News

On October 22, 2025, the EMC Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, conducted an initiation visit to the Chateau Margot Primary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by 19 students from Grades 5 and 6 and two teachers, provided the opportunity for the EMC Foundation team to introduce the EMC Foundation, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.

The session began with a lively “Eco-Bingo” game, which was facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator; Josiah Williams, Communications Officer; and Aletha Jewanram, Administrative Assistant. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with each other and the EMC Foundation team while encouraging active participation from the outset.

Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about the environment and conservation. The club members were particularly interested in learning about the EMC Foundation’s Biodiversity Monitoring Programs that utilise camera traps to monitor wildlife in the Mahaica Watershed and Saxacalli Rainforest. They were also curious about the Foundation’s various tours, mangrove forests, and the publications that the EMC Foundation has produced.

A significant highlight of the session was that most of the members of the Environmental Club were able to identify the majority of the fauna captured on the EMC Foundation’s camera traps, naming both local and common names of animals, such as the Scarlet Ibis as “Curry Curry” and the Giant River Otter as “Water dog.”

The members also completed an “Eco-Word Search” activity as well as a question-and-answer exercise about the environment and the work of the EMC Foundation, for which they were able to win exciting prizes.

Students eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and participating in future activities. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities. Overall, the session was successful in achieving its objectives, which were to spark interest in the E-STEM program and motivate active participation by students.

These activities are being implemented by the EMC Foundation through its ongoing E-STEM Program, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation. The program aims to inspire environmental stewardship among young learners by combining classroom lessons with hands-on activities that promote conservation awareness, responsible environmental practices, and a deeper understanding of Guyana’s rich biodiversity.

Ms. Abigail Gobin Leading the Environmental Club Initiation Visit

Environmental Club Members Engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Word Search” Activities

Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Members

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation Publications

Environmental Club Members Interacting 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.

On October 15, 2025, the EMC Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, conducted an initiation visit to the Plaisance Primary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by 15 students from Grades 5 and 6 and the Environmental Club Coordinator, provided the opportunity for the EMC Foundation team to introduce the EMC Foundation, discuss exciting plans for upcoming activities, and outline the work plan for the first term.

The session began with a lively “Eco-Bingo” game which was facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator; Josiah Williams, Communications Officer; and Aletha Jewanram, Administrative Assistant. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with each other and the EMC Foundation team while encouraging active participation from the outset.

Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about the environment and conservation. The club members were particularly interested in learning about the EMC Foundation’s Biodiversity Monitoring Programs that utilise camera traps to monitor wildlife in the Mahaica Watershed and Saxacalli Rainforest. They were also curious about the Foundation’s various tours and the publications that the EMC Foundation has produced.

A significant highlight of the session was that all the members of the Environmental Club had previous knowledge of the EMC Foundation and had previously read the “Arya Takes a Swim” publication, and were excited to read the Foundation’s latest publication, “Ollie the Otter’s River Adventures.”

The members also completed an “Eco-Word Search” activity as well as a question and answer exercise about the environment and the work of the EMC Foundation for which they able to win exciting prizes.

Students eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and participating in future activities. By the end of the session students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities. Overall the session was successful in achieving its objectives which were to spark interest in the E-STEM program and motivate active participation by students.

Ms. Abigail Gobin Leading the Environmental Club Initiation Visit

Environmental Club Members engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Word Search” Activities

Club Members Interacting with the EMC Foundation Members

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation publications

Club Members Interacting 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.

On October 10, 2025, the EMC Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, visited the Beterverwagting Secondary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club. The session, which was attended by 20 students from Grades 10 and 11 and two teachers along with the Club Coordinator provided the opportunity for the EMC Foundation team to introduce the EMC Foundation, highlighting the importance of Environmental Clubs, and outlining the work plan for the first term.

The session began with a lively “Eco-Bingo” game which was facilitated by Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, alongside Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, Josiah Williams, Communications Officer, and Aletha Jewanram, Administrative Officer. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with each other and the EMC Foundation team while encouraging active participation from the outset. The students also participated in a “Eco-Word Search” game which gauged their attention and introduced them to key concepts that are associated with the environment and conservation.

Abigail provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about environment and conservation. The club members were particularly interested in learning about career opportunities in the STEM field, the fauna found in the Mahaica Wetlands, and the EMC Foundation’s camera traps and biodiversity monitoring programs.

Students eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and participating in future activities. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin the Environmental Club activities. Overall the session was successful in achieving its objectives which were to spark interest in the E-STEM program and motivate active participation by students.

Ms. Abigail Gobin Leading the Environmental Club Initiation Visit

Club Members engaging in the “Eco-Bingo” and “Eco-Word Search” Activities

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation Members

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation publications

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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 October 1, 2025, the EMC Foundation, with support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, visited La Bonne Intention (LBI) Secondary School to engage with the newly formed Environmental Club, meeting both the Club Coordinator and enthusiastic student members. The session welcomed 19 students from Forms 1 to 4, alongside three teachers, with the goal of introducing the EMC Foundation, highlighting the importance of Environmental Clubs, and outlining the work plan for the first term.

The session began with a lively “Eco-Bingo” game, facilitated by Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator, alongside Abigail Gobin, Projects Assistant, and Josiah Williams, Communications Officer. This interactive icebreaker fostered a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to connect with each other and the EMC Foundation team while encouraging active participation from the outset.

Sarah provided an engaging overview of the EMC Foundation’s mission, initiatives, and past activities, capturing the students’ attention and sparking curiosity about environmental conservation. The club members were particularly interested in learning about marine turtles, mangroves, and the Foundation’s various field tours. To deepen their engagement, the team presented Turtle Telemetry Videos, showcasing how marine turtles are tagged and protected, which fascinated the students and inspired them to consider how they can actively contribute to protecting Guyana’s biodiversity.

Students eagerly reviewed the EMC Foundation publications, asking questions and showing enthusiasm for the information and images, demonstrating a genuine interest in learning and participating in future activities. By the end of the session, students were excited and ready to begin Environmental Club activities, reflecting the success of the session in achieving its objectives, which were to spark interest in the E-STEM program and motivate active environmental participation.

Ms. Sarah Singh Leading the Environmental Club Initiation Visit

Environmental Club Members engaging in our “Eco-Bingo” Activity

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation Members

Club Members Interacting with EMC Foundation publications

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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.

The EMC Foundation, through its E-STEM Program, continues to strengthen environmental education and awareness by collaborating with twenty-seven environmental clubs across Guyana. The E-STEM Program is now being supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation. These include Queen’s College, The Bishop’s High School, St. Stanislaus College, St. Rose’s High, Marian Academy Primary and Secondary, School of the Nations Primary and Secondary, Saxacalli Primary, De Hoop Primary, Little Biaboo Primary, St. Cuthbert’s Primary and Secondary, Moraikobai Primary, Santa Aratak Primary, Wakapau Secondary, Warapoka Primary and Secondary, Georgetown International Academy Primary and Secondary, Tapakuma Lake Primary, Lake Mainstay Primary and Secondary,  Mashabo Primary School, Rosignol Primary School, La Bonne Intention Secondary, and Open Doors School.

During September 2025, the Foundation expanded its reach by partnering with four additional clubs. These are La Bonne Intention Secondary School, Rosignol Primary School, Mashabo Primary School, and Lake Mainstay Primary and Secondary Schools, furthering its mission to empower youth through environmental science and technology education.

For the Primary ‘Ecosystems’ Work Plan, students explored Ecosystems, Food Chains, and Animal Adaptations, learning about the importance of conservation, how energy flows through food chains, and how animals adapt to their habitats. Under the ‘Responsible Waste Management’ theme, students studied Air Quality Monitoring and Recycling, discovering ways to reuse materials and monitor pollution levels. Activities included poster and diorama creation, class discussions, and hands-on demonstrations that encouraged creativity and environmental responsibility.

At the Secondary level, the focus was on Ecosystem Components and Interactions, Ecosystem Functions and Nutrient Cycles, and Types of Ecosystems. Club members examined how biotic and abiotic factors interact, studied nutrient cycles like carbon and nitrogen, and identified terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Sessions featured interactive videos, group discussions, and poster-making to reinforce learning.

Throughout the month, over 180 students participated in the program, engaging in presentations, discussions, and creative projects that fostered both curiosity and practical understanding of the environment. These experiences not only deepened students’ scientific understanding but also inspired them to think critically about their role in protecting the planet. Students demonstrated awareness of key issues such as pollution prevention, composting, and water quality, while discussing ways they could contribute to a cleaner, greener future within their schools and communities.

The EMC Foundation remains committed to empowering youth through environmental education, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to experience, connect, and act for a sustainable Guyana.

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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 August 29, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted our fifth Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the scenic Indigenous Village of Wakapoa, located in Region 2.

This exciting engagement brought together residents of all ages to enjoy Arya Takes a Swim in an immersive and meaningful way. The attendees eagerly listened to both the English and Arawak versions of the story, viewed exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the audiobook, and watched a special video snippet of the Lokono-language version.

The gathering was warmly embraced by the community and attended by the Acting Head teacher of the Primary School, Ms. Luraine Cornelius, teachers, students, community service officers, village elders and other residents.

The response was enthusiastic and heartfelt, with a few attendees expressing their excitement at hearing the Arawak language in such a creative, modern presentation. The community was also filled with pride upon seeing one of their residents, Ms. Samantha Thomas, playing a pivotal role in the development of the audio series and audiobook. The session also helped raise local awareness about sea turtle conservation and the importance of safeguarding Guyana’s diverse wildlife and habitats.

Ms. Sarah Singh, EMC Foundation’s Programme 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.

Ms. Singh also highlighted that the project honours Indigenous communities and contributes to the preservation of their languages. “These communities have lived in harmony with the environment for generations, carrying deep knowledge of the land, rivers, and wildlife. However, many of these cultural traditions and languages are under threat, as fewer people are learning and speaking their Indigenous languages today.”

Acting Headmistress of the Wakapoa Primary School, Ms. Luraine Cornelius, also delivered brief remarks during the session. She extended her gratitude to the EMC Foundation for the enjoyable listening event and stressed the importance of learning one’s Native language along with staying informed on turtle conservation. “We have some EMC Foundation publications in our library which people can read and some are about Shell Beach, which is not too far from here. It was a good and cheerful session, and we got to learn about the Arawak Language and turtles.”

At the end of the session, attendees enjoyed a wonderful Turtle Conservation Exhibition, an EMC Foundation Corner which displayed key publications, and engaging turtle-themed children’s activities which included word search, crossword 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

Ms. Luraine Cornelius Delivering Remarks During the Session

Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Conservation Exhibition

Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Corner

Attendees Completing Turtle-Themed Activity Sheets

Attendees Engaging with the Turtle Telemetry 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.

On August 22, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted the fourth Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the scenic Indigenous community of Warapoka Village, nestled along the Waini River in Region 1.

This vibrant event brought together both children and adults to experience Arya Takes a Swim in an immersive and meaningful way. Attendees enjoyed both the English and Arawak (Lokono) versions of the story, viewed behind-the-scenes footage on the production of the audiobook, and watched a special video snippet of the Lokono-language version.

The gathering of close to 70 people warmly embraced the event, and it was attended by Toshao of Warapoka, Mr. Jaremy Boyal, along with Community Service Officers, village councillors, elders, teachers, environmental club coordinators, students, and other residents. The response was enthusiastic and heartfelt, with many participants expressing their excitement at hearing the Lokono language brought to life in such a modern and creative form. The session also helped raise local awareness about sea turtle conservation and the importance of protecting Guyana’s extraordinary wildlife and ecosystems.

The United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Mrs. Jane Miller, OBE and the British High Commission’s Programme Manager, Kassia De Santos, also attended this listening session. The Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project is being implemented by the EMC Foundation with support from the Blue Social Challenge Fund Pilot, part of the UK’s Sustainable Blue Economy Programme.

Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, delivered remarks during the session, highlighting that Arya Takes a Swim carries a broader conservation message rooted in years of work to safeguard Guyana’s four sea turtle species. She explained that the story was inspired by turtle telemetry research conducted by Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC) along the Shell Beach Protected Area, and that the main character’s name honours Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, a committed advocate for both animal welfare and human rights.

Sarah also emphasised that the project honours Indigenous communities and helps preserve their languages. “These communities have lived in harmony with the environment for generations, carrying deep knowledge of the land, rivers, and wildlife. However, many of these cultural traditions and languages are under threat, as fewer people are learning and speaking their Indigenous languages today.”

Toshao of Warapoka, Mr. Jaremy Boyal, who was once a part of the turtle conservation efforts at the Shell Beach Protected Area, also delivered remarks during the Community Listening Session. He emphasised the value of integrating Indigenous languages into conservation education by working with organisations such as the EMC Foundation. He said, “I would like to thank the EMC Group for working with Warapoka Village. This partnership has been a good one, and we have seen progress. Children have become excited. The school, teachers, environmental club coordinators, and head teachers have played a very important role in keeping the children engaged and occupied. With this Arya Takes a Swim activity, we had a very positive engagement, and we were happy to have the UK High Commissioner here with us.”

UK High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Jane Miller also shared remarks and expressed her happiness in supporting initiatives like the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook while highlighting the importance of protecting the natural environment. She noted, “There are many reasons why preserving the world’s nature, preserving the environment, is important. It’s important for our climate, our food, our medicine and other things like Tourism. In many parts of the world, preserving biodiversity creates many jobs as well because people come as tourists.”

In a special moment during the event, Toshao Jaremy Boyal presented Mrs. Jane Miller and Ms. Sarah Singh with a copy of their Warapoka Village Book. This gesture was kindly returned by High Commissioner Miller, who presented the village with a token of her appreciation. These gestures reflected the hospitality and appreciation of the residents of Warapoka.

The session extended beyond storytelling, featuring a lively Turtle Conservation Exhibition, an EMC Foundation Corner showcasing the organisation’s publications, and fun turtle-themed activities and colouring pages for children.

Through interactive events like this, the EMC Foundation continues to connect conservation, culture, and community. By blending storytelling, science, and Indigenous voices, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to protecting Guyana’s biodiversity while celebrating its rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

Attendees Viewing the Videos During the Programme

Sarah Singh Hosting the Listening Session

Toshao Jaremy Boyal Providing Brief Remarks

High Commissioner Jane Miller Providing Brief Remarks

Exchange of Tokens of Appreciation between Toshao Jaremy Boyal, High Commissioner Jane Miller and Sarah Singh

Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Conservation Exhibition

Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Corner

Attendees Completing Turtle-Themed Colouring and Activity Sheets

Attendees Engaging with the Turtle Telemetry 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.

On August 12, 2025, the EMC Foundation proudly hosted the third Community Listening Session for the Arya Takes a Swim Audio Series and Audiobook project in the culturally rich village of Moraikobai, nestled along the Mahaicony River in Region 5.

This engaging event brought together residents of all ages to enjoy Arya Takes a Swim in an immersive and meaningful way. Attendees listened to both the English and Arawak versions of the story, viewed exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the audiobook, and watched a special video snippet of the Arawak-language version.

The gathering was warmly embraced by the community and attended by Toshao of Moraikobai, Mr. Derrick John, Community Service Officers, village councillors, elders, teachers, students, and other residents.

The response was enthusiastic and heartfelt, with many expressing their excitement at hearing the Arawak language in such a creative, modern presentation. The session also helped raise local awareness about sea turtle conservation and the importance of safeguarding Guyana’s diverse wildlife and habitats.

Ms. Sarah Singh, Program Coordinator of the EMC Foundation, delivered remarks during the session, noting that Arya Takes a Swim carries a broader conservation message built on years of work to protect Guyana’s four sea turtle species. She explained that the story draws from turtle telemetry research conducted by Environmental Management Consultants Inc. (EMC) along the Shell Beach Protected Area, and that the main character’s name honours Her Excellency Mrs. Arya Ali, First Lady of Guyana, who is a dedicated advocate for both 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 of Moraikobai and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council, Mr. Derrick John, also delivered remarks during the Community Listening Session and noted that this project will have far-reaching positive effects in his community.

“I think that this initiative will help Indigenous people, especially here in Moraikobai, to see the importance of our environment and how we can learn to protect it and also the importance of biodiversity on a wider scale. And I also feel so honoured that we could have a project that has integrated the indigenous language, and this gives us urgency to see our language as it is now and see that there is hope for revival.”

In a special moment during the session, Ms. Sarah Singh presented Toshao Derrick John with a copy of Arya Takes a Swim. This gesture symbolised the EMC Foundation’s commitment to sharing knowledge and resources directly with Indigenous leaders and communities, ensuring that conservation stories like Arya’s continue to inspire and educate at the village level.

The event went beyond storytelling, featuring an engaging Turtle Conservation Exhibition, an EMC Foundation Corner displaying the organisation’s key publications, and fun turtle-themed activities and colouring pages for children.

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 Hosting the Listening Session

Toshao of Moraikobai, Mr. Derrick John, Providing Remarks

Ms. Sarah Singh Presenting a Copy of Arya Takes a Swim to Toshao Derrick John

Attendees Interacting with the Turtle Conservation Exhibition

Attendees Interacting with the EMC Foundation Corner

Attendees Completing Turtle-Themed Colouring and Activity Sheets

Attendees Engaging with the Turtle Telemetry 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.