Sarah Singh

On June 26, 2026, the EMC Foundation proudly presented an EMC Foundation Information Tree to the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences (FEES) at the University of Guyana, further strengthening its commitment to environmental education and awareness.

The Information Tree, featuring the Foundation’s publications on the environment, Guyana’s hidden gems, and endangered species, was presented by Mr. Shyam Nokta, Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, to Mrs. Linda Johnson-Bhola, Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Dr. Denise Simmons, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Studies and EMC Foundation Board Member.

During the presentation, Mrs. Johnson-Bhola warmly welcomed the EMC Foundation team, representatives of the faculty, and the University of Guyana Library. She recognised Mr. Nokta as both a graduate of the Environmental Sciences Programme and a former lecturer of the faculty, commending his continued support and longstanding contributions to the institution. She expressed appreciation to Mr. Nokta and the EMC Foundation for their generosity and pledged to make the Information Tree accessible to students, lecturers, and visitors across the University, emphasising the importance of such educational resources.

Reflecting on the occasion, Mr. Nokta shared how privileged he felt to have once been a student of Dr. Denise Simmons and to now work alongside her. He reminisced on his time at the University when the department was known as the Environmental Studies Unit and noted its remarkable growth into a thriving faculty. He highlighted that this transformation reflects the increasing importance of environmental issues, biodiversity conservation, and climate change as critical national and global priorities.

Over the years, the EMC Group has maintained a close relationship with the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences through internships and volunteer opportunities, providing students with valuable experiences while recognising and encouraging academic excellence.

The Information Tree represents the Foundation’s belief in the power of books to inspire learning and create meaningful connections, even in an increasingly digital world. The publications presented to the faculty were all authored by Guyanese writers and members of the EMC Foundation team. They showcase important aspects of Guyana’s natural heritage, featuring areas such as the Mahaica Watershed and Saxacalli Rainforest, and highlighting iconic species including endangered marine turtles and giant river otters. The Information Tree now stands within the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, inviting the entire University community to explore, learn, and deepen their appreciation for Guyana’s environment.

Mrs. Linda Johnson-Bhola Providing Remarks During the Handing Over Ceremony

Mr. Shyam Nokta Providing Remarks During the Handing Over Ceremony

Attendees During the Handing Over Ceremony

Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Information Tree and Publications

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.

On June 25, 2026, the fourth edition of Conservation Conversations was held at the Avenue Café as part of its ongoing monthly series, welcoming approximately 50 participants. Attendees included representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations, environmental clubs, private-sector partners, youth groups and conservation practitioners. The session continued to strengthen dialogue around environmental issues in Guyana and encouraged collaborative thinking on practical conservation efforts.

The session opened with remarks from Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, who enlightened the audience about the purpose of Conservation Conversations and how the EMC Foundation and Protected Areas Trust (PAT) have come together to create a space where ideas flow, where connections are made, where voices are heard and where actions begin and continue.

Ms. Oleta Williams-David, Executive Director of the Protected Areas Trust (PAT), expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Conservation Conversations series. She highlighted the importance of creating spaces where conservation practitioners, researchers, and stakeholders can connect and learn from each other’s work. Ms. Williams-David noted that partnerships and the sharing of ideas are essential to advancing conservation efforts and supporting the protection and sustainable management of Guyana’s natural resources.

Dr. Raquel Thomas, Director of Resource Management and Training at the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, captivated the audience with an engaging presentation on Iwokrama’s history, achievements, and role as a global model for sustainable forest management, conservation, research, and community development. Reflecting on Guyana’s rich forest heritage, she highlighted the historical significance of balata before explaining how Iwokrama was established in 1989 as a unique partnership between the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth to demonstrate that forests can be used sustainably without being destroyed.

Dr. Thomas emphasised the importance of partnerships with Indigenous communities in the North Rupununi, ensuring that they remain active participants in forest management while maintaining access to resources for traditional practices. She also highlighted Iwokrama’s wider impact on communities and conservation in Guyana, including improvements in education and ongoing scientific research that continues to reveal the extraordinary biodiversity of the Guiana Shield.

Addressing the realities of conservation, Dr. Thomas noted that effective forest management requires both collaboration and resources, famously stating that “conservation without money is just a conversation.” She underscored the importance of partnerships in tourism and the invaluable work of rangers in monitoring and protecting the forest, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by illegal activities and the need for continued cooperation to safeguard Guyana’s natural heritage.

Following the presentations, Ms. Nikkita Greene, Grants Coordinator at the Protected Areas Trust, facilitated an engaging question-and-answer session, guiding dialogue between the Iwokrama team and attendees. 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. Sarah Singh Delivering the Opening Remarks

Ms. Oleta Williams-David Delivering Brief Remarks

Dr. Raquel Thomas Presenting on Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation & Development

Attendees During the Discussion Segment

Attendees Engaging in Conservation Conversations

Attendees Engaging with the Exhibition Booths

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.

The EMC Foundation, in collaboration with the British High Commission in Georgetown, celebrated World Sea Turtle Day on June 15, 2026, at the British High Commissioner’s Residence. The event brought together approximately 50 attendees representing Government Ministries and Agencies, Environmental Regulators, Conservation and Non-Governmental Organisations, International Partners and Diplomatic Missions, the Private Sector, and Indigenous Communities.

The celebrations commenced with welcome remarks delivered by Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the significance of World Sea Turtle Day as an opportunity to recognise the efforts of the many individuals, organisations, communities, and partners working to conserve sea turtles and their habitats in Guyana.

Mr. Shyam Nokta, Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, reflected on Guyana’s remarkable journey in sea turtle conservation, recognising the dedication of communities, conservation groups, Government agencies, and partners, including the private sector who have worked together over decades to protect these species. He highlighted the progress achieved through initiatives such as beach patrols, tagging, education, and the use of technology to support research and monitoring and the efforts to have Shell Beach, the principal nesting habitat for sea turtles in Guyana, being established as a National Protected Area. He also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration, stating, “Much has been done and achieved, but much more is still to be done. We have to continue working together to protect them.”

Ms. Kandila Ramotar and Mr. Deopaul Somwaru of Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC) shared insights into Guyana’s sea turtle monitoring and conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of Shell Beach as a nesting site for four sea turtle species and the decades of work that have contributed to their protection. Ms. Ramotar reflected on the early conservation efforts led by Dr Peter Pritchard and the transition from hunting to community-led protection, noting the critical role local communities played in changing the future of sea turtles in Guyana. Mr. Somwaru highlighted the impact of the Turtle Telemetry Programme, which uses satellite technology to track turtle movements and improve understanding of their migrations. He emphasised the importance of building local expertise through training and collaboration, stating, “The intention of this programme was to build local capacity rather than simply just collecting data.”

Ms. Singh also shared the journey behind the creation of the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook, explaining how the 2023 turtle telemetry programme inspired a new way to connect people with sea turtle conservation. She shared how Arya, the tagged green turtle, became a symbol of conservation awareness and inspired Guyana’s first children’s storybook on sea turtles, which later expanded into an audiobook in English and Arawak/Lokono languages. The project combined conservation, storytelling, and cultural heritage, demonstrating the power of creative approaches in inspiring environmental awareness. She emphasised that, “Arya Takes a Swim is more than just a story; it is a journey, a way to help people fall in love with the natural world, understand the urgent need to protect endangered sea turtles, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage that exists along our coast.”

His Excellency Joseph Fisher highlighted the UK’s support for the EMC Foundation through the Blue Social Challenge Fund in producing the Arya Takes a Swim Audiobook in both English and Arawak. He emphasised the importance of combining conservation awareness with the preservation of Indigenous language and culture, noting that the project has helped share the message of marine conservation across communities in Guyana. He stated, “Awareness is the first and most effective step in conservation: when people understand, they value, and when they value, they protect.”

Following the formal programme, attendees gathered for a reception where they listened to snippets from the Arya Takes a Swim audiobook, accompanied by a slideshow showcasing the history of sea turtle conservation in Guyana. Guests also visited the EMC turtle telemetry booth to learn more about satellite tracking technology and explored the EMC Foundation booth to view publications and learn more about the Foundation’s work. The reception provided an opportunity for participants to connect, exchange ideas, share their sea turtle stories, and discuss their visions for the future of conservation in Guyana.

Mr. Shyam Nokta Delivering Remarks

His Excellency Joseph Fisher Delivering Remarks

Ms. Kandila Ramotar and Mr. Deopaul Somwaru Presenting on Guyana’s Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts

Attendees Present at the World Sea Turtle Day Celebration

Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Booth

Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Telemetry Booth

Attendees Engaging with the Photobooth

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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.

On June 5, 2026, in observance of World Environment Day, the EMC Foundation team conducted an environmental awareness session with students of Plaisance Primary School. The activity engaged approximately 50 students from Grades 4 to 6 and one teacher, providing an opportunity to celebrate the global observance while encouraging students to develop a greater appreciation for the environment and enhance their role in protecting it.

World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5 and serves as a global platform for raising awareness and promoting action on environmental issues. This year’s observance provided an opportunity for students to learn about some of the challenges facing the environment, explore practical solutions, and understand how everyday actions can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

The session began with an energetic icebreaker, Planet Earth Says, facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, and Sasha Singh, Intern. The activity created a welcoming atmosphere and encouraged students to interact with the facilitators while learning about animals, nature, and the environment. Their enthusiastic participation helped set the tone for the rest of the session.

Following the icebreaker, students took part in an interactive presentation on World Environment Day and its importance. Abigail introduced the theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” and discussed the many ways in which the environment supports life by providing clean air, water, food, and habitats for wildlife. Students also learned about the purpose of World Environment Day and how people around the world mark the occasion through activities such as tree planting, recycling initiatives, community clean-ups, wildlife conservation efforts, and environmental education programmes.

Students actively contributed to discussions on environmental issues affecting Guyana and the wider world. They identified concerns such as littering, pollution, deforestation, climate change, and habitat loss, demonstrating an awareness of challenges facing both their communities and natural ecosystems. Through guided discussions and interactive questioning, they explored the impacts of these issues on people and wildlife and considered ways in which they could help address them.

The EMC Foundation team also shared information about the Foundation’s Environmental Clubs, environmental education programmes, biodiversity monitoring initiatives, and E-STEM activities. The presentation highlighted the use of technologies such as drones, camera traps, environmental monitoring equipment, and scientific applications in conservation and research. Many students were particularly interested in learning how these tools are used to monitor wildlife and better understand ecosystems.

An interactive discussion on environmental stewardship encouraged students to think about the actions they can take to care for the environment. They shared a variety of ideas, including reducing littering, recycling, conserving water, saving energy, planting trees, respecting wildlife, and encouraging others to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Their responses reflected a clear understanding that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility and that young people can make meaningful contributions.

The session concluded with a fun and engaging activity titled Stand Up If You Care. Students responded to a series of environmental statements and scenarios that encouraged them to reflect on responsible environmental behaviours while reinforcing the key messages discussed throughout the session. The activity generated enthusiastic participation and provided an enjoyable way to gauge students’ understanding of environmental issues. The EMC Foundation E-STEM Programme is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.

Ms. Abigail Gobin Facilitating the Session

Club Members Engaging in the “Planet Earth Says” Activity

Club Members Engaging in the “Stand Up If You Care” Activity

Club Members Listening and Engaging in Discussions During the Session

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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.

On May 31, 2026, the EMC Foundation participated in an exhibition organised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in celebration of World Environment Day 2026. The event was held at the Guyana National Park under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.” It brought together a wide range of educational and interactive activities, reinforcing the message that small, consistent actions can contribute to a resilient and thriving Guyana.

The EMC Foundation’s exhibition booth featured the EMC Foundation Information Tree, an interactive display showcasing the organisation’s publications and work. The feature allowed visitors to engage directly with EMC’s materials while also connecting with team members to learn more about ongoing conservation and environmental education initiatives.

To further enhance engagement, the booth included two interactive environmental games. The first was a matching card game, where participants turned over cards to correctly pair identical environmental-themed images. The second was an ecosystem-based activity in which participants selected a card representing a specific ecosystem and shared relevant facts about it. Winners of both activities received EMC Foundation publications and branded stickers as rewards.

The exhibition attracted participation from schools, as well as representatives from the private sector, Ministries, and other State agencies. This diverse attendance created a valuable opportunity for the EMC Foundation to highlight its role in environmental awareness and conservation education across Guyana. Throughout the event, the Foundation engaged visitors of all ages in a fun and interactive learning experience. Participants learned about wildlife conservation, environmental preservation, and the use of tools like camera traps in field research. The exhibition successfully strengthened public understanding of environmental issues and highlighted the importance of collective action in conservation efforts across Guyana.

Visitors Interacting with the EMC Foundation Information Tree and Publications

Visitors Participating in Interactive Games at the Booth

Visitors Engaging with the EMC Foundation Photo Props

Visitors Engaging with the EMC Foundation Selfie Frame

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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.