The EMC Foundation is proud to announce the formal welcoming of Mr. Ramnaresh Sarwan as its Patron. A distinguished figure known for his contributions to Guyana, the West Indies and the international cricketing world, Mr. Sarwan’s alignment with the Foundation marks a significant milestone in our journey toward environmental protection, conservation and community empowerment.
As Patron, Mr. Sarwan will play a key role in amplifying the EMC Foundation’s vision of “Experience, Connect, and Act.” His involvement will enhance our outreach efforts, inspire youth engagement, and support initiatives focused on environmental education, biodiversity protection and sustainable practices.
The EMC Foundation team is thrilled to have Mr. Sarwan on board.
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 16, 2024, the EMC Foundation Team comprising Projects Officer, Sarah Singh, along with Projects Assistant, Abigail Gobin, led a highly engaging and successful initiation visit to Queen’s College to introduce the school’s Environmental Club to the EMC Foundation’s mission and vision. Approximately twenty-six members participated, including students from Forms 1 to 5 and two teachers, all of whom demonstrated a genuine interest in environmental sustainability and conservation.
The session kicked off with a lively “Eco-Bingo” game, an interactive icebreaker that created a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, helping students connect with each other and the EMC Foundation team. This was followed by a presentation on the EMC Foundation’s mission and initiatives, highlighting its dedication to environmental education and conservation. The students responded with enthusiasm, with some even expressing interest in volunteering with the EMC Foundation. Building on this engagement, the term’s work plan was outlined, detailing objectives and activities aligned with the EMC Foundation’s goals, and emphasising a structured approach to guide the Environmental Club’s efforts. This plan, with support from the Club Coordinator, aims to empower students to take on active roles in environmental initiatives, fostering both leadership and responsibility.
The initiation visit enhanced the partnership between Queen’s College and the EMC Foundation, paving the way for student-led environmental initiatives that align with the EMC Foundation’s mission of promoting environmental stewardship. The positive spirit during the visit has left the EMC Foundation team optimistic about the future contributions of Queen’s College students through the Foundation’s E-STEM Program.
Members Engaged in the ‘Eco-Bingo’ Activity
Sarah Singh Providing an Overview of the EMC Foundation
Sarah Singh Discussing the Work Plan with Club Members
Members Discussing the Work Plan
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 September 17, 2024, the EMC Foundation visited St. Cuthbert’s Primary and Secondary Schools to establish Environmental Clubs, providing students with valuable resources and insights into environmental stewardship.
During the visit, the Foundation’s Projects Officer Ms. Sarah Singh introduced the student to the EMC Foundation and the role of environmental clubs in promoting sustainable practices. The engagement featured engaging outdoor games that emphasised teamwork and environmental awareness. Additionally, the students were actively involved in electing their clubs’ executive bodies which will oversee the clubs’ operations with support from their teachers. To close off the sessions, each student received a copy of Hidden Gems of the Mahaica River and essential materials to help their new clubs function effectively.
Club Members of St. Cuthbert’s Primary School being briefed on EMC Foundation and Environmental Clubs by Ms. Sarah Singh
Club Members of St. Cuthbert’s Secondary School being briefed on EMC Foundation and Environmental Clubs by Ms. Sarah Singh
Club Members of St. Cuthbert’s Secondary School Reading the ‘Hidden Gems of the Mahaica River’ Books
Club Members of St. Cuthbert’s Secondary School Reading the ‘Hidden Gems of the Mahaica River’ Books
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 31, 2024, the EMC Foundation participated in Storytime Outdoors, a unique event hosted by the National Library of Guyana at the National Park. The Foundation’s participation aimed to raise awareness about marine turtle conservation in Guyana, drawing in approximately 50 attendees, including over 30 enthusiastic children.
Storytime Outdoors catered to children between the ages of two and ten from Georgetown, offering a combination of storytelling and hands-on activities. The featured book, “Arya Takes a Swim,” captivated the young audience, while turtle-themed colouring pages, connect-the-dots, and maze activities kept them creatively engaged.
EMC Foundation Coordinators and Volunteers were on hand to guide the children, encouraging them to use their imagination and skills to complete the fun and educational tasks. The event provided an excellent opportunity for the children to bond with peers, make new friends, and learn about the marine turtles of Guyana and the role of technology in their conservation efforts.
Storytime Outdoors was more than just a reading session—it was a meaningful experience that combined education, creativity, and conservation, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Attendees completing the Turtle-Themed Activities
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 10, 2024, the EMC Foundation, in partnership with the Scout Association of Guyana (SAG), hosted an Eco-Adventure activity at Camp Dora on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. This event brought together over one hundred and fifty (150) scout members from both Guyana and Trinidad for an immersive experience designed to introduce them to the EMC Foundation, deepen their understanding of the ecosystem in Camp Dora, and demonstrate the use of technology in environmental monitoring.
Sarah Singh, the Projects Officer, kicked off the Eco-Adventure activity by warmly welcoming all participants and energizing them for the exciting demonstrations and activities ahead, including GPS navigation, drone operations, camera trap usage, and a nature walk and talk. Mr. Shyam Nokta, the Founder and Director of the EMC Foundation, also extended a warm welcome, highlighting the Foundation’s mission to increase environmental awareness in Guyana. He encouraged everyone to enjoy and make the most of the day’s activities. Following his remarks, Mr. Yonnick David, the Chief Commissioner of the Scout Association of Guyana, expressed gratitude to the EMC Foundation for organizing the event. He urged the scout members to absorb as much knowledge as possible from the day’s activities, highlighting the invaluable opportunity for personal growth and development through learning from the Foundation.
Nathan Prince and Delon Ramkissoon, volunteers of the EMC Foundation, led an exciting drone session where scouts learned about drone components and their practical applications in environmental monitoring and even got to fly the drones themselves. This hands-on experience offered scouts a bird’s eye view of ecosystems and illustrated how drones can be pivotal in creating detailed maps and spotting wildlife for research and conservation.
Felicia Monderson and Shemika Pereira, volunteers of the EMC Foundation, guided the scouts through GPS technology, teaching them to mark and track waypoints. The scouts explored how GPS is used in environmental work, such as tracking animal movements and monitoring changes in the environment, sparking interest in careers as environmental scientists or GPS experts.
Tishawana Harry and Chelbie Gilkes, volunteers of the EMC Foundation, introduced scouts to the world of camera traps, demonstrating their role in wildlife conservation. The scouts were thrilled to see how these devices help gather data on species’ behaviour and population trends, providing critical insights for protecting habitats.
Led by Guyana Forestry Commission Rangers, Julian Phillay and Piralta Stoll, the scouts embarked on a nature walk on the Hilly Sand & Clay Region. The rangers shared their extensive knowledge of the region’s unique geography, flora, and fauna, as well as the importance of sustainable practices in preserving these ecosystems. The walk provided scouts with a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts and inspired them to take an active role in environmental protection.
The day’s activities concluded with a lively Q&A session hosted by Sarah Singh. Scouts eagerly participated, answering questions about the day’s demonstrations and showcasing their newly acquired knowledge. The session not only reinforced the learning objectives but also rewarded enthusiastic participation with EMC Foundation publications. By the end of the activity, the scout members were excited about pursuing careers in the environmental field and even inquired about opportunities to work or volunteer with the EMC Foundation. They were fascinated by the use of technology in environmental protection and eagerly looked forward to participating in more activities like this in the future.
In a surprise and inspiring moment, the event was graced by the attendance of Mr. Kemraj Parsram from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Mr. Ramnaresh Sarwan, the new Patron of the EMC Foundation. Their presence added a layer of prestige to the event and highlighted the importance of environmental education and collaboration.
Drone Demonstrations with Nathan Prince and Delon Ramkissoon
GPS Demonstrations with Shemika Pereira and Felicia Monderson
Camera Trap Demonstrations with Tishawana Harry and Chelbie Gilkes
Nature Walk and Talk with Julian Phillay and Piralta Stoll
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.
The EMC Foundation took part in the 2024 activities to commemorate International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems at the Kingston Esplanade, Georgetown, on July 26, 2024. The event was organised by Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) under the theme, “Mangroves Matter: Safeguarding Our Coastal Guardians for Tomorrow.”
The vibrant EMC Foundation booth showcased the organisation’s contributions to environmental awareness and mangrove conservation in Guyana. It featured a variety of informative publications and presentations highlighting the critical role mangroves play in protecting coastal regions and promoting ecological balance. Visitors enjoyed interactive games, won exclusive EMC publications, and learned more about mangroves in Guyana.
This exhibition provided an excellent opportunity for the EMC Foundation team to engage with over three hundred nature enthusiasts, share insights into their work, and inspire collective action towards environmental conservation. It reinforced the importance of collaboration in protecting Guyana’s mangroves and inspired visitors to actively participate in safeguarding them.
Excited Students Interacting with the EMC Foundation Team
EMC Foundation was established by Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship. The Foundation works to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.
The EMC Foundation and the Scouts Association of Guyana signed an MoU on July 22, 2024, in a groundbreaking move to promote environmental education among youths in Guyana. This partnership aims to enhance knowledge, raise awareness, and build capacity, particularly focusing on youth and environmental sustainability.
The collaboration will feature a blend of classroom and field sessions across coastal and hinterland locations. These activities are designed to highlight environmental issues while equipping young minds with practical skills and technology know-how.
A standout feature of this partnership is the focus on E-STEM, which is Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, with an environmental twist. The program will address critical areas such as environmental pollution, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Mr. Shyam Nokta, who founded the EMC Foundation in 2022, shared his excitement about the collaboration. “This is another significant step for the EMC Foundation in our efforts to continue to raise awareness of the environment among youths. We recognise the important work the Scouts Association has been doing over many years with young people across Guyana and their nature-focused activities. By working together, we can help nurture interest, appreciation, and action among the youth to safeguard the environment.”
Mrs Zaida Joaquin, Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Scouts Association, echoed these sentiments. “The Scouts Association is very pleased to work with the EMC Foundation. We commend their efforts to raise environmental awareness and engage youths through innovative approaches that bring young people together and involve activities in nature. This is very consistent with what we do at Scouts with youths of different ages: Cub Scouts from age 7 to 11 years, Explorer Scouts from 11 to 15 years, and Venture Scouts from 15 to 19 years.”
This MoU marks a significant stride in empowering the next generation of environmental stewards. Through this collaboration, the EMC Foundation and the Scouts Association of Guyana are set to inspire young minds to take active roles in safeguarding the environment.
About the Scouts Association of Guyana
The Scout Association of Guyana is dedicated to building a brighter future for the youth in Guyana. Through innovative programs, the Scouts strive to develop the physical and mental capabilities of its members, and instil essential values such as honesty, respect, and empathy. At the forefront of youth development in Guyana, the Scout’s mission is to create a safe and inclusive space where young minds can flourish, focusing on holistic growth and fostering responsible, active citizens.
EMC Foundation was established by Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship. The foundation works to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities that encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.
Mr. Shyam Nokta, Founder of EMC Foundation, hands over an EMC Foundation Information Package to Mr. Yonnick David, Chief Commissioner of the Scouts Association of Guyana
On June 2, 2024, the EMC Foundation joined an exhibition organized by the Environmental Protection Agency to celebrate World Environment Day 2024. The event was filled with educational and engaging activities, emphasizing the importance of small actions and the belief that people can work towards a resilient and thriving Guyana.
The EMC Foundation exhibition booth showcased the Foundation’s publications and a slideshow displaying the Foundation’s activities, capturing visitors’ interest. The booth featured two interactive environmental-themed games. The first game challenged participants to voice their opinions on how they would address selected environmental issues, while the second tested their skills with a turtle-themed crossword puzzle to be completed within five minutes. Winners of these games were rewarded with EMC Foundation publications.
The exhibition event attracted representatives from schools, the private sector, and the public sector including Ministries and State agencies. It provided a unique opportunity for those present to learn about the EMC Foundation’s significant role in environmental conservation. Through interactive displays and informative sessions, visitors gained insights into the Foundation’s achievements and the importance of raising awareness for collective action on environmental conservation.
Engagements at the EMC Foundation booth
EMC Foundation was established by Mr. Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship in the field of Environmental Services. The Foundation works to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.
On May 31, 2024, the EMC Foundation participated in an Open Day and Exhibition hosted by the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission. This event celebrated World Wildlife Day 2024 and marked the Commission’s seven years of official operation. The day was packed with educational and engaging activities, underscoring the importance of wildlife conservation in Guyana.
Visitors to the EMC Foundation participated in a biodiversity-themed discussion game, where participants randomly selected scenarios affecting wildlife and shared their strategies for managing these situations. Participants received EMC Foundation publications, aimed at enhancing their understanding and connection to Guyana’s diverse environment.
The Open Day drew students from various schools and several conservation organizations across Guyana. It offered a unique chance for young minds to learn about the EMC Foundation’s crucial role in raising environmental awareness. Through interactive displays and informative sessions, students gained valuable insights into the Foundation’s achievements and the critical need to raise awareness and encourage collective action in wildlife conservation.
EMC Foundation was established by Mr. Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship in the field of Environmental Services. The Foundation works to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.
Students Playing the Game at the Booth and a Student Displaying his Prize
On May 30, 2024, the EMC Foundation organized a session for the Secondary School students of the Marian Academy Environmental Club. This engaging event aimed to educate young minds about wildlife monitoring through practical demonstrations and interactive discussions.
The session commenced with a detailed discussion on the mechanics and setup of camera traps. Students learned how these devices operate, the process of setting them up in the field, and the kind of valuable information they can collect. The highlight of the session was a live demonstration where students could set up the traps themselves. They observed firsthand how these traps automatically take photos upon detecting motion, capturing images of the diverse wildlife in the area.
To make the session even more enjoyable and educational, a fun guessing game was organized towards the end. Students were shown photos taken by camera traps in the Saxacalli Rainforest and were asked to identify the animals. This game not only tested their knowledge but also introduced them to the rich biodiversity of their own country.
For many students, this session was their first exposure to camera traps and some of the wildlife of Guyana, including animals like deer and peccaries. The interactive and hands-on nature of the class made it a memorable learning experience. Students left with a deeper understanding and appreciation of environmental monitoring, contributing to their growing interest in environmental conservation.
The EMC Foundation was established by Mr. Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship. The Foundation works to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage a greater understanding of the environment, creating a network to connect like-minded people, and providing opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.
Students Setting Their Camera Traps
Students and EMC Foundation Representatives during the Camera Trap Discussions
