On July 31, 2026, the EMC Foundation, in collaboration with the Protected Areas Trust (PAT), hosted the fifth edition of Conservation Conversations under the theme “Inspiring Change, One Conversation at a Time.” Held in the residence of the British High Commissioner, the event brought together conservation practitioners, government agencies, diplomats, researchers, student, environmental organisations, and members of the public for an evening dedicated to exploring discussions about conservation, justice and sustainable development.
The programme commenced with welcoming remarks from Ms. Oleta Williams-David, Executive Director of the Protected Areas Trust (PAT), who greeted attendees and acknowledged the event’s partners, collaborators, and distinguished guests. She also highlighted the shared commitment of the Protected Areas Trust and the EMC Foundation to advancing environmental awareness and conservation through public engagement.
In his remarks, His Excellency Mr. Joseph Fisher, British High Commissioner to Guyana, reflected on the success of previous Conservation Conversations, praised the growing enthusiasm and interests of Guyanese communities for environmental conservation, and highlighted recent conservation initiatives, including mangrove restoration activities and the screening of Paimîye, a film celebrating Guyana’s national flower. He also reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s longstanding partnership with Guyana in biodiversity conservation, sustainable forestry, and environmental research, while introducing the significance of the Sofia Point Rainforest Research Centre.
Rt Honourable David Lammy, Member of Parliament and Co-Founder of the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre presented on the relationship between geopolitics, justice, and conservation, drawing from both his personal experiences and his work in international politics. Reflecting on his Guyanese roots, he highlighted the importance of preserving Guyana’s remarkable biodiversity while recognising the global challenges posed by climate change, resource competition, and environmental inequality. He emphasised that climate change is fundamentally a justice issue, with vulnerable countries and indigenous communities often experiencing the greatest impacts despite contributing the least to global emissions. Throughout his presentation, he highlighted Guyana’s environmental leadership and called for stronger international partnerships, greater investment in local communities, and continued support for conservation initiatives that empower people while protecting nature.
The programme continued with a special presentation by Mr. Eric Stoll, Lecturer and Entomologist from the University of Guyana, who shared his experiences conducting research at the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre. He described how the Centre has evolved into an important hub of environmental research, education, and capacity building and highlighted the value of having accessible laboratory facilities within a rainforest setting, enabling researchers to collect, process, and publish critical biodiversity data while providing students and local communities with hands-on learning opportunities. Mr. Stoll also encouraged continued investment in facilities like Sophia Point, noting their importance in supporting scientific research and informing evidence-based environmental policy.
Following the presentations, Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, thanked the speakers before opening the floor for an engaging question-and-answer session. Participants shared insights, exchanged ideas, and discussed the role of research, collaboration, and community engagement in strengthening conservation efforts across Guyana.
The event concluded with a networking session, where attendees continued conversations and reconnecting with colleagues; strengthening relations for more collaborative opportunities.
The fifth edition of Conservation Conversations once again demonstrated the importance of building spaces where ideas, open dialogues and community perspectives can exist simultaneously. Led by the EMC Foundation in partnership with the Protected Areas Trust, the initiative continues to inspire action and the partnerships needed to support long-term conservation impact.
Ms. Oleta Williams-David Delivering Welcome Remarks
His Excellency Mr Joseph Fisher Delivering Brief Remarks
Rt Honourable David Lammy During the Feature Presentation
Mr. Eric Stoll Presenting on Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre
Attendees During the Discussion Segment
Attendees Engaging in Conservation Conversations
Rt Hon David Lammy, MP Engaging with the EMC Foundation Exhibition Booth
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.