On November 25, 2025, the EMC Foundation hosted its first Giant River Otter Community Conservation Session in Little Biaboo, Mahaica, bringing together representatives from key communities along the Mahaica River, including Unity, DeHoop and Little Biaboo. This session forms part of the Giant River Otter Conservation Program within the Mahaica Watershed, which aims to strengthen the conservation of this endangered species through education and awareness initiatives, community engagement, monitoring, and research.
The session focused on raising awareness about otter ecology, the threats they face, and the importance of community stewardship. Participants were introduced to the otter species found in Guyana, with a focus on the giant river otter, while gaining a deeper understanding of otter biology and behaviour, including feeding habits, social structure, and breeding patterns. The discussions also emphasised the vital importance of freshwater ecosystems such as rivers and wetlands to both otters and the communities that rely on these waterways.
Led by the EMC Foundation’s Program Coordinator Sarah Singh, and supported by Environmental Officers Neesa Azam and Dimitri Thom, the session brought together eleven individuals, including tour operators, tour guides, and fishermen, who regularly interact with the river ecosystem and giant river otters.
The session opened with a light, interactive icebreaker titled “If you were an otter, what would you do all day?”, which helped capture participants’ interest while gauging their existing knowledge. This was followed by a presentation and group discussions on otter species in Guyana, their role in the ecosystem, habitat characteristics, and major threats within the Mahaica Watershed.
During the engagement, residents shared valuable insights. They reported that both species of otters found in Guyana – the Giant River Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and the Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis), are present in the Mahaica River. They also noted sightings of manatees in the Mahaica River. However, residents also raised major concerns, including reports of hunters using otters as target practice. This troubling behaviour was reported to the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, which has since issued a public statement on the matter.
Participants took part in several hands-on activities, including identifying otter habitats and threats, as well as exploring the physical characteristics of Giant River Otters using balata figurines. As a token of appreciation, attendees received EMC Foundation–designed Giant River Otter educational stickers for their active participation.
This Community Conservation Session is a critical component of the Giant River Otter Conservation Program within the Mahaica Watershed, which is being supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation. Beyond raising awareness, it serves as an important platform to connect with communities, gather local knowledge, and better understand the challenges affecting otters, other wildlife, and the broader environment.
Sarah Singh Facilitating the Giant River Otter Community Conservation Session
EMC Foundation Team Members Interacting with Attendees During the Session
Attendees Participating in the Activities Hosted During the Session
Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation publications on Otters and the Mahaica Watershed
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.