President David Granger has called on Guyanese to care for the earth, adding that it is our duty to protect its resources so that they could provide sustenance, shelter and security for present and future generations.
Addressing the gathering at a tree planting exercise at Independence Park on Friday, the President noted that the observances remind us of the earth and its ecosystems that are our home and in order to achieve a just balance among the environmental, social and economic needs for present and future generations it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the earth.
He noted too that Guyana has played a significant role in protecting the earth, and has been the guardian of the earth through its environmental and conservation policies. In 1989 Guyana set aside for perpetuity, 371,000 hectares of its forest to be used as a model of conservation and sustainable forest management – the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development – an area larger than the island of Malta.
President Granger reminded that only last year he signed the Paris Agreement on climate change at the United Nations, under which he pledged an additional two million hectares, more than five times the size of Iwokrama, for conservation.
Stating that Guyana is on the pathway to becoming a green state, he said, “…We feel that the green state is an extension of our moral commitment to ensuring mother earth is protected and preserved, it will ensure the promotion of harmony among humanity and habitat of our rich fauna.”
Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry remarked that Guyana is one of the few countries in the world that can boast about its pristine forest. She said preserving the environment is at the core of everything we do. Henry noted that going green involves reducing waste, conservation and recycling, among other things. “As long as we continue to pursue vigorously, a green economy the future of this country will be secured while reducing environmental risks…,” the minster posited, adding that she wished Guyanese would be motivated to take positive action to do all they can do to help protect Guyana.
Director of the Department of Environment Ndibi Schwiers and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Shabnam Mallik, also urged everyone to do something positive to benefit the environment.
The President later presented representatives of the UNDP, Pan American Health Organisation, Inter-American Development Bank, Economics of Climate Adaptation and Food and Agriculture Organisation with gold coins on behalf of the government, before taking part in a tree planting exercise.
Among those in attendance were Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and Town Clerk Royston King.
Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing International Earth Day yesterday.
