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
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 29, 2026 another Conservation Conversations was held at Avenue Café. This edition was held as a panel discussion in observance of World Otter Day and focused on the conservation of the Giant River Otter in Guyana, with discussions centred on scientific research, habitat protection, public awareness, and collaborative conservation strategies. There was attendance by approximately 50 participants from a wide range of stakeholders, including Government agencies, civil society organisations, environmental clubs, private sector partners, youth groups, researchers, and conservation practitioners. The initiative continues to strengthen dialogue on environmental issues in Guyana and promote 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 the Protected Areas Trust, welcomed participants and recognised distinguished attendees including Mr. Joseph Fisher, the British High Commissioner to Guyana; Mr. Kemraj Parsram, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); representatives from Exxon Mobil, Karanambu Trust, and Iwokrama; and community members from Kanashen and Mahaica. He noted that Conservation Conversations was established to bring together environmental stakeholders from across Guyana to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen partnerships for conservation. He emphasised that species such as the Giant River Otter highlight the importance of coordinated conservation efforts, particularly because of their dependence on healthy, interconnected freshwater ecosystems.
The panel featured Ms. Melanie McTurk, Managing Director of Karanambu Lodge; Dr. Deirdre Jafferally, Community-Based Natural Resource Management Specialist; Ms. Alona Sankar, Commissioner of the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC); and Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Williams, who guided the conversation on the ecological importance of Giant River Otters, the pressures affecting their populations, and opportunities for strengthening conservation partnerships across Guyana.
Throughout the discussion, panellists highlighted the important role Giant River Otters play in freshwater ecosystems and the need to protect the rivers, wetlands, and habitats they depend on. They also discussed how ongoing research and monitoring are improving understanding of the species and its conservation needs in Guyana, while emphasising the importance of collaboration, education, and public awareness in supporting conservation efforts.
Ms. McTurk highlighted the significance of long-term conservation efforts and research in protecting the Giant River Otter and its habitat. Dr. Jafferally emphasised the importance of integrating community engagement and local knowledge into conservation initiatives to support long-term environmental stewardship. Ms. Sankar emphasised the importance of strengthening wildlife conservation policies, legal protections, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the long-term survival of Guyana’s giant otter populations and other wildlife resources. Ms. Singh highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing Giant River Otter Conservation Programme in Mahaica and the importance of combining research and education initiatives to improve understanding and protection of the species.
The panel discussion reinforced the collective commitment among conservation partners and stakeholders to safeguarding Guyana’s Giant River Otters and the freshwater ecosystems they depend on. The exchange of ideas and knowledge throughout the evening highlighted the importance of continued collaboration, research, and public engagement in ensuring the long-term conservation of one of Guyana’s most iconic species.
Following the discussion, a brief question-and-answer session allowed for further interaction between panellists and participants, encouraging deeper engagement on key issues raised during the panel. Closing remarks summarised the main insights from the session and encouraged continued participation in future editions of the series.
The event concluded with a networking session, where attendees exchanged ideas, explored opportunities for collaboration, and strengthened relationships across sectors and organisations.
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 Welcome Remarks
Mr. Shyam Nokta Delivering Opening Remarks
Panellists (From Left: Ms. Melanie McTurk, Ms. Alona Sankar, Ms. Sarah Singh, and Dr. Deirdre Jafferally) and Moderator, Ms. OIeta Williams During the Panel Discussion
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.
On May 16, 2026, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Lake Mainstay Youth Environmental Club. The session, attended by 3 members, including club members from Forms 2 to 4, participated in the activity. The visit served to formally introduce the EMC Foundation team to the club, highlight the importance of Environmental Clubs, and engage students in hands-on learning aligned with the Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation Work Plan.
The session began with an introduction to environmental devices facilitated by Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, alongside Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, Sasha Singh, Intern and Trevor Emmanuel, Field Assistant and Driver.
Sarah introduced the club members to camera traps, explaining their different parts, uses, and applications in wildlife monitoring. The club members were then challenged to independently set up their own camera traps, each selecting a target species they hoped to capture.
In addition, the club members were introduced to Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and guided on how to use them to record locations accurately. As part of the practical exercise, they marked and documented the coordinates of the camera-trap sites they deployed, reinforcing real-world field-monitoring skills.
The club members also learned about binoculars, explaining their purpose and how they are used in environmental monitoring, particularly for observing wildlife such as birds. The members were then given the opportunity to use the binoculars themselves to scan the surroundings of Lake Mainstay. The club members also used apps like Merlin, eBird and iNaturalist to identify bird species.
The members also showed keen interest in learning about the environment through nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts and learning to operate drones and camera traps. They were also shown camera trap videos of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group.
The club members also eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and conserving the environment. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to continue Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and exciting exercises outlined in the work plans.
The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Club Members Deploying their Camera Traps
Club Members Using the GPS Device
Club Members Using Binoculars
Club Members Using Environmental Apps
Club Members Engaging with the EMC Foundation 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 May 16, 2026 the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Lake Mainstay Primary Environmental Club. The session saw attendance from approximately 28 members, including 1 teacher and club members from Grades 3, 4, 5 and 6. The visit served to formally introduce the EMC Foundation team to the club, highlight the importance of Environmental Clubs, and engage students in hands-on learning aligned with the Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation Work Plan.
The session began with a lively icebreaker, “Planet Earth Says,” facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, Sasha Singh, Intern and Trevor Emmanuel, Field Assistant and Driver. This interactive icebreaker fostered a fun and welcoming atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while highlighting environmental facts learned through the E-STEM Program.
Sarah introduced students to camera traps, explaining their different parts, uses, and applications in wildlife monitoring. Students were then challenged to set up their own camera traps, each selecting a target species they hoped to capture.
In addition, the club members were introduced to Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and guided on how to use them to accurately record locations. As part of the practical exercise, students marked and documented the coordinates of the camera trap sites they deployed, reinforcing real-world field monitoring skills.
The members also showed keen interest in artistic activities and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts, arts and craft activities, and learning to operate drones and camera traps. The students were also shown camera trap videos of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to continue Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and exciting exercises outlined in the work plans. The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Club Members Engaging in the “Planet Earth Says” Activity
Club Members Deploying Teir Camera Traps
Club Members Engaging with the GPS Device
Club Members Using the Binoculars
Club Members Engaging with EMC Group-developed Materials
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 16, 2026, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted a Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the Indigenous community of Mainstay.
This engaging session brought together approximately 35 participants, who experienced Arya Takes a Swim in an immersive and meaningful way. Attendees first viewed a video on the turtle telemetry programme, followed by exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the audiobook, highlighting both the conservation work and the creative process behind the project.
The gathering was warmly embraced by the community and attended by the Toshao, teachers, students, and other villagers. The response was enthusiastic and very well received, with many excited to hear the Lokono language brought to life through such a modern and creative approach. The session also helped raise awareness about sea turtle conservation and the importance of protecting Guyana’s diverse wildlife and habitats.
Ms. Sarah Singh, EMC Foundation’s Program Coordinator, chaired the listening session and emphasised that Arya Takes a Swim bears an overarching message on local conservation efforts to protect the four endangered turtle species in Guyana. She explained that the story was inspired by the turtle telemetry programme conducted by Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) Inc. along the Shell Beach Protected Area. She also explained that the main character was named after Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, to honour her dedicated advocacy for animal welfare and human rights.
Sarah also highlighted that the project honours Indigenous communities and helps preserve their languages. “Around the Shell Beach Protected Area, and in many of the Indigenous communities the EMC Foundation works with, the majority of residents belong to the Lokono Nation. For this reason, Lokono was chosen as the Indigenous language to be featured in this project. By producing Arya Takes a Swim in Lokono, this initiative contributes to wider efforts of cultural revitalisation, helping to preserve and promote Indigenous identity, pride, and storytelling for future generations.”
Toshao Marsha Williams also delivered brief remarks during the session. She spoke about the importance of preserving Indigenous heritage through language, traditional practices, local crafts, and agriculture, while emphasising the role of cultural revitalisation in strengthening community identity and tourism. Toshao Williams expressed appreciation for the audiobook initiative and encouraged younger generations to embrace and learn aspects of their ancestral language. “Restoring it is part of who we are,” she shared, while noting that even learning a few traditional words can help keep the language and culture alive for future generations.
In a special moment during the session, Ms. Sarah Singh presented Toshao Marsha Williams with a copy of Arya Takes a Swim. The gesture reflected the EMC Foundation’s commitment to supporting Indigenous communities through cultural education and storytelling.
At the end of the session, attendees listened to the Arawak version of the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook and enjoyed a Turtle Conservation Exhibition, an EMC Foundation Corner showcasing key publications, and a range of engaging turtle-themed children’s activities, including word searches, crosswords, and colouring pages.
The Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project was implemented by the EMC Foundation with support from the Blue Social Challenge Fund Pilot, part of the UK’s Sustainable Blue Economy Programme. It forms an important part of the EMC Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and foster a collective commitment to marine turtle conservation in Guyana.
Through interactive events like this, the EMC Foundation continues to bring together conservation, culture, and community. By blending storytelling, science, and Indigenous voices, the Foundation remains committed to protecting Guyana’s biodiversity while celebrating its rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Attendees Viewing the Videos During the Programme
Ms. Sarah Singh Delivering Remarks During the Session
Toshao Marsha Williams Delivering Remarks During the Session
Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Corner
Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Conservation Exhibition
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 15, 2026, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Taymouth Manor Primary School Environmental Club to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 35 students from Grades four to six and five teachers, provided the EMC Foundation team with an opportunity to introduce itself, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.
The session began with a lively icebreaker, “Planet Earth Says,” facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, Sasha Singh, Intern and Trevor Emmanuel, Field Assistant and Driver. This interactive icebreaker fostered a fun and welcoming atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while highlighting simple actions that can be taken to conserve and protect the environment.
Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, projects, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about the environment and conservation. The club members were particularly interested in the Foundation’s Biodiversity Monitoring Programs, drone programs and outreach activities.
The club members actively participated in a question-and-answer segment led by Sarah Singh. They were excited to participate and motivated to answer the questions to earn a prize. They were highly focused, and many showed great excitement upon successfully answering questions correctly and earning a prize.
The members also showed keen interest in artistic activities and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts, arts and craft activities, and learning to operate drones and camera traps. The students were also shown camera trap videos of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group.
Students also eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and conserving the environment. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and exciting exercises outlined in the work plans.
The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Ms. Abigail Gobin Facilitating the Session
Club Members Engaging in the “Planet Earth Says” Activity
Club Members Viewing Videos on Activities Implemented by the EMC Group
Club Members Participating in the Question-and-Answer Activity
Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation 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 May 15, 2026, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Huis’T Dieren Primary School Environmental Club to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 72 students from Grades four to six and eight teachers, provided the EMC Foundation team with an opportunity to introduce itself, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.
The session began with a lively icebreaker, “Planet Earth Says,” facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, Sasha Singh, Intern and Trevor Emmanuel, Field Assistant and Driver. This interactive icebreaker fostered a fun and welcoming atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while highlighting simple actions that can be taken to conserve and protect the environment.
Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, projects, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about the environment and conservation. The club members were particularly interested in the Foundation’s Biodiversity Monitoring Programs, drone programs and outreach activities.
The club members actively participated in a question-and-answer segment led by Sarah Singh. They were excited to participate and motivated to answer the questions to earn a prize. They were highly focused, and many showed great excitement upon successfully answering questions correctly and earning a prize.
The members also showed keen interest in artistic activities and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts, arts and craft activities, and learning to operate drones and camera traps. The students were also shown camera trap videos of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group.
Students also eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and conserving the environment. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and exciting exercises outlined in the work plans.
The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Ms. Abigail Gobin Facilitating the Session
Club Members Engaging in the “Planet Earth Says” Activity
Club Members Viewing Videos on Activities Implemented by the EMC Group
Club Members Participating in the Question-and-Answer Activity
Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation 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 May 14, 2026 the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Huis’T Dieren Primary Environmental Club to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 48 students from Grades Four to Five and one teacher, provided the EMC Foundation team with an opportunity to introduce itself, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.
The session began with a lively icebreaker, “Planet Earth Says,” facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, Sasha Singh, Intern and Trevor Emmanuel, Field Assistant and Driver. This interactive icebreaker fostered a fun and welcoming atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while highlighting simple actions that can be taken to conserve and protect the environment.
Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, projects, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about the environment and conservation. The club members were particularly interested in the Foundation’s Biodiversity Monitoring Programs, drone programs and outreach activities.
The club members actively participated in a question-and-answer segment led by Sarah Singh. They were excited to participate and motivated to answer the questions to earn a prize. They were highly focused, and many showed great excitement upon successfully answering questions correctly and earning a prize.
The members also showed keen interest in artistic activities and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts, arts and craft activities, and learning to operate drones and camera traps. The students were also shown camera trap videos of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group.
Students also eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and conserving the environment. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and exciting exercises outlined in the work plans. The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Ms. Abigail Gobin Facilitating the Session
Club Members Engaging in the “Planet Earth Says” Activity
Club Members Viewing Videos on Activities Implemented by the EMC Group
Club Members Participating in the Question-and-Answer Activity
Club Members Engaging with the EMC Foundation Selfie Frame
Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation 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 May 14, 2026 the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Abram Zuil Secondary Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 28 members, including 3 teachers and club members from Form 4, participated in the activity. The visit served to formally introduce the EMC Foundation team to the club, highlight the importance of Environmental Clubs, and engage students in hands-on learning aligned with the Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation Work Plan.
The session began with a lively icebreaker, “Eco-Bingo,” facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, Sasha Singh, Intern and Trevor Emmanuel, Field Assistant and Driver. The activity fostered a lively and welcoming atmosphere, helping members feel comfortable while learning fun environmental facts and building connections.
Sarah introduced students to camera traps, explaining their different parts, uses, and applications in wildlife monitoring. Students were then challenged to independently set up their own camera traps, each selecting a target species they hoped to capture.
In addition, the club members were introduced to Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and guided on how to use them to accurately record locations. As part of the practical exercise, students marked and documented the coordinates of the camera trap sites they deployed, reinforcing real-world field monitoring skills.
The club members were introduced to digital biodiversity monitoring tools such as iNaturalist, eBird, and the Merlin Bird ID app, which were demonstrated to students as citizen science platforms for recording and identifying wildlife. Students were shown how iNaturalist can be used to document observations of plants and animals and contribute to global biodiversity databases, while eBird was introduced as a tool for recording bird sightings and supporting large-scale bird monitoring efforts. The Merlin Bird ID app was also demonstrated to assist with bird identification using photos, sounds, and field observations, helping to strengthen students’ species identification skills and encouraging active participation in biodiversity monitoring within their local environment.
The members showed keen interest in artistic activities and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts, arts and craft activities, and learning to operate drones and camera traps.
The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” Activity
Club Members Engaging with the Camera Traps
Club Member Engaging with the GPS Device
Club Members Engaging with Environmental Apps
Club Members Engaging with EMC Foundation Publications
Engagements with the EMC Foundation Selfe Frame
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 13, 2026, the EMC Foundation conducted an initiation visit to the Lake Capoey Environmental Club. The session, attended by approximately 14 members, including 1 teacher and club members from Grades 4, 5 and 6, participated in the activity. The visit served to formally introduce the EMC Foundation team to the club, highlight the importance of Environmental Clubs, and engage students in hands-on learning aligned with the Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation Work Plan.
The session began with a lively icebreaker, “Eco-Pass the Ball,” facilitated by Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, alongside Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, Sasha Singh, Intern and Trevor Emmanuel, Field Assistant and Driver. This interactive icebreaker fostered a fun and welcoming atmosphere, allowing students to connect with the EMC Foundation team while highlighting environmental facts learned through the E-STEM Program.
Sarah introduced students to camera traps, explaining their different parts, uses, and applications in wildlife monitoring. Students were then challenged to independently set up their own camera traps, each selecting a target species they hoped to capture. They were also shown real camera trap footage of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group, which further strengthened their understanding and appreciation of Guyana’s rich biodiversity.
In addition, the club members were introduced to Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and guided on how to use them to accurately record locations. As part of the practical exercise, students marked and documented the coordinates of the camera trap sites they deployed, reinforcing real-world field monitoring skills.
The members also showed keen interest in artistic activities and learning about the environment through nature walks, tours, scavenger hunts, arts and craft activities, and learning to operate drones and camera traps. The students were also shown camera trap videos of local wildlife collected by the EMC Group.
Students also eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and conserving the environment. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to continue Environmental Club activities and participate in the fun and exciting exercises outlined in the work plans.
The EMC Foundation E-STEM Program is supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Pass the Ball” Activity
Club Members Deploying their Camera Traps
Club Members Using the GPS Device
Club Members Engaging with EMC Group-Developed Materials
Club Members Engaging with EMC Foundation Publications
Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation Selfie Frame and Banner
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.
