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The EMC Foundation took part in the 2024 activities to commemorate International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems at the Kingston Esplanade, Georgetown, on July 26, 2024. The event was organised by Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) under the theme, “Mangroves Matter: Safeguarding Our Coastal Guardians for Tomorrow.”

The vibrant EMC Foundation booth showcased the organisation’s contributions to environmental awareness and mangrove conservation in Guyana. It featured a variety of informative publications and presentations highlighting the critical role mangroves play in protecting coastal regions and promoting ecological balance. Visitors enjoyed interactive games, won exclusive EMC publications, and learned more about mangroves in Guyana.  

This exhibition provided an excellent opportunity for the EMC Foundation team to engage with over three hundred nature enthusiasts, share insights into their work, and inspire collective action towards environmental conservation. It reinforced the importance of collaboration in protecting Guyana’s mangroves and inspired visitors to actively participate in safeguarding them.

Excited Students Interacting with the EMC Foundation Team

EMC Foundation was established by 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 people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.

The EMC Foundation and the Scouts Association of Guyana signed an MoU on July 22, 2024, in a groundbreaking move to promote environmental education among youths in Guyana. This partnership aims to enhance knowledge, raise awareness, and build capacity, particularly focusing on youth and environmental sustainability.

The collaboration will feature a blend of classroom and field sessions across coastal and hinterland locations. These activities are designed to highlight environmental issues while equipping young minds with practical skills and technology know-how.

A standout feature of this partnership is the focus on E-STEM, which is Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, with an environmental twist. The program will address critical areas such as environmental pollution, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Mr. Shyam Nokta, who founded the EMC Foundation in 2022, shared his excitement about the collaboration. “This is another significant step for the EMC Foundation in our efforts to continue to raise awareness of the environment among youths. We recognise the important work the Scouts Association has been doing over many years with young people across Guyana and their nature-focused activities. By working together, we can help nurture interest, appreciation, and action among the youth to safeguard the environment.”

Mrs Zaida Joaquin, Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Scouts Association, echoed these sentiments. “The Scouts Association is very pleased to work with the EMC Foundation. We commend their efforts to raise environmental awareness and engage youths through innovative approaches that bring young people together and involve activities in nature. This is very consistent with what we do at Scouts with youths of different ages: Cub Scouts from age 7 to 11 years, Explorer Scouts from 11 to 15 years, and Venture Scouts from 15 to 19 years.”

This MoU marks a significant stride in empowering the next generation of environmental stewards. Through this collaboration, the EMC Foundation and the Scouts Association of Guyana are set to inspire young minds to take active roles in safeguarding the environment.

About the Scouts Association of Guyana

The Scout Association of Guyana is dedicated to building a brighter future for the youth in Guyana. Through innovative programs, the Scouts strive to develop the physical and mental capabilities of its members, and instil essential values such as honesty, respect, and empathy. At the forefront of youth development in Guyana, the Scout’s mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where young minds can flourish, focusing on holistic growth and fostering responsible, active citizens.

For more information, please visit https://www.scouts.org.gy/

About the EMC Foundation

EMC Foundation was established by 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 that encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.

For more information, please visit https://www.emcfoundation.gy 

Mr. Shyam Nokta, Founder of EMC Foundation, hands over an EMC Foundation Information Package to Mr. Yonnick David, Chief Commissioner of the Scouts Association of Guyana

On June 2, 2024, the EMC Foundation joined an exhibition organized by the Environmental Protection Agency to celebrate World Environment Day 2024. The event was filled with educational and engaging activities, emphasizing the importance of small actions and the belief that people can work towards a resilient and thriving Guyana.

The EMC Foundation exhibition booth showcased the Foundation’s publications and a slideshow displaying the Foundation’s activities, capturing visitors’ interest. The booth featured two interactive environmental-themed games. The first game challenged participants to voice their opinions on how they would address selected environmental issues, while the second tested their skills with a turtle-themed crossword puzzle to be completed within five minutes. Winners of these games were rewarded with EMC Foundation publications.

The exhibition event attracted representatives from schools, the private sector, and the public sector including Ministries and State agencies. It provided a unique opportunity for those present to learn about the EMC Foundation’s significant role in environmental conservation. Through interactive displays and informative sessions, visitors gained insights into the Foundation’s achievements and the importance of raising awareness for collective action on environmental conservation.

Engagements at the EMC Foundation booth

EMC Foundation was established by Mr. Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship in the field of Environmental Services. 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 people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.

On May 31, 2024, the EMC Foundation participated in an Open Day and Exhibition hosted by the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission. This event celebrated World Wildlife Day 2024 and marked the Commission’s seven years of official operation. The day was packed with educational and engaging activities, underscoring the importance of wildlife conservation in Guyana.

Visitors to the EMC Foundation participated in a biodiversity-themed discussion game, where participants randomly selected scenarios affecting wildlife and shared their strategies for managing these situations. Participants received EMC Foundation publications, aimed at enhancing their understanding and connection to Guyana’s diverse environment.

The Open Day drew students from various schools and several conservation organizations across Guyana. It offered a unique chance for young minds to learn about the EMC Foundation’s crucial role in raising environmental awareness. Through interactive displays and informative sessions, students gained valuable insights into the Foundation’s achievements and the critical need to raise awareness and encourage collective action in wildlife conservation.

EMC Foundation was established by Mr. Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship in the field of Environmental Services. 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 people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.

Students Playing the Game at the Booth and a Student Displaying his Prize

On May 30, 2024, the EMC Foundation organized a session for the Secondary School students of the Marian Academy Environmental Club. This engaging event aimed to educate young minds about wildlife monitoring through practical demonstrations and interactive discussions.

The session commenced with a detailed discussion on the mechanics and setup of camera traps. Students learned how these devices operate, the process of setting them up in the field, and the kind of valuable information they can collect. The highlight of the session was a live demonstration where students could set up the traps themselves. They observed firsthand how these traps automatically take photos upon detecting motion, capturing images of the diverse wildlife in the area.

To make the session even more enjoyable and educational, a fun guessing game was organized towards the end. Students were shown photos taken by camera traps in the Saxacalli Rainforest and were asked to identify the animals. This game not only tested their knowledge but also introduced them to the rich biodiversity of their own country.

For many students, this session was their first exposure to camera traps and some of the wildlife of Guyana, including animals like deer and peccaries. The interactive and hands-on nature of the class made it a memorable learning experience. Students left with a deeper understanding and appreciation of environmental monitoring, contributing to their growing interest in environmental conservation.

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 people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.

Students Setting Their Camera Traps

Students and EMC Foundation Representatives during the Camera Trap Discussions

On April 26, 2024, the EMC Foundation hosted an environmental club class with the Secondary School students of Marian Academy Environmental Club. The session included conversations about Shell Beach, the marine turtles which come there to nest, the challenges they face, and the various conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding them. Additionally, the ongoing turtle telemetry program was discussed, highlighting the innovative technology utilized in monitoring and protecting these magnificent creatures.

The students were astonished by the multitude of factors impacting Guyana’s marine turtles and expressed a keen interest in contributing to their protection. Some even shared dreams of venturing to Shell Beach to immerse themselves in its rich biodiversity and to explore its captivating coastal wonders.

The students were assigned a turtle-themed crossword puzzle where they used the information from the posters discussed in class. This engaging activity provided a hands-on opportunity for students to reinforce their understanding while fostering teamwork and problem-solving abilities in a fun way.

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 people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.

Turtle Telemetry Posters

Students during the Environmental Club class