As part of the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted an early morning educational tour along the scenic Mahaica River on July 25, 2025. Supported by ExxonMobil Guyana, the experience brought to life the region’s rich biodiversity and emphasised the critical importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable development.
Approximately 40 international delegates joined the tour, which offered up-close views of some of Guyana’s iconic species, including the Canje pheasant (Hoatzin), red howler monkeys, great egrets, and many more. The river provided the perfect backdrop for immersive learning and connection with nature.
Following the tour, delegates gathered for a brief but engaging programme highlighting the conservation efforts underway by the EMC Group in and around the Mahaica Watershed. In his welcome remarks, Mr. Shyam Nokta, Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, shared the Foundation’s vision for the area, stating, “The Mahaica Watershed is a truly unique ecosystem, home to many of Guyana’s iconic species. Recognising its high biodiversity value, the EMC Foundation has been working with communities and stakeholders to support the protection and sustainable management of this area.”
Mr. Nokta further outlined the Foundation’s ongoing work through research, its E-STEM Programme with schools, environmental monitoring, support for livelihood projects, educational publications, and a variety of innovative outreach initiatives.
Adding a community perspective, Mr. Alvoro Simon, Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri), addressed the gathering and shared how the EMC Foundation has been supporting his community, not only in environmental protection but also in preserving their language and culture.
The morning concluded with cultural enrichment through a captivating performance by Mr. Ovid Williams, a renowned Guyanese storyteller and musician, who spotlighted Indigenous languages and heritage. In another heartwarming moment, members of the Little Biaboo Primary Environmental Club presented an impactful poem about the Mahaica River, celebrating its diverse flora and fauna.
Each participant left with meaningful tokens, a collection of EMC Foundation’s publications, including ‘Visual Chronicles of the Mahaica Wetlands and Mangroves’, ‘Hidden Gems of the Mahaica River’, and the children’s storybook ‘Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures,’ helping them remember the sights, sounds, and stories of the Mahaica.
The Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit, held from July 23–25, 2025, brought together global leaders, scientists, Indigenous representatives, innovators, and environmental advocates in a landmark effort to advance biodiversity protection. The Mahaica River Tour, hosted by the EMC Foundation, perfectly complemented the Summit by showcasing Guyana’s ecological richness and the importance of protecting these vital landscapes for future generations.
Delegates Arriving at Little Biaboo for the Mahaica River Tour
Delegates Departing for the Tour of the Mahaica River
Delegates During the Tour of the Mahaica River
Biodiversity Observed During the Mahaica River Tour
Delegates During the Mahaica River Tour Programme
Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, Mr. Shyam Nokta Providing Brief Remarks
Toshoa of St. Cuthbert’s Mission, Mr. Alvoro Simon Providing Brief Remarks
Mr. Ovid Williams Delivering a Cultural Performance
The Little Biaboo Environmental Club Delivering a Poem on the Mahaica Watershed
Delegates receiving their EMC Foundation Information Boxes
The EMC Foundation was established by Mr. Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship. The Foundation works to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded persons, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.