On May 28, 2025, the EMC Foundation unveiled “Ollie the Otter’s Rivers Adventures,” a captivating children’s book, at the Umana Yana in Georgetown. The event, celebrated with prominent personalities and enthusiastic attendees, marked a significant step in promoting giant river otter conservation and education among Guyana’s youth.
The “Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures” book introduces young readers to Ollie, a spirited and curious giant river otter. It was inspired by the vibrant ecosystems and diverse biodiversity of the Mahaica River, and aims to nurture a love for nature and awareness of otter conservation among children and families.
This launch, held in celebration of World Otter Day, brought together a range of speakers who shared their insights and praised the initiative. The Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips, highlighted the impactful and collective effort behind the book, which aims to support the mission of raising environmental and educational awareness.
The Prime Minister stated, “This storybook being launched today is a vital part of that mission. It brings biodiversity into the classroom, the home, the hearts and minds of our young people—because no strategy can be successful if our citizens are not well informed. We cannot secure our future if our children are not inspired.”
He also commended the EMC Group for their work to date and expressed his anticipation for future publications and more innovative, groundbreaking projects that support Guyana’s mission of environmental conservation and awareness.
Mr. Shyam Nokta, Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, reflected on the book’s inception and its focus on the ecological richness of the Mahaica Watershed, as well as the challenges facing giant river otters.
He noted that a collaborative approach is key to tackling many of the threats facing giant river otters and other species, stating, “With the efforts we’re undertaking now with Ollie, another endangered giant, we’re able to bring together partners, communities, researchers, universities, Government agencies, as well as sponsors and donors—so that we can advance otter conservation to the next level.”
Indranee Roopsind, a Guyanese Otter Specialist with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), emphasised the significant role the publication will play in ushering in a new era of awareness and conservation for giant river otters, particularly among children.
She stated, “This collaborative effort, and the incredible work the EMC Foundation is doing, is already making—and will continue to make—a meaningful impact on giant river otter conservation, not just in Guyana but across the region. This book, which features a giant river otter along the Mahaica River, is a powerful conservation tool that blends sound science, local knowledge, and partnerships through storytelling—an effective medium that reaches audiences of all ages.”
Melanie McTurk, Project Coordinator of the Karanambu Trust, which has led giant river otter conservation efforts in the Rupununi for decades and recently partnered with the EMC Foundation, also spoke at the event. She provided important historical context on the decline of giant river otter populations and the pivotal role Karanambu Trust and Rupununi residents have played in their rehabilitation and reintroduction.
She remarked, “Giant River otters are one of our national treasures. In order to effectively design the interventions needed for their long-term survival, we must work together. We need mechanisms that not only help us understand the challenges but also allow us to find collaborative ways to protect giant river otters, safeguard our communities, and serve our people.”
Following the launch, “Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures” the EMC Foundation will engage the Ministry of Education on having copies of the book available to schools across Guyana.
EMC Foundation extends its gratitude to all the speakers, attendees, and supporters who contributed to the success of the launch. Special thanks are extended to all partners and collaborators for their support and dedication to otter conservation.
Prime Minister, Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips delivering Feature Remarks
EMC Foundation Founder and Director, Mr. Shyam Nokta providing brief remarks
Project Coordinator of Karanambu Trust, Melanie McTurk providing remarks
Otter Specialist with IUCN, Indranee Roopsind providing remarks
Mr. Shyam Nokta presenting ‘Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures’ to Officials
Mrs. Malisa Nokta presenting ‘Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures’ to Officials
EMC Foundation Programme Coordinator, Sarah Singh presenting ‘Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures to Special Invitees
Stunning Visuals from the Launch of ‘Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures’
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.