The Board of Directors for the Protected Areas Commission recently held its first statutory meeting and its establishment is seen as the first step to creating an effective, globally recognised national protected areas system here.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment following a Cabinet decision constituted the multidisciplinary Board which is made up of representatives from academia, indigenous communities, and natural resources sector agencies, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
With the ministry’s support, the Board will bring to bear decades of international experience in shaping a protected areas system that is contextual to Guyana, effective and ultimately sustainable, GINA said.
And high on the Board’s priorities is the establishment of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), which will have primary responsibility for the day to day management of the protected areas system.
The Board will work closely with the PAC in strengthening the management of national protected areas through capacity-building, education and awareness, job creation and livelihood development.
A national system of protected areas is a key component of the government’s vision for Guyana’s development, as protected areas must serve as a tool for both conservation and income generation.
The Board’s recent statutory meeting was attended by Robert Persaud, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, as well as Shyam Nokta and Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh who were elected Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively.
Other members of the Board are Sharon Austin, John Caesar, Dr. Indarjit Ramdass, Shanomae Rose and Bertie Xavier. Representatives from the Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Attorney General’s Chambers and the ministry have also been appointed to the Board as ex-officio members.
