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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

Georgetown, Guyana –The EMC Foundation, in collaboration with GTT, opened the ‘Guyana through Your Eyes’ photography exhibition at the Castellani House in Georgetown on Saturday, 19th August.

The exhibition celebrates Guyana’s environment and rich cultural heritage, as seen through the lens of photographers across the country. This curated collection encapsulates the essence of the country’s landscapes, people, and traditions, inviting visitors to explore the nation’s spirit and uncover its hidden stories. The exhibition aims to inspire a love for the natural world, promote conservation awareness, and provide a platform for artistic expression.

“Photographers hold the unique ability to transcend language and cultural barriers. They play a crucial role in documenting our planet’s vast natural and cultural diversity,” said Stella Madete, EMC Foundation’s Program Manager. “By capturing images of cultural practices, endangered species, rare habitats, and delicate ecosystems, they provide invaluable records, foster understanding, and ignite the passion for protecting our diverse ecosystems.”

The exhibition marks the culmination of the ‘Guyana through Your Eyes’ photography competition that brought together the creativity and vision of over 100 talented photographers around Guyana. It showcases the finest works that emerged from the competition, selected by an esteemed panel of judges comprised of Michael Lam, Amanda Richards, Darrell Carpenay, Elodie Cage-Smith, Michael Lam, and Roberto Teekah.

Michael Lam shared his thoughts on the competition: “Our expectations were met and even exceeded. These images represented a range of subjects and visions across the length and breadth of our beautiful country. Every photographer should take pride in being included in the shortlist, and even more so in being exhibited in the National Gallery of Art, because now, each piece is more than just a photograph; it is a work of art to be admired, discussed, to be a source of inspiration and a piece that provokes thought in the viewers.”

The top three photographs that captivated the expert panel of judges include ‘Contrasting Fields,’ an aerial perspective of a cow in a rice field, ‘Ready for the Journey’ by Lakhram Trevor Bhagirat, showing a dugout canoe mind stream, and the winner, ‘Mommy’s Patience’ by Keiran Samuels, a dramatic image of a Crimson Topaz Hummingbird braving the rain in her nest.

Elated from his win, Keiran shared his appreciation for the initiative, “’I’m incredibly proud to be the winner of this year’s Guyana Through Your Eyes competition. Photography is a powerful medium that can bridge the gap between people and the natural world, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature’s beauty and importance. Platforms like these are important to not only show our work, but encourage people to look closer, feel deeper, and consider their role in conserving the environment.”

As the world faces escalating environmental challenges, a new champion has emerged – photography. With its unique ability to transcend language barriers and evoke emotions, photography is proving to be an indispensable tool for driving environmental education and raising awareness about pressing ecological issues.

In a brief statement, the EMC Foundation Founder and Director, Shyam Nokta, stated, “Photography allows us to capture the essence of what is around us, including nature and the environment. Advances in technology allow us all, those who have a passion for photography, an interest in nature, as well as professionals in these fields, to capture unique moments. This competition and exhibition by the EMC Foundation has sought to bring together photography and interest in nature as part of efforts to continue to raise awareness about the environment. We hope that through raising awareness, we can help to connect people to take positive action on the environment.”

Kerchelle Charles, GTT’s Chief Commercial Officer, added, “Our support for this competition stems from the desire to showcase the breathtaking natural beauty of Guyana which simultaneously empowering and amplifying the works of talented photographers. Our partnership with EMC Foundation underscores our dedication to uplifting our communities, celebrating the diversity of our nation, and supporting the transformative power of creativity.”

Honorable Charles S. Ramson, Guyana’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports reiterated the Government’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for its citizens through innovative initiatives that include supporting the creative arts as a catalyst for environmental protection.

Hon. Charles S. Ramson’s added, “Incorporating photography and creative arts into environmental advocacy efforts can bring a fresh and compelling perspective to these important issues, fostering a greater understanding of the interconnectedness between us and the natural world. I commend the EMC Foundation efforts in seeking to advance environmental awareness in Guyana. This allows our society to become a lot more conscious about the environment and our responsibility for its protection.”

Also in attendance were the Minister of Public Service, Honourable Sonia Parag, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Hugh Todd, Minister of Tourism Honourable Oneidge Walrond, US Ambassador Sarah Anne Lynch, Mexico Ambassador Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo, and IDB Country Representative Lorena Solórzano Salazar, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Ms. Dee George, and Executive Director of the EPA Mr. Kemraj Parsram.

Guyana Through Your Eyes exhibition offers a platform for amateur and professional photographers to shine a light on Guyana’s rich biodiversity, celebrate the country’s cultural heritage, and provide a platform to raise awareness of environmental issues. It will run from August 19 to September 21, 2023, at the National Gallery, Castellani House. Members of the public are encouraged to visit.