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.
In 2022, EMC Foundation and Saxacalli Primary School collaborated to establish the Wildlife Club, leading to a year filled with exciting environmental activities that both students and teachers embraced. Our recent visit to Saxacali Village was a celebration of this achievement, where we had the pleasure of sharing tokens of appreciation with the remarkable students, devoted teachers, and the supportive Village Toshao, Ms. Helen Williams. The joyous moment unfolded as the students eagerly unwrapped their gifts, immersing themselves in play on the picturesque village grounds. But that’s not all! Each student received a copy of our Nature Hunt, Exploring Guyana word search booklet – a delightful and interactive way to learn about and explore nature together. As we reflect on this year’s successes, our anticipation builds for more collaborations and adventures in the coming year.
Exciting news! We held the first wildlife club session at Moraikobai Primary School with support from the Village Council! From interactive outdoor games to a nature walk and a burst of creativity in an artistic session, the students amazed with their talents and inventive spirit. This was a dynamic space for environmental exploration, learning, and creativity. We’re all excited about the next club activities. #EMCFoundation#experienceconnectact#Moraikobai
Guess what? The Wakapau Wildlife Club recently kicked off at Wakapau Primary School, thanks to the Village Council’s support! We had a great day of activities where teachers, students, and parents gathered to share stories, learn more about the club, and explore how we can weave environmental protection into our everyday lives. It was an exciting day, and we’re all looking forward to more club adventures! Ready to join the fun? Let’s make nature our playground! #Guyana #Wakapau #experienceconnectact Wakapau Village
Exciting news! The “Guyana Through Your Eyes” photo exhibition is now featured at the UN House in Georgetown! Special thanks to all participants, finalists, and the United Nations Guyana for their incredible support. #experienceconnectact#Guyana
Mr. Shyam Nokta addressing the audienceMr. Lakeram Bhagirat infront of his photosHon. Charles Ramson addressing the gathering
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.
The EMC Foundation and GTT today launched the ‘Guyana through Your Eyes’ photography competition at the GTT Head Office.
The competition aims to showcase Guyana’s rich biodiversity, celebrate the Country’s cultural heritage, and provide a platform to raise awareness of environmental issues. It also seeks to encourage a better understanding of the complexity of the natural environment, encourage people to build a personal connection with nature and advocate for its protection.
According to EMC Program Manager Stella Madete, ‘The EMC Foundation is happy to partner with GTT to showcase Guyana’s cultural and natural heritage through the universal language of photography. Pictures bring nature to life in ways many are unable to witness or experience. For most people, seeing is believing, and photos can help them connect with the world and nature and encourage them to care about its preservation.’
The competition will run until July 31, 2023, and is open to persons of all ages. Professional and amateur photographers across Guyana are invited to submit their aspirational, vibrant, and captivating photography.
Jasmin Harris, the GTT Senior Manager of Public Relations and Corporate Communications, added that ‘GTT is proud to partner with the EMC Foundation to shine a spotlight on environmental stories through the eyes of talented photographers. This competition is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness of Guyana’s environment and the importance of contributing to its protection.’
The competition features four categories: Landscape, Flora and Fauna, Guyanese Cultural Heritage, and Climate Adaptation. A panel of judges comprising a stellar line-up of Guyanese photographers and artists will review the submissions and select the winning photos. The top 20 images will be displayed at an EMC Foundation-hosted exhibition and awards ceremony at the Castellani House in Georgetown on August 19, 2023, World Photography Day.
Ahead of the 50th Anniversary of World Environment Day, EMC Foundation has hosted a panel discussion on plastic pollution, to raise awareness of its impacts and seek solutions to mitigate same. World Environment Day is observed on June 5 each year.
That event, hosted in collaboration with GTT and Herdmanston Lodge on Thursday, had a panel comprised of Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Guyana, Yesim Oruç; Honourary Secretary of the Private Sector Commission, Paul Cheong; Managing Director of Environmental Management Consultants Inc, Shyam Nokta; Senior Private Sector Leader Ramesh Dookhoo, and Executive Director of the EPA, Kemraj Parsram.
The discussion was moderated by Kandila Ramotar of the EMC.
The event, which was livestreamed on the EMC Foundation Facebook Page, attracted participation from several organisations and individuals, and provided an opportunity for the panelists to share views and interact with each other, as well as respond to questions from the audience.
The panelists discussed the international attention and urgency of addressing plastic pollution, and the efforts through the United Nations to mobilise countries to take action. There was recognition that there are opportunities in Guyana for recycling, re-use, and replacing plastics, and initiatives are already rolled out in these areas, but they need to be supported.
In a release on Saturday, EMC said that one of the key outcomes of the discussion was the need for a holistic approach, involving not only Government organizations, but Private Sector and Civil Society. There was general agreement that a coordinated and continued effort should be undertaken to address this important national and global issue. Several areas for action were highlight, including policy and legislation, improving solid waste management systems and practices, monitoring and enforcement, public awareness and education, as well as incentives for consumers and companies.
In an effort to ensure that this issue of plastic pollution continues to receive attention, the EMC Foundation will continue to organize activities aimed at bringing stakeholders together to find solutions.
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.
Georgetown, Guyana – Georgetown, Guyana – The EMC Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, GTT, and Herdmanston Lodge, hosted a Paint Mixer on May 21, ahead of Biodiversity Day on May 22, 2023, to raise awareness of Guyana’s rich biodiversity.
Established by Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship, the EMC Foundation aims to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage a greater understanding of the environment, create a network to connect like-minded people and provide opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.
The paint-mixer was a resounding success, with over thirty children between eight and twelve years old from public and private schools in Georgetown participating. In his comments, Nokta said, “It is inspiring to see young people so passionate about the environment. Activities like these are a creative way for young people to express themselves and their understanding of the environment. The EMC Foundation will continue working with our partners, the Ministry of Education, GTT, and Herdmanston, to support initiatives that raise awareness and promote a better understanding and appreciation of biodiversity, especially among the younger generation.”
Talented Guyanese artists Kezyah Bola and Ariela Azairehe guided the students in painting vibrant canvases representing Guyana’s rich biodiversity. The paint mixer also included exciting educational trivia and entertaining games that touched on Guyana’s unique biodiversity, its threats, and how we can work together to mitigate them. In attendance were GTT Chief Commercial Officer Ms. Kerchelle Jn Charles, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Ms. Yeşim Oruç, the British High Commissioner Ms Jane Miller OBE, and the Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director Mr. Kemraj Parsram.
Since its establishment, the EMC Foundation has undertaken several activities to raise environmental awareness among young people. These include a Scavenger Hunt in the Botanical Gardens, a Paint Mixer at the Herdmanston Lodge in 2022, and, more recently, the nationally broadcast 2023 Secondary School Environmental Quiz. With more interactive activities like these expected in the coming months, the EMC Foundation hopes to encourage the younger generation to develop greater awareness, appreciation, and love for Guyana’s natural environment.
On Sunday, September 25, the EMC Foundation, in partnership with the Herdmanston Lodge, held a paint mixer to raise awareness of Guyana’s unique ecosystems and their vital role in supporting biodiversity.
The Foundation, established by Shyam Nokta, winner of the 2022 Anthony N Sabga Award for Entrepreneurship, aims to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana by promoting activities which encourage greater understanding of the environment, create a network to connect like-minded people and provide opportunities to experience Guyana’s rich natural environment.
In brief comments, Mr. Shyam Nokta said, “A picture paints a thousand words. Creative activities like painting inspire young people to reflect on their ideas and understanding of the environment and express them in unique ways. The colourful images are fun to create and convey powerful messages that encourage a greater awareness, appreciation, and love for Guyana’s ecosystems and biodiversity, and motivate the younger generation to protect them.”
More than thirty children, between eight and twelve years, were guided through marine and terrestrial themes by talented Guyanese artists Ransford Simon, Chris Bissessar, and Keyzah Bhola, who kept the fun going and encouraged the young painters to express themselves on canvas.
Ms. Zoya Samaroo, an artist and one of the Foundation’s coordinators, knows how art can create a lasting impact on young minds. According to Samaroo, “One of EMC Foundation’s main goals is to connect young creative minds while highlighting the importance of the environment. As an art enthusiast myself, I can think of no better way to get engaged than by getting your hands a little messy with vibrant colours while learning about the beauty of our natural world.”
Mr. Kemraj Parsram, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, was encouraged by the interactions with the young participants. He stated that, “With increased development and the impacts that come with it, it is important that we continue educating the younger generation and bringing them up to become the future custodians of Guyana’s environment.”
The focus of the Foundation is to provide opportunities, especially for young people, to interact with nature and the environment so that they can develop greater awareness, appreciation and love for Guyana’s ecosystems and biodiversity. The turnout at the paint mixer demonstrated how eager the younger generation is to contribute to efforts to protect them.
“It is important to invest in children’s creative capacities. They are the generation for whom Guyana is conserving its nature,” said Yeşim Oruç, the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Guyana. “It is wonderful to see them learning and being creative about the environment.”
Honourable Sonia Parag, the Minister of Public Service, attended the event with her son and was excited by the creativity shown by the young painters. Hon. Parag noted, “To involve children in environmental protection is commendable and necessary because they will be the leaders in a few years. They will be the ones who push to protect our earth.”
The paint mixer follows the EMC Foundation’s scavenger hunt held in the Botanical Gardens on August 26, 2022, to raise awareness of the environment that saw more than forty young people converge at the Botanical Gardens to find hidden clues. More environmentally-themed events are expected in the coming months.
We held the first wildlife club session at Moraikobai Primary School with support from the Village Council! 
From interactive outdoor games to a nature walk and a burst of creativity in an artistic session, the students amazed with their talents and inventive spirit. 
This was a dynamic space for environmental exploration, learning, and creativity. We’re all excited about the next club activities. 
It was an exciting day, and we’re all looking forward to more club adventures! Ready to join the fun? Let’s make nature our playground! 
