiates Hazardous Wastes Inventory

Phase 1 of the Post Darwin Initiative Project

comes to an end

Amazing Facts

The Winning Banner from Graham’s Hall Primary

2

EPA Celebrates International Day of Biological Diversity

with a Blast

Vo lume 4 Issue 111 Apr i l – June , 2008

International Day of Biological Diversity 2008, was celebrated

under the international theme “Biodiversity and Agriculture”. A

number of activities were conducted in observance of this day.

This included presentations to 14 schools , 6 primary and 8 sec-

ondary schools from the

East Coast of Demerara

and Georgetown. The

session for the primary

schools were held at

Graham’s Hall Primary

and F.E Pollard Primary

respectively while the

secondary schools met at

Marian Academy.

Given the nature of the theme for this year’s observance, an essay

competition was held at the Guyana School of Agriculture

(GSA). Prior to the launching of the essay competition students

were equipped for the essay, through a presentation which was

done by Dr. Patrick Chesney - Guyana Shield Initiative project

coordinator from UNDP. The EPA also coordinated a presenta-

tion which was done at the Cyril Potter College of Education by a

resource personnel from the University of Guyana Mr. Phillip

DaSilva. The presentation was delivered to the science students on

the Biodiversity theme.

The EPA also organized a tour for member

of some prominent school based environ-

mental clubs to the NARI Soesdyke Station.

This gave the students a first hand view and

better understanding of agricultural biodiver-

sity.

A brochure on Agricultural Biodiversity was

also developed and was distributed to various

target groups during an exhibition which the EPA coordinated in

collaboration with the ministry of Agriculture.

The exhibition was held on the lawns of the Ministry of Agricul-

ture and saw several agriculture based organisations displaying their

products. The exhibition saw vis-

its from schools and member of

the public.

other activities included a panel

discussion on the theme which in-

cluded personnel's from . This was

held on NCN, along with appearance

on the Guyana Today Show. A

press release was also produced to

highlight the activities for IDB, in

addition to a newspaper article which

focused on Biodiversity and Agricul-

ture.

World Environment Day 2008

Cont’d from Page 1… In addition to the Green Walk, a panel discussion on the WED theme was held on NCN television and a national poster competition was launched. The Prime Minister delivered the WED message which was aired on NCN radio. Prior to the activities they were also discussions on the Guyana Today Show on the theme and planned activities. A news-paper article was also done which focused on WED and the theme surrounding this year’s observances.

Participants at Biodiversity Exhibition 2008

EPA Staff pose for a picture after Green Walk

2008

7

Phase 1 of the Post Darwin Initiative Project comes to an End

Volume 4 Issue 111 Apr i l – June , 2008

The North Rupununi Adaptive Management Plan which focuses on Assessing the Impacts and Building Capacity is a post pro-ject of a previous Darwin Initiative, sustainable Management of the Rupununi linking Biodiversity and people.

This Post-Darwin project was intended to build capacity of stake-holders at both the local and national levels in implementing the North Rupununi Adaptive Management Plan (NRAMP) in ways that are ecologically, socially and financially sustainable. Phase I of the project: Sustainable Management of the Rupununi: “linking biodiversity and people” commenced in September 2003 and was completed in March 2008. the main objectives main were;

to transfer research and man-agement techniques and tech-nology through training of local counterparts,

to classify the North Ru-pununi District habitats,

to map the location of differ-ent habitat and land use types using remote sensed and GIS data; and to develop monitor-ing protocols;

to undertake surveys of habi-tat quality and key species distribution in the selected areas to determine the effects of land use changes; and

to develop management plans for the ecosystems based on this research.

A series of training sessions were conducted for project staff in January 2004, after which 31 sites were identified for monitoring over the next two and a half years. This training allowed the Wet-land Team to commence monitoring in March 2004. The data collected included features such as weather, water depth, bank vegetation and land use activities, to name a few.

A cultural component was added to the monitoring activities in 2005, where a review of local resource use in the fifteen communi-ties of the North Rupununi was done. These sessions were fol-lowed by community visits and consultations, collecting informa-tion on a range of wetland related livelihoods and social indicators.

At the end of this phase of the project, several documents were developed and published which included the “State of the North Rupununi Wetlands Report 2006”.

NRAMP is aimed at providing recommendations for the sustainable management of the North Rupununi wetlands and form guidance for decision making. It also significantly expanded the number of trained individuals in Biodiversity monitoring and management.

The Ranger/Environmental Officer (REO) course was designed to develop key interpersonal skills that are necessary for effective natu-ral resource management problem-solving. These skills include ef-fective oral and written communication, public speaking, effective

negotiation skills, ability to man-age change and to deal with com-plex situations. The ultimate aim of this course is to equip students with the skills necessary to draft management plan, using the Adap-tive management style outlined in the NRAMP.

The topics address issues such as natural resource management con-flicts, developing log-frame, com-ponents of a management plan, principles of the learning cycle, interpreting data analysis and us-ing it as a basis for decision-making.

The Environmental Protection Agency, partners within this project, is the focal point for the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) activi-ties in Guyana. As a result, this project sought to raise capacity within the EPA and other stakeholder agencies; University of Guy-ana, Iwokrama Centre , North Rupununi District Development Board, Conservation International Guyana by providing training through the implementation of its Ranger/ Environmental Officer course.

Teaching methods...

The course was taught through a range of activities, including group discussions, presentations, practical work, role playing and problem solving. Students were expected to complete recommended reading prior to each day. At the end of each session , there was an evalua-tion of the day’s activities and learning through a reflective journal and graffiti board.

Participants in the NRAMP training course preparing a

management plan

6

Volume 4 Issue 111 Apr i l - June , 2008

EPA Initiates Hazardous Wastes Inventory

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed a Na-tional Inventory on Hazard Wastes in Guyana. This is in keeping with Guyana’s commitment to the Basal Convention on the Con-trol of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. The EPA as the regulatory body for environmental management in Guyana is mandated to develop a strategy for the management of these hazardous wastes. Therefore, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in col-laboration with GOG/UNDP Capacity Building for the Manage-ment of Natural Resources and other key stakeholders executed a National Inventory Study on Hazardous Wastes for Guyana which would be used to develop a strategy to manage these waste. The Government of Guyana (GoG) being party to the Basel Con-vention is required to full fill some general objectives which are;

To minimize the generation of hazardous wastes in terms of quan-tity and hazardousness;

To dispose of them as close to the source of generation as possible; and

To reduce the movement of hazardous wastes

Why A Survey?

Hazardous waste as defined by the Environmental Protection Hazardous Wastes Management Regulations, 2000 is “waste, or combination of wastes, which, because of its quality, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may pose a substantial hazard to human health”. In Guyana, the generation of hazardous wastes has been steadily increasing and is likely to continue to increase as the country develops, international trade is expanded, and the road network on the South American mainland is expanded.

Over time therefore, it is estimated that substances classified as hazardous wastes have accumulated since there are limited disposal options available. Apart from this, the improper management, treat-ment and disposal of hazardous waste is a significant environmental problem.

The EPA is responsible for ensuring that the management and

disposal of hazardous waste is done in a manner that prevents harm to human health and the environment. In meeting its responsibility, the EPA has undertaken some steps including establishing the legal framework for the management of all hazardous wastes, i.e. Environ-mental Protection Hazardous Wastes Management Regulations, 2000, and actively participates in the accession to the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

However, the EPA is constrained from adequately fulfilling its mandate by the lack of data, limited resources, experienced per-sonnel and technical expertise required to discharge this mandate.

In this regard, the objective of the National Inventory for Hazard-ous Waste in Guyana was to prepare an inventory which will in-clude data on the types and quantities of hazardous wastes gener-ated in priority sectors and the locations. The survey data collected will be used to establish an electronic database on the location, types and quantities of hazardous waste generated in Guyana.

This database will then be used to develop a comprehensive strat-egy for the management of hazardous wastes. In addition, the data will guide decisions in relation to hazardous wastes management and disposal, especially in relation to the setting up of appropriate infrastructure and resource requirements for effective manage-ment.

Who were involved?

The survey targeted a number of priority sectors, some of which are as follows:

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing, Construction

Energy Sector, Hotels / Restaurants / Resorts

Manufacturing / Processing, Mining

Retail Trade

Community / Social / Personal Services

Transportation / Communication / Utilities

Wholesale Trade, Health & Social Work

Who conducted the survey?

For the survey, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences (SEES) of the University of Guyana (UG) has been engaged to conduct the data collection and analysis. To properly execute and manage the survey, students and supervisors from the University participated in intensive training sessions, facilitated by Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI), on the Basel Convention Methodology on Conducting Hazardous Wastes Inventory.

Staff of the EPA and Officers of the Solid Waste Management Department of the Mayor & City Council of Georgetown also benefited from the training exercise.

3

Volume 4 Issue 111 Apr i l – June , 2008

EPA Builds Capacity of Teachers in School Yard Ecology

A training on school yard ecology was conducted for final year sci-

ence students of the Cyril Potter College of Education. The train-

ing was conducted during the period April 22 - May 9, 2008 at the

CPCE. The objectives of the training was to equipped a group of

teachers in SYE so that they can impart the information to their

students.

School Yard Ecology is a living concept that seeks to make science

simple and enjoyable with minimal

use of technical jargon and equip-

ment. The teaching techniques

promote a hands-on approach to

learning about science and the local

environment. Participants think

critically about the effects of their

findings and relate to their immedi-

ate surroundings and broader land-

scape.

The first SYE training in Guyana

was conducted in 2001 and has since grown to include a large cadre

of trained school yard ecologists. The Cyril Potters College of Edu-

cation, wildlife and conservation professionals, education profes-

sionals within the formal and non-formal system, and youth groups

were beneficiaries of SYE training. In particular, for the youth

groups, a noticeable change has occurred in attitudes, self-esteem

and capacity to undertake meaningful community projects. These

projects contribute towards

greater understanding and appreciation for their environment and

community.

The overall objective of the training in SYE methodology is to

equip persons with the skills and techniques to develop activities

that stimulate and sustain the interest of their members by allowing

them to “learn about the environment in the environment and for

the environment.”

The training sessions were designed to engage participants through

the use of active-listening and active-learning strategies. Because of

the learn-by-doing nature of the workshop, facilitators prepared a

program that allowed for adjustments and changes.

After a working-session, participants gathered for mini-

conferences where a team presented findings and their peers ques-

tioned and provided constructive criti-

cisms on design and implementation.

The training sessions were based on:

The philosophy of SYE which is to res-

cue participants’ innate curiosity and

help to channel creativity through well-

structured inquires about their immedi-

ate environment.

The ability to develop skills and to en-

hance critical thinking by knowing how to design the proper ques-

tion. Questions must not be complicated and costly but achiev-

able; comparative and measurable to make results meaningful and

objective.

The methods and various tools that can be used in small-scale

scientific inquiries were discussed. More importantly, inquiries

were designed to allow participants first-hand investigative experi-

ences. The facilitator was able to bridge concepts only after exer-

cises were completed. Participants had a greater understanding and

appreciation for the knowledge they were developing themselves.

The reflection step allowed participants to internalize what they

accomplished in the previous sections. Groups were then given the

opportunity to strengthen inquiries.

Some of the CPCE teachers during an SYE presenta-

tion

4

The project focused on improving the acquisition of field kits for rangers at the Kaieteur National Park. The objective of the pro-posed project was “To improve the current system of Park Management through monitoring and enforcement”

Kaieteur National Park (KNP) was established in 1929 and today covers an area of 627 square kilometers (242 square miles). The Park is known for its rich biodiversity, virgin rain forest and the majestic Kaieteur Falls. However, the park was being monitored without the field equipment necessary for such as task. Without the proper monitoring equipment, enforcing Park regulations for the entire Protected Area was almost unrealistic and significantly chal-lenging. This project will address this need by purchasing the field equipment required by Park rangers.

Activities under the project include purchasing equipment necessary for monitoring and enforcement in tropical forests, transporting this equipment from Georgetown to KNP, and consolidating equipment into 6 individual kits for KNP rangers.

The proposed project sought to effectively manage Kaieteur Na-tional Park (KNP); by equipping rangers with the tools necessary to

Vo lume 4 Issue 111 Apr i l - June , 2008

Environmental Authorisations Continues to Climb

The Kaieteur National Parks Ranges Kit Project Closes

effectively carryout their mandate, and conservation of the larger Kaieteur Plateau ecosystem.

This project, therefore, represented a major accomplishment in attempts to realize the objectives of the Guyana Protected Areas System.

The KNP is situated within the Guiana Shield one of the world’s oldest geological formations, in South America’s only English speaking country, Guyana.

The monitoring of KNP is the responsibility of five KNP rangers. These handful of rangers are tasked with monitoring 627 km2 (approximately 1 ranger to 125 km2) without the equipment neces-sary for such as challenging task.

Without proper ranger equipment, it will be impossible to maintain the delicate balance between preserving this pristine environment, while allowing Guyana to benefit from sharing this treasure with the World. Hence, the field kits for the rangers were acquired un-der the KfW funded project and the rangers are now equipped to effectively execute their job. The project started in 2006 but offi-cially ended in May 2008 because of some unforeseen circum-stances.

The Environmental Protection Agency recorded even a higher

number of Environmental Authorisations in the second quarter of

when compared to the first quarter of 2008.

One hundred and thirty-two (132) applications were received for

both new and existing projects. Of these, fifty-nine (59) were for

new projects and sixty-six (66) for existing operations. There were

five (5) applications for Renewal of Environmental Authorisation

while there were two (2) applications for a Variance of Environ-

mental Authorisations.

This quarter the agency was in receipt of nineteen (19) Noise Appli-

cations. Two (2) of the new projects were required to prepare Envi-

ronmental Management Plans (EMP’s) to facilitate the issuance of

the Environmental Authorisations.

During this period thirty-eight (38) Environmental Authorisations

were granted. This included the Linden Quarries Inc. and a Com-

munial Burial Ground and Landfill Project. The agency also facili-

tated two new projects that were required to conduct EIAs during

this period are ETK Inc. (Toroparu Mining Project, this had

started during the first quarter.

The Environmental Management Division is also working dili-

gently on verification of these existing industries. Hence, the

Agency conducted approximately sixty-two (62) verification visits,

most of which were in the wood sector. This trend is similar to

that of the first quarter of the year.

The EPA continued to utilize a holistic approach to Environ-

mental Management, based on regulations and standards devel-

oped and the Environmental Permitting Process continues to

function efficiently and effectively. It is expected that the number

of applications will continue to rise for the remainder of the year

as the EPA seeks to enforce against pollution.

5

Kids’ Corner

Volume 4 Issue 111 Apr i l – June 2008

Here are some ingredients for life. Can you find them?