1

Last year, the EPA had many accomplishments, over-

came many challenges and continued to set high stan-

dards.

In the first quarter of 2008, the EPA has successfully

conducted a number of projects and has initiated new

strategies for enhancing the work of the Agency.

The Agency with its committed Staff intends to forge

ahead with determination to pursue its mandate for

environmental protection, conservation and sustainable

use of Guyana‟s natural resources.

In this Issue...

Volume 4 Issue 11 January - March 2008

Editorial Note

The 2nd National Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) Training Work-shop was held from February 12-15, 2008 at the Centre for Infor-mation Technology, University of Guyana. The Workshop intro-duced participants to the Clearing House Mechanism which allows access to and equips participating members to enter and manage data through the Management Centre of the BCH Central Portal. The Workshop is vital in enhancing the awareness of Biosafety Clearing House and Guyana‟s obligations under the Project which is intended to monitor the Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) entering and leaving Guyana.

Additionally, the BCH Portal will provide the necessary informa-tion to guide the relevant parties to make informed decisions and facilitates the sharing of information for trans-boundary move-ment of LMOs and GMOs. This is expected to strengthen border control, policy integration and institutional coordination to address Biosafety issues.

The Biosafety Clearing House Project is necessary for Guyana‟s development since it will assist in reducing and eliminating poten-tial risks resulting from biotechnology and its products which may result in negative impacts to the environment and human health.

EPA takes the lead in Biosafety Clearing House

(BCH) Implementation

EPA takes lead in Biosafety Clearing House (BCH) Implementation

Protected Areas Legislation Consultations

Improved Writing Skills

Inroads made against Littering

Keeping pace with changes through training

Kid’s Corner

Environmental Authorisations Soar

Inventory Management Enhanced

Mandate for Action—the Monitoring & Enforce-

ment Unit

New Offices for EPA

During training, the BCH Task Force gained first-hand experience of the operations of the Management Centre which allows records to be viewed, edited or deleted. Through this Centre, new records are submitted for publishing or added to the database and previ-ously published records are changed or removed. Records published through the Centre are approved for publishing by the National Focal Point (NFP).

Participants were also trained in the use of the Hermes programme which is vital in developing the National BCH Website. This pro-gramme, an application tool developed by the Secretariat to the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), guides both technical and non-technical users responsible for administrating, maintaining and accessing the National BCH Website. This aspect of training was facilitated by Dr. Anuraj Sinha, Regional Advisor on Informa-tion Technology from the Biosafey Unit of the United Nations Environmental Programme – Global Environmental Facility (UNEP – GEF).

The Environmental Protection Agency plays a facilitating role in the implementation of this Project.

2

Protected Areas Legislation Consultations

Vo lume 4 Issue 11 January – M arch , 2008

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has commenced

the process of compiling the draft proposed Protected Areas

Legislation as part of actions towards the establishment of a Pro-

tected Areas System for Guyana. This task is being done with the

assistance of the German Development Bank (Entwicklungs Bank

[KfW]).

Four consultations were

conducted from January –

March 2008 in three loca-

tions countrywide. One of

the Consultations was held

in Mabaruma Region 1 and

targeted the (9) communi-

ties in and around the Shell

Beach Study Area including

those of the Moruca Sub-

District

The three other Consultations were conducted in Chenapou Re-

gion 8, Lethem Region 9 and Georgetown, Region 4. At these

consultations representatives from a number of stakeholder or-

ganizations and community members expressed their views and

discussed ideas for the establishment and operation of the Pro-

tected Areas Systems.

Information was also gathered at these sessions to guide the prepa-

ration of a comprehensive draft Proposed Protected Areas Legisla-

tion. The process of having the input of di-

verse stakeholders was in keeping with Gov-

ernment‟s commitment of a participatory ap-

proach in the production of the Legislation.

Two Consultants were contracted to assisted

Guyana in this process - Ms. Melinda Janki an

International Legal Expert and Mr. Miguel

Morales a Protected Areas Management Ex-

pert.

Under the Environmental Protection Act of

1996, the Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) is mandated to coordinate the process.

Stakeholders pay keen attention to one of the Consultants at

one of the sessions

Improved Writing Skills

Members from over ten (10) Environmental Clubs in Regions 5 and 6 enhanced their writing skills after participating in a session on proposal writing in February.

This proposal writing workshop was the continuation of a series of training workshops which started in November 2007 as part of a developmental session for environmental clubs which is intended to equip members with the tools necessary to develop efficient proposals to promote clubs activities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognised that funding is crucial to sustaining club activities and empowering and motivating club members. It was also recognized that Environ-mental Clubs are not familiar with available sources of funding

and the requirements for accessing these funds.

One such source of funding is the Green Fund which can be ac-cessed through the EPA. The Green Fund provides support for micro projects developed by school clubs and community groups and has proven to be a valuable and successful approach to boost environmental activities. The proposal writing workshops aimed at equipping these club members with the skills needed to make mean-ingful representation for accessing funds for sustainable environ-mental projects.

During the next quarter the EPA will continue to work with Envi-ronmental groups in an effort to stimulate their interest in environ-mental protection and enhancement and the undertaking of mean-ingful activities for this cause.

3

Volume 4 Issue 11 January – M arch , 2008

Inroads made against Littering

There has been some measure of success in the drive to combat

littering and solicit support for the anti-littering programme con-

ducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Through its Monitoring and Enforcement (M &E) Unit, the Agency

received thirty (30) complaints. These related to illegal dumping,

scrap metal trade, illegal dumping sewage and river pollution. of a

river. Eleven (11) notices were also copied to the EPA regarding

various illegal structures.

The M &E Unit investigated nineteen (19) of the thirty complaints

(30) it received. Seven defaulter were given timelines within which

to comply with the recommendations of the Agency. However, it is

the Agency‟s position that if these timelines expire and the recom-

mended measures are not implemented; legal action would be taken

against the defaulters.

The Unit was able to resolve and close two (2) of the complaints

received while nine (9) complaints are currently being addressed in

relation to appropriate waste disposal or establishing appropriate

dumpsites.

Indiscriminate Dumping Prevalent

Indiscriminate dumping both by citizens and by organizations is

prevalent throughout the country. The Agency has noted in its in-

vestigations that there is indiscriminate dumping or littering by

some NDCs and Town Councils, authorities that have powers to

enforce against the offence of littering.

NDCs have indicated that there are not designated dumpsites for

garbage and most follow-up actions in this regard have been to as-

sist the NDCs to identify appropriate sites for dumping and guiding

them through the Agency‟s Authorization Process.

Limited financial resource has also been cited for the failure to ob-

tain the appropriate Environmental Authorization from the Agency.

Building Relationships

The EPA is working to strengthen relationships with several

NDCs as it intensifies its thrust to eliminate littering. Progress has

been made in this regard with all the NDCs in Region 4, the Re-

gion 4 Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Ministry of Home

Affairs, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development

and Attorney General‟s Chamber. Meanwhile, other Local Gov-

ernment entities were kept informed of the Anti- Littering pro-

gramme on a case by case basis.

Currently, there is partnership with the Coverden/Soesdyke NDC

Environmental Enhancement Competition with schools in the

Coverden/Soesdyke area. Support is given by the EPA to this

competition in the form of judging, public awareness/publicity

and the provision of educational materials to the schools partici-

pating in the competiton.

Unsightly dumping along trenches and canals is a practice

that the EPA is working with the NDCs to address.

4

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is not exempt from the changes facing the world today. Like other organizations, the Agency has developed innovative strategies which will enable its human resources to be continually equipped with the necessary knowledge and skill to effectively perform in an increasingly de-manding job environment.

The Agency has developed and promotes a strong human resource development programme which is intended to bring change both in employees‟ work-related behaviour as well as their level of perform-ance. This is achieved through continuous training for all levels of staff which is intended to expose them to learning situations that facilitates the formation of specific skills and attitudes analogous to the needs of the Agency.

For the year so far, training was done in the areas of Chromatogra-phy, Guyana‟s Trade Forest Priorities, Good Practices for Tropical Based Tourism, Harmonisation of Cash Transfers and the Kanuku Mountains Management.

Staff who benefitted from the training concurred that they have acquired the knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to their tasks and are better able to contribute to the work of their Units. In addi-tion, an inherent feeling of satisfaction is experienced as a result of

Vo lume 4 Issue 11 January - March , 2008

Inroads made against Littering

Keeping pace with changes through Training

the enhanced ability to contribute to improving the quality of work of the Agency, as well as to organizational growth and develop-ment.

The Administrative Division confirmed that several other training sessions are being organized for the remainder of the year. Some members of staff will be participating in a programme on Environ-mental Protection Technology in China, two persons have been nominated for training in Training Methodology Strategic Social and Environmental Assessments while one each will be doing courses in Environmental Management for Developing and Emerging Countries in Germany and Western Hemisphere Migra-tory Species Initiative in Asuncion, Paraguay.

The Agency will continue to provide the necessary `reinforcement‟ and support to ensure that the learning results of these pro-grammes will improve job performance and thereby increases pro-ductivity. There is also the commitment to ensuring the job envi-ronment is supportive of the application of the new knowledge upon completion of the courses.

The Educational Partnership Committees within NDC‟s are recog-

nized as being prime movers of the Anti-littering thrust. Collabora-

tion with these are being pursued and their drive to promote envi-

ronmental awareness via advocating for the formation of environ-

mental clubs in schools and within communities is being supported.

In addition to this, other Units within the Agency work hand-in-

hand to counter that littering problem through field based activities.

And there are also regular public awareness initiatives in the na-

tional media as well as the Agency‟s Newsletter „The Greenleaf‟.

Documentation Assists the Process

A Littering Report Form was developed in an attempt to curb the

prevalence of indiscriminate disposal through documentation and

formal corrective, legal action. This form has been distributed to

all NDCs in Region 4 as well as some NDCs and Town Council in

other regions on a case by case basis.

It is the intention that these forms be filled out by the NDC/

Town Council and returned to the EPA in a timely fashion so that

the process of corrective action, including prosecution can be

taken.

The success of the Anti-Littering Programme is heavily dependent

on the successful working together of all - NDCs, RDCs, Town

Councils and citizens and a conscious effort by all to eradicate the

„culture‟ of littering which seem to have invaded our society.

5

Kids’ Corner

Volume 4 Issue 11 January-March, 2008

The picture above shows how wetlands work. Looking at the picture, can you describe how wetlands work?

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6

Volume 4 Issue 11 January - March , 2008

Environmental Authorisations Soar

Inventory Management Enhanced

The Inventory Management System of the Environmental Protec-tion Agency (EPA) is now more enhanced for increased efficiency.

According to Human Resources Officer Seema Greene, the Inven-tory System of the Agency has implemented additional systems which allows for a greater level of accountability.

The HR Officer explained that the System comprises of two main functions – Inventory Management and Asset Management and is similar to those commonly used by other entities. In this case two persons have responsibility for managing the day to day operation of the System with overall responsibility being assumed by the Ad-ministrative Director.

Assets within the Agency are listed with serial numbers in a data-base and physical verification of these is conducted periodically.

Inventory Management is somewhat more dynamic than asset management since this accounts for stocks including stationery which are utilized on a daily basis by the Agency. The use of BIN cards, stockbook and spreadsheet facilitate the smooth operation of this system.

Currently, specific days are allocated for issuance of stocks and the relevant documentation is done prior to issuance. The integrity of the Inventory System was tested when the EPA moved offices form one geographic location to another. The fact that all assets are accounted for post-move testifies to the reliability of the Sys-tem.

The Agency constantly explores means of improving and enhanc-ing operations to ensure a high quality of service in all areas of operation as the Agency works to fulfill its mandate for environ-mental sustainability.

The Environmental Protection Agency recorded the highest num-

ber of Environmental Authorisations in the first quarter of 2008

since the establishment of the Agency.

One hundred and six (106) applications were received for both new

and existing projects. Of these, forty three (43) were for new pro-

jects and fifty (50) for existing operations.

There were eleven (11) applications for renewal of Environmental

Authorisation while there were two (2) applications for Variance to

Environmental Authorisations.

In addition, twenty three (23) Noise Applications were received

during this perios. Two (2) of the projects were required to prepare

Environmental management Plans (EMP‟s) to facilitate the issuance

of the Environmental Authorisations. In addition to eight (8) other

projects from 2007.

During this period twelve (12) Environmental Authorisations were

granted. This included the Anamayah‟s Medical Centre and Baux-

ite Company of Guyana for the 22 kurubuka Project. The Agency

also facilitated none (9) projects through the Environmental Im-

pact Assessment process. Seven (7) of these projects had com-

menced the process in 2007. The new projects that were required

to conduct EIAs during this period are the Georgetown Marriot

Hotel and the Durban Quarries on the Mazaruni River.

The Environmental Management Division made significant efforts

to focus on verification of these existing industries. The Agency

conducted approximately fifty two (52) verification visits, most of

which were in the wood sector. This trend is expected to continue

into the second quarter of the year.

Generally‟ the EPA continued to utilize a comprehensive approach

to Environmental Management, based on regulations and stan-

dards developed and the Environmental Permitting Process con-

tinues to function efficiently in terms of time standards set by the

Agency.

7

Mandate For Action - The Monitoring & Enforcement Unit

Volume 4 Issue 11 January – M arch , 2008

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is actively pursuing

an Anti-Littering Programme in an effort to promote a clean and

healthy environment and enhance the quality of life for all Guy-

anese.

The taskforce formed in response to the potential littering chal-

lenges during the 2007 Cricket World Cup, is now formalized and

known as the Monitoring and Enforcement Unit within the Envi-

ronmental Management Division. This Unit has responsibilities for

the implementation of the Agency‟s Anti-Littering programme.

Empowered by Law

The EPA is empowered by law to implement its Anti-Littering

Programme. Section (34) of the Act, clearly states that “Any person

who throws down, abandons, drops or otherwise deposits or leaves anything in

any manner whatsoever in circumstances as to cause or contribute to, or tend to

lead to litter shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to the penalties

prescribed under paragraph (a) of the Fifth Schedule.” Section 34 (1)(b) of

the Act stipulates that “Any person responsible for any function which

results in any litter shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to the penal-

ties prescribed under paragraph (b) of the Fifth Schedule.”

Penalties

The penalties referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of the Fifth

Schedule are “a fine of not less than $10,000 nor more than $50,000” and

“a fine of not less than $30,000 nor more than $80,000”, respectively. These

provisions and penalties will be enforced against all defaulters.

The Unit has planned a number of awareness Programmes which

are being implemented in phases with pilot activities being imple-

mented along the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara. The

Agency has implemented these programmes in collaboration with

stakeholders such as Government Ministries and Neighbourhood

Democratic Councils (NDCs) in several jurisdictions. These stake-

holders are assisting the Agency to gather the necessary information

so that appropriate actions, including prosecution could be taken

against offenders.

The Monitoring and Enforcement Unit intends to extend its reach

country-wide and to initiate and sustain a vibrant campaign against

littering so that a clean and wholesome environment could be

achieved through the collaborative effort of citizens, organizations

and all stakeholders.

New Offices for the EPA

After ten (10) years at the IAST Building at the Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now occupies new Offices in Central Georgetown.

From April 2008 the Agency has been operating from 7 Broad and Charles Streets in Charlestown, Georgetown. The building, formerly the Headquarters of the Guyana National Service was rehabilitated and renovated for occupation by the EPA.

The Building currently houses the Administrative, Environmental

Management and Education, Information and Training Divisions. The Natural Resources Management Division and the Document Centre are located at 263 Earl‟s Avenue, Subryanville, George-town. Plans are in train to facilitate these sections at the new loca-tion in the future.

Staff of the Agency have adapted commendably to the new envi-ronment and have continued to display good conduct and a high level of professionalism and commitment.

8

Amazing Facts

The Red Siskin (Carduelis cucullata) population in

Guyana is the last known wild population. This

spectacular bird averages about 4 inches (10cm) in

length and has a striking red plumage especially

visible on the males. Juveniles are born with a gray

plumage and ac-

quire the red col-

our which contin-

ues to deepen as

they mature.

These birds need

maintain their

bright colour

throughout their

life.

About Our Logo...

Our logo is the passion fruit leaf. Yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis

flavicarpa) is native to the Amazon.

It produces beautiful flowers and sweet– tart fruit. It was named by the Span-

ish missionaries in South America.

Passion fruit is widely grown throughout the tropics and subtropics. The

leaves are used in traditional medicine to settle edgy nerves, also for colic,

diarrhea, dysentery and insomnia.

THE GREEN LEAF The Green Leaf is published quarterly by

the Environmental Protection Agency,

Guyana.

This publication is intended to promote

awareness of the work of the Environ-

mental Protection Agency.

Editorial Committee:

Sharifah Razack

Padmini Persaud

Sonia Gumbs-Luke

Candacie Brower

Renwick English

Michelle Chow.

E-mail: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com

Mailing address:

Environmental Protection Agency,

Lot 7 Broad and Charles Streets

Charlestown

Georgetown.

EIT DIVISION:

Ground Floor

Lot 7 Broad and Charles Streets

Charlestown

Georgetown.

Volume 4 Issue 11 January – M a rch , 2008

Did you know?