On April 28, 2026, the second edition of Conservation Conversations featuring the Kanashen Amerindian Protected Area (KAPA) was held as part of the ongoing monthly series, welcoming approximately 40 participants. Attendees represented a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, environmental clubs, private sector partners, youth groups, and conservation practitioners. The initiative continues to strengthen dialogue on environmental issues in Guyana and promotes collaborative approaches to practical conservation action.
The session opened with remarks from Ms. Oleta Williams, Executive Director of the Protected Areas Trust (PAT), who underscored the collaborative spirit between the EMC Foundation and PAT. She explained that the initiative reflects a shared commitment to advancing conservation in Guyana through partnership and engagement. Ms. Williams highlighted that the EMC Foundation, established by Mr. Shyam Nokta, focuses on environmental awareness and education through publications, learning experiences, and collaborative initiatives that deepen understanding of Guyana’s ecosystems. She further noted that the PAT, established by the Government of Guyana, plays a critical role in providing sustainable financing for the long-term management of the country’s protected areas while strengthening partnerships that support biodiversity conservation.
Mr. Shyam Nokta, Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation and Chairman of PAT, welcomed distinguished attendees, including Major General Joseph Govinda Singh, Mr. Harripersaud Nokta, Ms. Melanie McTurk, Dr. Francis Clarke, Ambassador Nicole Theriot and High Commissioner Joseph Fisher. He reflected on the growing momentum of conservation in Guyana, noting its expansion beyond the hinterland into coastal regions alongside increased public engagement. He emphasised that Conservation Conversations provides an important platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, particularly for stakeholders working in remote areas such as the Kanashen Amerindian Protected Area. Mr. Nokta also highlighted the strong, multi-generational leadership of the Wai Wai people in balancing conservation with sustainable development. He concluded by stressing the urgency of expanding conservation partnerships in the face of global biodiversity threats, reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to environmental stewardship through collective action.
The Kanashen Amerindian Protected Area (KAPA), the largest protected area in Guyana and the country’s first Indigenous-owned conservation landscape, is located in southern Guyana and is managed by the Wai Wai people. It plays a critical role in protecting biodiversity while supporting the cultural and traditional way of life of its communities. KAPA representatives in attendance included Toshao Joseph Ayaw, Phillip Suse, and Donny Charles.
Representatives from KAPA shared the historical journey of the Wai Wai people’s settlement in the 1930s and described how a long-standing vision to secure and manage their ancestral lands guided generations of leadership. This vision, first championed by Chief Elder Ewka and carried forward by successive leaders, ultimately led to collaboration with the Government of Guyana and Conservation International. As a result, Kanashen was granted an absolute land title in 2007 and later designated as a protected area in 2017. Today, KAPA spans approximately 648,567 hectares and safeguards critical ecosystems, including the headwaters of the Essequibo River.
They also provided insight into contemporary life in Wai Wai communities, where over 300 residents across three villages continue to uphold strong cultural traditions while engaging in conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Conservation, they explained, is understood not only as environmental protection but also as cultural preservation, ensuring traditions, livelihoods, and identity are maintained for future generations.
Looking ahead, KAPA representatives outlined key development priorities, including improved infrastructure, expansion of solar energy systems, development of eco-tourism and craft enterprises, and strengthened health and education services. Continued partnerships and capacity-building were also highlighted as critical to enhancing long-term conservation management.
Following the presentations, Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator at the EMC Foundation, facilitated an engaging question-and-answer session, guiding dialogue between presenters and participants. She later delivered the closing remarks, summarising key insights from the discussion and encouraging continued collaboration and participation in future editions of the series.
The event concluded with a networking session, where attendees exchanged ideas, explored opportunities for collaboration, and strengthened cross-sector relationships.
Conservation Conversations continues to demonstrate the importance of creating inclusive spaces where diverse voices can come together in support of a shared commitment to protecting Guyana’s environment. Led by the EMC Foundation in partnership with the Protected Areas Trust, the initiative is helping to foster the dialogue and partnerships needed to support long-term conservation impact.
Ms. OIeta Williams Delivering the Opening Remarks
Mr. Shyam Nokta Delivering Brief Remarks
Representatives from KAPA During their Presentation
Mr. Shyam Nokta with Representatives from KAPA, PAC, PAT and the Government of Guyana (From Left: Mr. Shyam Nokta, Mr. Phillip Suse, Mr. Fitzroy Sealey, Nikkita Greene, Ms. Dee George, Mr. Donny Charles, Ms. Melanie McTurk, Mr. Harripersaud Nokta, Toshao Joseph Ayaw, and Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh)
Mr. Shyam Nokta with High Commissioner Joseph Fisher and Toshao Joseph Ayaw
Attendees Interacting with the Exhibition Booths
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.