The EMC Foundation and the Protected Areas Trust (PAT) officially launched Conservation Conversations, a new monthly initiative designed to bring together environmental stakeholders from across Guyana to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen partnerships for conservation.
On March 26, 2026, the inaugural event, held at the Avenue Café, welcomed more than 30 participants, including representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations, environmental clubs, private-sector partners, youth groups, and international collaborators. The event marked the beginning of a platform intended to encourage dialogue and inspire practical action for the protection of Guyana’s natural environment.
Conservation Conversations was created to provide a regular forum for professionals, community representatives, students, and conservation practitioners to discuss environmental challenges and benefit from the experiences of organisations operating on the ground. The series attempts to highlight a variety of conservation approaches by presenting a different organisation each month, ranging from community-led projects to scientific research and environmental education.
The session began with remarks from Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, who described Conservation Conversations as more than just a series of events. She stated that the initiative aims to establish a long-term platform for meaningful dialogue that could lead to action and stronger conservation partnerships.
Mr. Shyam Nokta, Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation and Chairman of PAT, then emphasised the importance of increased collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the face of environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, and climate-related pressures. He emphasised the importance of platforms like Conservation Conversations in connecting experts, community leaders, and the general public, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for conservation.
The inaugural session featured the South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS), a community-driven non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the Rupununi. Representatives of SRCS attending the event included Maya de Freitas, Erin Earl, Leroy Ignacio, Angelbert Johnny, and Huichang Yang.
SRCS used the platform to present on its history and evolution from a small community response in the late 1990s to a leading community-based conservation organisation in the Rupununi, formally established in 2002. The organisation highlighted its Community Conservation Areas as a key approach to protecting ecosystems while empowering local communities through activities such as habitat restoration, ecological monitoring, and sustainable resource management.
SRCS also shared insights on its wider programmes, including wildlife monitoring, species protection, environmental education, bird guide training, and traditional skills development. Grounded in both scientific research and traditional knowledge, the organisation continues to safeguard biodiversity, support Indigenous communities, and address emerging threats, including mining and potential oil development.
Following the presentation, attendees participated in a question-and-answer segment moderated by Oleta Williams, who also provided closing remarks. Participants then engaged in a networking session that fostered meaningful conversations, the exchange of ideas, and the exploration of potential collaborations across sectors and communities.
Sarah Singh Delivering the Opening Remarks
Mr. Shyam Nokta Delivering Brief Remarks
Representatives of SRCS Presenting on the Organisation’s Work
Oleta Williams Delivering the Closing Remarks
Mr. Shyam Nokta with the Protected Areas Trust Team
Mr. Shyam Nokta with the EMC Foundation Team
Attendees Engaging in Conservation Conversations
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.