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The first quarter of the year was very promising for the EPA. Several projects were completed in the area of Natural Resources Management under the KfW Small Grants. In addition, environmental education and awareness programmes continued with a wide cross section of the public.

This quarter also saw some major administrative changes in the EPA with a new Executive Director and the addition of a new Director and several Environ-mental Officers to the Environmental Management Division.

The EPA continues to work assiduously to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the environmental monitoring and authorization processes as we strive to manage and enhance Guyana’s environment.

In this Issue...

Volume 5 Issue ll January - March, 2009

Editorial Note • New Fence for Rupanau Farmlands

• GMTCS Education and Awareness Project Successful

• Three Brothers Village gets Crabwood Seed Drier

• EPA Participates in UG Career Day

• Au-revoir to Executive Director

• Kids Corner

• Environmental Authorisations

• EPA Celebrated World Water Day

• Guyana- Opportunities for Commitment to Re-duce Greenhouse Emissions

• Wildlife Spotlight

EPA Successfully facilitates the Implementation of Several Projects

The Rupunau Farmlands Welcome New Fence In keeping with the objectives of the Guyana Protected Areas Sys-tem (GPAS) Project, the EPA has facilitated the development and execution of a number of projects with funding from the German Bank for Reconstruction (KfW). The pro-jects focused on providing Amerin-dian communities in the protected areas and proposed protected areas with alternative means of livelihood and empower the people in these communities to better conserve natu-ral resources. Recently, a fence stretching for some 15 miles was constructed along the edge of Rupunau Farmlands where corn, eddo, banana, and cassava are currently grown. This project is intended to improve the food secu-rity of communities in and around the Rupunau Village. The fence

will ensure that cultivation is done in a secure environment and farmers will be encouraged to farm.

The project was implemented over a six-month period at an approximate cost of G$13,800,000.00, with G$3,675,000.00 of that being community contribution. This project will be very beneficial to most of the 280 residents in Rupunau, since their farms will be protected from livestock and wildlife.

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A section of the fifteen (15) mile fence around the Ru-panau Farmlands in the initial stage of construction

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The Rupanau Farmlands Welcome New Fence

Vo lume 5 Issue l l January - March, 2009

GMTCS Environmental Education & Awareness Project Successful

The Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society (GMTCS) in collaboration with the EPA and funding from the German Bank for Reconstruction (KfW), developed and implemented an Educa-tion and Awareness Project. The Project focused on environmental education and awareness in communities known to be involved in unsustainable practices re-lated to sea turtle in and adjacent to the proposed Shell Beach Pro-tected Area. Activities under this Project included the development and imple-mentation of an Environmental Education Training Programme for Teachers, the development and/or reactivation of Wildlife/Environmental Clubs and accompanying wildlife kits as well as Community Workshops to address sea turtles by-catch and the development of a National Awareness Programme. The communities involved include Almond Beach, Waramuri, Santa Rosa Settlement cluster, Three Brothers’ Village and Maba-ruma. GMTCS has also worked with schools, teachers and fishermen from the Charity sub-region. The project sought to involve all key stakeholders who frequent the Shell Beach area and are likely to have an impact on the wildlife of that area, especially the marine turtles. Stakeholders at the local and national levels were therefore brought together through workshops, meetings and education awareness programmes. The intention was to foster change in attitudes towards conservation by linking stakeholders and having diverse perspectives. The project also aimed at enhancing the on-going efforts in marine turtle preservation, effective natural resource management and the long - term conservation of the proposed Beach area.

Under this programme, GMTCS also produced a Wildlife Club Activities package which includes simple information and tech-niques that Wildlife/Environmental Clubs can use to address issues such as pollution, sea turtle conservation, environmental monitoring including birds, other wildlife and rainfall monitoring, mapping of natural and community resources, and promoting traditional and cultural heritage. The wider Shell Beach area consists of several Amerindian commu-nities which have traditionally harvested turtles and their eggs for food and income for a number of years. This practice has contrib-uted greatly to the significant depletion in the sea turtle population; and is further exacerbated by the lack of viable alternative income options and sustained education and awareness activities. Since its establishment in 2000, the GMTCS has been working dili-gently in the proposed Shell Beach Protected area to address these issues. This project has complemented GMTCS on-going monitoring and education and awareness programmes which highlight the societies’ long -term goal of ceasing the harvesting of sea turtles through vol-untary compliance by communities. With programmes such as these GMTCS anticipates that the communities and Guyana as a whole will work towards the conservation of protected species and sus-tainable utilization of the surrounding natural resources. The project was completed at an approximate cost of G$5,440,000.00 and was implemented over a period of 6 months.

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The newly fenced farmland will also make it possible for farm-ers to diversify their crops and cultivate corn, paddy, peas and beans, thus being able to complement their usual daily diet with proteins and other nutrients at a minimal cost. It is envisioned that the surplus produce will be sold, thereby allowing for in-come generation within the community. In the past, farms were often damaged by roaming livestock, forcing community members to resort to alternative measures such as extending their farms and moving further into the

community. This resulted in the clearing of additional forests to offset the loss of crops. The project will significantly reduce the impact on biodiversity and the environment in general because farmers will not be cutting new farms each year but will instead be able to use one patch of land for a much longer period of time. As a result, the residents of Rupanau will be better able to conserve the forest and thus contribute to the conservation of the proposed Kanuku Mountains Protected Area and the larger Kanuku eco-region.

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Volume 5 Issue l l January – March, 2009

Crabwood Seed Drier at three Brothers Village

The Three Brothers Village can now boost economic activities and enhance the livelihood of villagers with the acquisition of a crab-wood seed drier. This drier was acquired through the EPA with funding from the German Bank for Reconstruction (KfW). The drier for Crabwood seeds (Carapa guianensis), was constructed in order to increase the produc-tion levels of Crabwood oil. Crabwood oil produced by Three Brothers Village is cur-rently being marketed by the North West Organics product line. Under this project, the drier was constructed by a local contractor with experi-ence in Crabwood oil produc-tion. It was designed using mostly local materials and is therefore well suited to condi-tions in the community. The main economic activity in Three Brothers Village is cur-rently subsistence and com-mercial farming, manicole palm harvesting and some wildlife hunting and trapping. These activi-ties either have limited economic prospects due to high transporta-tion costs, or are practiced at un-sustainable levels. The production of Crabwood oil has become an economically viable alternative in the area due to the marketing opportunities provided under the North West Organics line. However, the amount of oil produced using traditional methods is often insufficient to satisfy cur-rent demands for the product. The construction of the multi-level drier would increase the area avail-able for the drying of the seeds by about 100% (from 192 sq feet to 336 sq feet), thus doubling the current Crabwood oil production capacity. This will result in increased community revenues from non-timber forest products and will further develop Crabwood oil production as a sustainable and economically viable livelihood alter-native.

The project was implemented at a cost of G$775,717.00.

Some of the Crabwood Seeds and Oil which was produced

Part of the external and internal sections of the Crabwood Seed Drier

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The EPA family bid au-revoir to Execu-tive Director Mr. Doorga Persaud, who joined the Agency on July 1, 2003 and did a commendable job during his ten-ure. Since his appointment, Mr. Persaud served with distinction, drawing on his vast experience in several top positions in local organizations and Ministries. His background in Economics equipped him to deal competently with matters related to environmental management, conserva-tion and protection. Over the years as Head of the EPA, Mr. Persaud made recommendations to the Board of Directors on the organization of the EPA and the for-mulation of policies in accordance with the Environmental Protec-tion Act. He skillfully ensured that the Agency fulfilled its mandate in accordance with all legal requirements established by or made under the EP Act. Additionally, the ED meticulously reviewed, prepared and admin-istered the Agency’s budgetary allocations and ensured the exis-tence of a detailed, highly effective and comprehensive work-plan. Mr Persaud was integrally involved in the day - to -day

Vo lume 5 Issue l l January - March, 2009

EPA Participates in UG Career Day 2009

Executive Director Says Au-Revoir

operation of the Agency and enjoyed a cordial relationship with all staff members. The ED made sound recommendations to the Agency’s Board of Directors on Hu-man Resource (HR) related matters. He was very instrumental in staff development and enhancing efficiency within the Agency. As such, he continuously sought opportunities for staff to Build Capacity in various disciplines and improve their per-formance. He was also pivotal in EPA ac-quiring its own building and the smooth transition from the previous location to the new one. Mr. Persaud also represented the Agency

and the country in a commendable manner at several national and international conferences and meetings. Mr. Persaud conducted his duties in a professional, ardent, amicable and efficient manner. With this distinguished background, Mr Persaud was transferred to serve in another capacity effective from April 1, 2009. The manage-ment and staff of the EPA express gratitude to Mr. Persaud for his sterling contributions and wish him well in his future endeavours. The EPA team welcomes new Executive Director, Dr.Indarjit Ram-dass who will take office from April 1 and pledges allegiance to continue working for the achievement of the Agency’s strategic goals.

The EPA joined several other organizations to enhance awareness of exist-ing job opportunities for the younger generation and provide useful informa-tion to young adults at this year’s Career Day organized by the University of Guyana.

EPA’s presentation at the February 20th event held at the Turkeyen Campus included a Power Point Slideshow and Poster display on various aspects of EPA’s work as well as interactive sessions which captivated the interest of visitors to the Booth. Some of the attractions at the EPA’s booth included:

• Speed Drawing - this activity provided a means for participants to por-tray their feelings on a particular matter related to the environment through art in a specified time period. The activity led to fruitful discus-sions among students and Environmental Officers manning the booth.

• Tree Survey - this was a fun way to highlight the public’s concern for littering and possible solutions to this bad habit.

• Distribution of posters and brochures including EPA-Career Brochures and Bookmarks.

This session also showcased the work of the EPA and raised environmental awareness in addition to giving students the opportunity to foster stronger

collaboration with the EPA. The U.G Career Day usually attracts students from across the country.

EPA’s former Executive Director,

Mr. Doorga Persaud with Executive Assis-tant Ms. Rooplall

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Kids’ Corner

Volume 5 Issue l l January - March, 2009

All about Composting !

Composting is a fun and interesting way of helping to manage the large amount of waste we produce everyday.

Composting allows us to:

Reduce the amount of waste that is usually thrown in our garbage bin at home.

Reuse everyday materials in our yard and from our kitchen to produce nutrient-rich material that can be used in our gardens.

Recycle nutrients through the process of decomposition making ‘compost’ which is very nutrient rich or fertile.

To start a compost you need:

(1) Materials - Good composting requires a good mixture of materials containing nitrogen (green stuff) and carbon (brown stuff). Here are some common examples of each:

Green stuff Brown stuff

Tea bags Fallen leaves

Vegetable scraps Paper/tissue

Fruit peels Wood shavings

Grass clippings Egg Shells

(2) Air - Oxygen is required to ensure your compost pile has lots of organisms that help in the decomposition process. By turning your compost pile you mix oxygen into it.

(3) Moisture - Light watering of your compost pile is needed at least once a week.

(4) Heat - This is naturally generated by the process of decomposition.

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Volume 5 Issue l l January - March, 2009

Environmental Authorisations The Environmental Protection Agency recorded a total of sev-enty–six (76) applications for Environmental Authorisations in the first quarter of 2009. Of the total amount of applications received, thirty (30) were for new operations, thirty-nine (39) for existing operations, six (6) were for renewals, one (1) for a transfer of ap-plication and one(1) for a variance of a permit. (Variance is needed when a developer makes a significant alteration to operations).

The EPA continues to see a steady increase in the number of Noise Applications. Fifty-two (52) were received for the first quar-ter which included three (3) applications for one year noise per-mits. Twenty-four (24) Environmental Authorisations were granted in the first quarter; nine (9) Environmental Permits, four-teen (14) Operational and one (1) Construction Permits.

EPA Celebrates World Water Day 2009

The Environmental Protection Agency conducted Interactive World Water Day (WWD) Fora for secondary school students in Regions 3, 4 and 10 for this year’s WWD observance. World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22 and was this year observed under the Theme: Transboundary Waters – Shared Waters, Shared Opportunities. The theme sought to highlight the issues associated with water and emphasized the fact that many countries in the world share major water bodies. The EPA sought to raise awareness on the importance of water to sustaining life and highlight the fact that partnerships are crucial for its sustainable management. The Fora also reinforced the fact that whether we are upstream or downstream our actions will ulti-mately affect each other whether it be positively or negatively. The Fora were held at the West Demerara Secondary School, West Bank Demerara, Lichus Audito-rium, Linden and Dolphin Secondary School in Georgetown re-spectively. There was representations from the second, third and fourth form levels from fourteen (14) secondary schools and a total of 256 students at these Fora. The programme included a video and interactive presentation along with environmental quizzes at the end of each presentation. Prizes were awarded for correct answers and

this greatly motivated participants. Students showed keen interest and gained a better understanding of the significance of water, the problems faced and the little things they could do to make a posi-tive difference. In addition, packages containing vital information about this year’s theme and activities to be conducted by the envi-ronmental clubs were given to each school represented at the Fora. In addition, thirty four (34) Environmental Clubs in Regions 1,8 and 9 also received information packages to conduct these activi-ties. A panel discussion on Transboundary Waters was broadcasted on national television (NCN 11). A brochure highlighting specific features of the theme was also created and distributed to various stakeholders in an effort to raise awareness. In addition, articles were done for the Guyana Chronicle and the Guyana Times newspapers. The activities planned for WWD 2009 were success-fully executed and the EPA extends gratitude to all who partici-pated to make these activities successful.

During this period two projects were required to submit Environ-mental Management Plans.

The Environmental Management Division continues to make sig-nificant efforts to verify existing operations and as such, conducted forty-two (42) verification visits in the first quarter.

The Guyana Goldfields Inc – Gold Mining at Aurora, Cuyuni River was the only operation which was required to conduct an EIA dur-ing this period, given the scale of the operations and possible envi-ronmental impacts.

The EPA continues to utilize a comprehensive approach to Envi-ronmental Management based on regulations and standards devel-oped in the Environmental Permitting Process.

Students at one of the Fora involved in an

interactive session

Participants at the WWD forum in Region 4

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Volume 5 Issue l l January – M a rch , 2009

OPPORTUNITIES FROM REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Opportunities for Guyana

Guyana can benefit immensely from the emission reduction commitments of industrialized countries. Guyana retains close to 80% of its rainforest, which occupies 70% of the total landmass, and preventing deforestation has proved to be one of the most efficient ways to fight climate change by enabling carbon se-questration: CO2 would other-wise be released in the atmos-phere. Researches have demon-strated that Guyana’s rainfor-ests store from 250 to 400 tons or more of carbon dioxide per hectare. But the country, on the con-trary, faces challenges in leaving the forest standing: as it faces increasing pressure for develop-ment, better health and educa-tion services, improved infra-structure and investment opportunities. The rainforest and the different natural resources present are in fact a potential source of revenue. Compensation from avoided deforestation is what Guyana is seeking to obtain. This concept derives from the principle that forests provide ‘Economic Value to the Nation (EVN)’ from potential revenues and at the same time ‘Economic Value to the World (EVW)’ from a potential decrease in the costs related to climate change mitigation and adaptation, which also enable biodiversity protection.

Can Value be Measured? Who Might Compen-sate?

An intensive study conducted by McKinsey Consultancy in 2008, attempted to calculate the EVN that can give an indication of the forgone revenues or cost opportunity of leaving the forest standing. These have been identified as:

1. The standing timber value.

2. Post-harvest land use profits.

3. Savings on forest protection costs.

Loss of Local Ecosystem Services

The value obtained ranges between US $4.3 billion to $20.4 bil-lion (reflecting the variability of commodity prices). Reports such as the Eliasch Review estimated that the world loses from US $1.8 trillion to $4.2 trillion in ecosystem services yearly

(EVW) from deforestation. Over a decade ago, most countries joined an international treaty, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to develop an international strategy to combat climate change. In 1997, 184 countries adopted the Kyoto Protocol, a more powerful and legally binding tool that commits industrialized countries

to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to a predefined amount (an average of 5% against 1990 levels over the pe-riod 2008-2012). By setting targets, emission re-ductions gain economic value. The innovation of the Protocol was prompted by the fact that countries may combine regula-tions and standards with the following market-based mecha-

nisms, giving industrialized countries more flexibility in their scope:

1. Emissions Trading (known as “the carbon market): coun-tries that need to reduce their emissions can buy credits from coun-tries that have ‘excess’ credits (such as Guyana);

2. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): it allows a country with an emission-reduction or emission-limitation commitment to implement an emission-reduction project in developing countries and in this way to earn certified emission reduction (CER) credits, each equivalent to one ton of CO2. These credits can be traded and sold; 3. Joint Implementation (JI): it allows a country with an emission reduction or limitation commitment to earn emission reduction units (ERUs) from an emission-reduction or emission removal project in another country that also has these commitments. The units too are tradable and equivalent to one ton of CO2. Industrialized countries should therefore compensate developing countries like Guyana. Until now, the only market for ecosystem ser-vices is the carbon market. Reduction in greenhouse emissions is the only service that the world is willing to pay for, so Guyana is attempt-ing to find a role in this as a carbon credit seller/ vendor.

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Wildlife Spotlight

The elusive raptor in this picture can be found worldwide. It belongs to the Class: Strigifor-mes along with many other species of owls. Barn Owls stand out from other owls in several ways and so have been placed in a separate Family: Tytonidae. One of the most evident difference from other owls is that they have a very distinct heart-shaped face. The Barn Owl gets its name from its habit of nesting in old buildings but is also known to nest in tree hollows. Their coloration is a blend of reddish-brown and white allowing them to be excellently camouflaged in trees during the day. Like all birds of prey, they are extremely efficient hunters. They have sharp talons for firmly grasping prey when hunting and a sharp bill for tearing the flesh of their prey. They have an excellent sense of hearing which is enhanced by their ability to listen independently from each ear. Also, barn owls - like all other owls, have specially modified flight feathers which allow them to sneak up on their prey in an almost silent flight. Female Barn Owls lay and incubate four to seven (4 -7) eggs. During this incubation pe-riod, the male brings food for the female. Post-parental care is given for up to two (2) months during which the young barn owls must learn to fly and hunt for themselves. Rodents are the major source of food for the barn owl and so they play a very important role in controlling local rat populations. A barn owl may capture as many as 100 rats over the course of one week.

About Our Logo... Our logo is the Passion Fruit leaf. Yellow Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis flavi-carpa) is native to the Amazon.

The passion fruit plant produces beautiful flowers and sweet – tart fruit. It was named by the Spanish 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. They are also used 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-Roberts

Candacie Brower - Thompson

Renwick English

Sean Mendonca

Yasmin Farouk

E-mail: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com

Mailing address:

Environmental Protection Agency, EIT Division - Ground Floor, 7 Broad & Charles Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown.

Telephone #s:

225-5467-9, 225-0506, 225-6917, 225-1218, 225-2062

Fax # 225-5481

Volume 5 Issue l l January- March, 2009

Did you Know?

Barn Owl