Vol . 3 Issue I I I 2007/08/13Green Lea f

Page 8

Cont’d from Page… 4 Guyana Environment Week 2007. By Candacie Brower ( EO 1— EITD)

A picture colouring and interpretation competition was also held for children aged 9-13 years. The Prime Minister delivered the WED message which was aired on NCN radio.

Prior to the activities, there were also dis-cussions on the Guyana Today Show on the theme and the planned activities.

THE GREEN LEAF The Green Leaf is published quarterly by

the Environmental Protection Agency,

Guyana. It is intended to promote aware-

ness of the work of the Environmental

Protection Agency.

Editorial Committee: Sharifah Razack,

Sonia Gumbs, Candacie Brower, Ren-

wick English, Tim Laing, Esan

Cadogan & Dominique Saheed.

E-mail: eit.epaguyana@yahoo.com

Mailing address:

- Environmental Protection Agency,

IAST Building, U.G. Campus, Turkeyen,

Greater Georgetown.

- 263 Earl’s Avenue, Subryanville,

Georgetown.

Telephone: 225 - 6044

About Our Logo

Our logo is the passion fruit leaf. Yellow

passion fruit (Passiflora edulis flavi-

carpa) is native to the Amazon. It pro-

duces beautiful flowers and sweet tart

fruits. It was named by the Spanish mis-

sionaries 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, diarrhoea, dysentery and

Answers:

Plastic, Metals and Glass

Resources

Manufacturing

Metal

Greenhouse

Paper Products

Trees

Releases

Amount

Use

Carbon

Dioxide

Yard Trimmings and Food

Scraps

Compost

Absorb

Secret saying: you

and me

The Newspaper articles during the month of June also focused on WED and the activities surrounding its observances.

The winning banner by Graham’s Hall Primary

School

A section of the Green Walk 2007

Green Leaf

Volume 3 Issue I I I 2007/08/13 Page 1

Work on Indicators: Micro-level Forest Biological Diversity Indicators in Guyana

1, 2, 3

GENCAPD Phase 1

Public Awareness

project for small-

scale and medium-

scale miners

1, 2, 3

Guyana Environ-ment Week

4, 8

KFW Small Grants Project Enhances Livelihood Skills at Chenapou, Region 8

4, 6, 7

Kids Corner 5, 6

EPA grants Environ-mental Authoriza-tion to Projects in the Second Quarter of 2007

7

Inside this

Issue:

Work on Indicators: Micro-level Forest Biological Diversity

Indicators in Guyana. By Clydecia McClure (EO II— NRMD)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) received funding from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for the execution of the Micro-level Forest Biological Diversity Indicators in Guyana. The implementation period of the project was from October 2006 to June 2007. The Project goals were to develop and field-test indicators of impacts on for-est biodiversity at two contrasting sites: (i) a site where there is for-est resource extraction (Demerara Timbers Limited for-est resource extraction site), and (ii) a control site (Pibiri Research Site), and to prepare an Action

Plan for monitoring forest biological diversity. The Guy-ana Forestry Commission (GFC) was a major collaborat-ing partner in this project and provided tremendous support in all activities.

Several micro-level forest bio-logical diversity indicators were selected by the Technical Working Group of the project (comprising representatives of GFC, EPA and the Consult-ants); namely: Threatened or impacted ecosystem func-tions and components, ex-ploited species, endemic

species, red list species, key-stone species, species rich-ness/diversity, stand health, Cont’d on Page 2…

The second quarter of the

year 2007 brought numerous

opportunities for the EPA to

cement its partnerships and

enhance environmental man-

agement. This quarter sought

the implementation of a num-

ber of projects which dealt

with empowering communities

to adapt better environmental

practices which would contrib-

ute to their personal develop-

ment and the development of

their communities. May the

spirit of environmental har-

mony prevail as we move into

the third quarter.

Editorial Note

The mining sector is a significant contributor to Guyana’s GDP, as well as a notable activity in Guy-ana’s hinterland. Mining has led to the development and estab-lishment of many villages and settlements in the hinterland regions of Guyana. However, when environmentally sound methods are not adopted, mining can have devastating effects on the environment. Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Guyana Ge-ology and Mines Commission

(GGMC) are the regulatory bodies that administer monitor-ing and management of Guy-ana’s environment to alleviate negative impacts in the mining sector.

The commencement of the Guyana Environmental Capacity Development (GENCAPD) Project, in 1998, contributed significantly to the implementa-tion of several measures (Mining Regulations, Codes of Practices in mining and guidelines to reduce mercury contamination

GENCAPD Phase I Public Awareness Project for small-scale and medium-scale miners.

By Renwick English (EO II— EITD)

from mining) to address the negative impacts of gold min-ing on the environment. It was supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The major stakeholders involved were the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Environ-mental Protection Agency, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, the Insti-tutes of Applied Science

Cont’d on Page 2...

hindered the field study:

1. The constant rainfall hin-

dered the collection of bats by mist netting.

2. Fallen trees blocking the

passage of the vehicles along the gap access road within the Pibiri Research Site had to be removed to enable easier ac-cess to the site.

3. The steep terrain of the

sites and deep waterways, to some extent limited the field study.

Cont’d on Page 3...

Cont’d from Page 1...GENCAPD Phase I Public Awareness Project for small-scale and medium-scale miners.

By Renwick English (EO II— EITD)

Vol . 3 Issue I I I 2007/08/13 Page 2

Cont’d from Page 1...Work on Indicators: Micro-level Forest Biological Diversity Indicators in Guyana Project.

By Clydecia McClure (EO II— NRMD)

sultants (Dr. Gary Clarke and Mr. Calvin Bernard), an EPA representative (Ms. Clydecia McClure), two Field Assistants from the University of Guyana (Mr. Forrest Smartt and Ms. Sarah Savoury), and two Tree Spotters (Mr. Rajkumar Luck-hoo and Mr. Colin Dundas). The team was supported by a cook (Ms. Sharmin Grimmond) and a driver (Mr. Anthony Lieu-ken-pen).

Tree identification and diameter at breast height (dbh) measure-ments were conducted within the two sites. Canopy photo-graphs were also taken at the four corner points of the block of each site, and at the center of

stand density, regeneration, and fragmentation.

These indicators were field-tested at the two contrasting sites (Demerara Timbers Lim-ited and the Pibiri) where one kilometer square (1 km2) blocks were demarcated. How-ever, most of the field tests were concentrated within the south western 500m2 block of the logged site, since more evidence of logging was con-tained in that area. In order to make the sites scientifically comparable, the south western 500m2 block of the Pibiri Re-search Site was also used.

The field team comprised nine (9) members, two Con-

the one hectare established within the block. Faunal studies were con-ducted by traversing the lines in search of different groups of ani-mal life: birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, fishes, and amphibi-ans.

There was evidence (sightings, scats, etc.) of the presence of wild-life in both sites, which led to the preliminary conclusion that the logging activities had little, if any, impact on wildlife within the Con-cession. Keystone tree species were also present in both sites. Canopy photographs taken at the four cor-ner points, and the centre one-hectare plot at both sites appeared to be comparable.

There were a few limitations which

and Technology, the Ministry of Health and the University of Guyana.

It was under an agreement with GENCAPD Project - Phase I, the EPA undertook to implement activities of a Com-munication and Awareness Strategy (CAS) on Environmentally Sound Mining in Guyana. The agreement detailed that activi-ties be conducted as follows: Part I – Production of a Video on Environmentally Sound Mining in Guyana, Part II - Use of the Video for Educa-tion and Public Awareness at Mining Locations, and Part III – Production of Additional Awareness Material.

The aim of the outreach activ-ity was to increase the level of awareness of best environ-

mental practices in mining among small-scale and medium-scale miners to reduce negative environmental impact of mining in Guyana.

The outreach programme under the GENCAPD Phase I project was coordinated by the EPA with inputs from the GGMC Environmental and Mines Divi-sions. A three member team comprising: one GGMC repre-sentative and two EPA repre-sentatives facilitated the activi-ties within four districts.

The project had a three step approach: (i) preparation and dissemination of materials, (ii) discussion and showing of video at mining locations, and (iii) discussions and showing of video at coastal locations. A mining documentary titled

“Mining and Guyana’s Environ-ment” was developed to serve as the primary tool used for the public awareness of good prac-tices in mining along with four posters on “Safe Mining Prac-tices” to reinforce the content of the documentary. Copies of the

mining documentary were dis-tributed to the target groups in the mining areas - mine opera-tors and shopkeepers where miners and residents frequent.

Cont’d on Page 3...

Outreach activity on Mine site in Aranka, Cuyuni

District, Region 7

EPA grants Environmental Authorization to Twenty-three Projects in the Second Quarter of 2007. By Candacie Brower ( EO-EITD)

GREEN LEAF Green Lea f Page 7

Cont’d from Page 6 … KfW Small Grants Project Enhances

Livelihood Skills at Chenapau, Region 8.

By Damian Fernandes (National Expert of GPAS/KfW Project)

Sharifah Razack ( Director—EITD)

By facilitating community initiatives like the Chenapau Craft Development, the KfW Small Grants Project aims to con-tribute to the long-term success of the Guyana Protected Areas System.

Assessment (EIA) is required. This re-

quirement is necessary when the impact of

a project will be significant. While pro-

jects that will have low impact on the en-

vironment are exempted from the EIA

requirement, these are still required to

mitigate against pollution. An Environ-

mental Management Plan is required in

some cases with details of the mitigation

measures that will be implemented in an

operation.

Public involvement is integral to the Envi-

ronmental Authorisation process. The

EPA notifies the public of applications for

Environmental Authorisation for projects

that are determined to have significant

impacts on the environment (i.e. an EIA

or EMP is required). This notice is pub-

lished in one daily newspaper. The public

has 30 days to submit concerns to the

EPA when an EIA is not required.

An EIA is usually conducted by a team of

experts which must be approved by the

EPA. This team along with the EPA must

agree on the scope of the study to be car-

ried out. In cases where an EIA is re-

quired, the Agency will publish a notice in

the newspaper indicating that an EIA is

required and make copies of the Project

Summary available to the public. A Public

Scoping Meeting will also be held for resi-

dents near to the project to voice their

concerns etc. in order for this to be ad-

dressed and incorporated into the EIA.

Once the EIA is submitted, the EPA,

Environmental Assessment Board (EAB),

sectoral agencies and the public have 60

days to submit comments.

Once the EIA is finalized, the report is

submitted to the EAB. This Board re-

views the EIA and recommends to the

EPA whether or not to grant an Environ-

mental Authorisation.

The number of applications for environ-

mental Authorisations has shown consid-

erable increase when compared with the

first quarter of 2007.

During the period April to June 2007, the

EPA completed the processing of twenty-

three (23) applications for Environment Au-

thorisation. An Environmental Authorisation

permits its holder to undertake a develop-

ment project by complying with specific con-

ditions as set out in the document.

The projects authorised by the EPA in the

second quarter of the year were spread across

various sectors - agricultural, energy, mining

and forestry, and commercial/industrial. One

permit for the sustainable utilization of forest

resources for Iwokrama Sustainable Timber

Inc, four Sawmills, one Woodworking opera-

tion, one Sand Quarry and one year con-

struction permit for the Takatu River Bridge -

Phase 1 for the Ministry of Public Works

were approved in the forestry and mining

sector. Two Poultry Farms, one Fish Proc-

essing Plant and one Goat & Cattle Rearing,

Date Palm, Citrus and Soya Bean operation

were approved in the agricultural sector. One

operation for the treatment and bottling of

drinking water was approved in the commer-

cial sector.

Six Operation permits were granted for this

quarter. Operation Permits are granted for

the regularization of projects that are

already in existence.

The Operation Permits consisted of two

Lumber Yards, one Rice Mill, one Poul-

try Farm - rearing & processing, one

Plywood Factory & Sawmill Complex,

and one Gas station.

Applications for Environmental Authori-

sations are screened based on informa-

tion submitted by applicants and verified

by the Agency. Field visits to the pro-

posed project site and checks with vari-

ous sectoral agencies and stakeholders

provide the Agency with facts to deter-

mine whether the information submitted

by an applicant is correct.

The Agency also issues letters of Au-

thorisation which applies in cases where

the Agency decides that a Permit is not

required since the operation will not have

significant environmental impacts. Three

letters of authorizations were issued, for

a Telecommunication Tower, a Wireless

ISP and for a Residence & Apartment

Building. The expected impact of a pro-

ject on the environment determines

whether or not an Environmental Impact

Residents of Chenapau getting prac-tice in furniture-making

Kids’ Corner By Michelle Chow (EO 1 -EITD)

Cont’d from Page 4… KfW Small Grants Project Enhances Livelihood Skills at Chenapau, Region 8.

By Damian Fernandes (National Expert of GPAS/KFW Project) and Sharifah Razack ( Director—EITD)

The handiwork produced during the training was showcased in a community exhibition which proved so successful that most of the craft on display were sold within the first hour. The income generated from the activity is now being used to

Vol . 3 Issue I I I 2007/08/13 Page 6

paper, you help reduce greenhouse gases from being released during the manufacture of

paper. You also help preserve trees, which naturally absorb a greenhouse

gas called RBAONC__ __ __ __ __ __ DIEXIDO __ 7__ __ __ __ __ __ from

the air, helping to prevent climate change.

Yard Trimmings and Food Scraps

Are there ever bits of food left over after your dinner?

Or grass clippings left after your lawn has been

mowed? By collecting these materials, piling them in a

spot in your garden at home, and stirring them

regularly to allow air penetration, you can create a

TOMPSOC__ __ __ 8 __ __ __ __ pile. This activity

keeps these materials out of a landfill, where they

decay and release greenhouse gases. Composting also

helps plants to grow. Plants, just like trees, ROBSAB

__ __ __ __ __ __ carbon dioxide, removing it from the

air and help to decrease climate change.

Planet Protectors’

Secret Saying:

Who can help protect the Earth from

climate change?

— — — — — — — —

2 1 6 5 3 7 8 4

materials. This phase incorpo-rated the use of forest vines and reeds such as kufu, mocru, nibbi, and tibisiri to produce wicker furniture, and other woven miniature craft items. Again, the workshop was very popular with the village and so was extended for an additional

two weeks. The furniture and craft-making skills would em-power villagers of Chenapau to make craft not only for their households but also for sale at the craft shop at Kaieteur.

Cont’d on Page 7...

procure additional materials for further craft production, which provides a good indication of the project’s sustainability.

The second phase of the project began two weeks later, with a craftsman from Paramakatoi as-sisting 22 local men and women to produce craft from natural

Cont’d from Page 2...Work on Indicators: Micro-level Forest Biological Diversity Indicators in Guyana Project.

By Clydecia McClure (EO II— NRMD)

the GENCAPD Phase I Project was executed in partnership with the GGMC, a key stakeholder in the mining sector. The activity provided both partners with the opportunity to bring small-scale and medium-scale miners up to

date with positive trends in sound environmental min-ing practices.

The level of awareness among miners have in-creased, therefore, it ex-pected that miners would be better equipped in com-plying with improved prac-tices.

Cont’d from Page 2...GENCAPD Phase I Public Awareness Project for small and medium scale miners.

By Renwick English (EO II— EITD)

The outreach activity targeted Mahdia Region 8, Port Kai-tuma and Arakaka Region 1, Aranka Region 7 and French-

man Creek Region 8. The ven-ues where the public aware-ness activities were conducted, within the selected areas, were based on their proximity to other mining concessions so as to provide more opportunities for wider impacts.

The Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the University of Guyana (UG) were identified for the video and discussion for the coastal population. The public will also be sensitized through

mass media (television) to which the video will be distrib-uted to television stations where a scheduled airing time will be negotiated. The project focused on the following:

Improved environmental practice to reduce the negative impacts associated with mining.

Reduced cases of reported operation health and safety violation among miners.

Enhanced communication among stakeholders. In-formed coastal and hinter-land communities on best practices in mining.

Improved adherence to Mining Regulations, mer-cury use; and increased abil-ity to conduct self monitor-ing among others.

The EPA is pleased that the Public Awareness activity under

GREEN LEAF Green Lea f Page 3

Team members at the Pibiri Research Site,(from left: Mr. Rajkumar Luckhoo, Ms. Clydecia

McClure, Mr. Calvin Bernard)

A team member , Ms. Clydecia McClure (EO II),

surveying the logged site (waterway at DTL)

The preliminary conclusion from this study is that logging at the intensity typical in Guyana does not appear to have a major impact on biodiversity at the scale investigated. How-ever, it would be dangerous to extrapolate and make general conclusions based on a study conducted at just two sites.

Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that the indicators proposed and tested in this study are practical to measure .

and, in some cases, have shown sensitivity to recent logging activities. Clearly, further investigation of the value and relative sensitivity of these prototype indicators will be required over a larger range of sites and timescales.

It is recommended that all the proposed micro-indicators tested in this study merit inclusion in a further programme of studies to evaluate their sensitivity, usefulness and practicabil-ity. Specific details of such a programme, with recommenda-tions for measuring, sampling protocols and analytical proce-dures, are included in the Action Plan to monitor Forest Biodi-versity.

A team member Mr. Renwick Eng-

lish (EO II) demonstrating the use

of the retort

Guyana Environment Week 2007. By Candacie Brower ( EO 1— EITD)

KfW Small Grants Project Enhances Livelihood Skills at Chenapou, Region 8. By Damian Fernandes (National Expert of GPAS/KFW Project and Sharifah Razack ( Director—EITD)

being implemented by the Government of Guyana through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and is funded by the German Gov-

More than fifty persons of Chenapou Village, Region 8, have been trained in the art of craft-making with funding re-ceived from the KfW Small Grants Project. The Project is

Kaieteur National Park. The Chenapau Craft Development initiative began in June 2007, with the aim of developing local artisans to produce craft for sale at the craft-shop at Kaieteur. The G$1.2M project was imple-mented by the Chenapau Devel-opment Council in two phases, the first being textile craft train-ing and the second natural craft training.

In the first phase of the project, trainers were brought from the North Rupununi to facilitate a workshop in embroidery, knit-ting and crochet-making. For two weeks, 34 women (and some men) were trained using a learn-ing-by-doing approach.

Cont’d on Page 6...

ernment, through the German

Development Bank (KfW).

The KfW Small Grants Project is a component of the Guyana Protected Areas System (GPAS) Project and its goal is to support local projects by providing grants to communi-ties in and around protected areas, or areas proposed for protection. Since it began in March 2006, the KfW Small Grants Project has supported a number of community projects in the areas of Shell Beach, Kaieteur, and the Kanuku Mountains.

Chenapau Village is a commu-nity of five-hundred people, and is located adjacent to the

Vol . 3 Issue I I I 2007/08/13 Page 4

World Environment Day, 2007 was

observed under the local theme: Cli-

mate Change A Reality; How Can

We Adapt? This theme was adapted

from the international theme: Melting

Ice-A Hot Topic? As has become cus-

tomary in Guyana, a week of activities is

staged in observance of this event

hence, the name Guyana Environment

Week (GEW). The EPA successfully

coordinated activities to raise environ-

mental awareness and encourage posi-

tive environmental actions for WED,

2007. The most prominent of these

activities was the annual “Green Walk”

which was held on June 3, 2007 and was

partially sponsored by Demerara To-

bacco Company (DEMTOCO).

This event attracted environmental ac-

tivists from diverse stakeholder groups

which included schools, NGOs, sector

agencies, private sector, governmental

organizations, environmental clubs, and

community members who wanted to make

an environmental statement. Despite the

harsh weather with heavy continuous rain-

fall, the participants came in massive num-

bers to show their concern for the state of

the environment. Graham’s Hall Primary

School emerged winner of the best banner

prize while the largest contingent prize

went to Marian Academy.

The walk was complemented by environ-mentally-friendly lyrics from the Guyana Police Steel Band, Mayor and City Council

Steel Band, and Fusion Sound System. Green Walk 2007 was consid-ered a great success since the route also targeted residential areas to foster greater awareness.

In addition to the Green Walk, a panel discussion on the WED theme was held at NCN Television. Several media houses also visited the EPA to conduct interviews in relation to WED.

Cont’d on Page 8...

EPA Staff after the Green Walk

Residents of Chenapau displaying Craft

Read about the product or materials you might use everyday and unscramble the

missing words to learn about how reusing or recycling these products can reduce the

greenhouse gases and prevent global climate change.

After you have correctly unscrambled the words, you can use the letter (before the

number) to fill in the corresponding blanks and decode the planet protector’s secret

saying.

Kids’ Corner By Michelle Chow (EITD)

Plastic, Metal, and Glass Products

Do you drink milk from plastic containers, soda from metal cans, or eat peanut

butter from glass jars? These containers are made from natural SEROUCSER

__ __ __ __ 1 __ __ __ __ __, which are mined, transported, and then

made into plastic, metal, or glass at a ORTACYF__ __ __ __ __ __ __ 2.

This entire RUNTGAFNICAMU __ __ __ 3 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

process releases greenhouse gases and causes climate change. By

recycling or reusing plastic, LEMAT__ __ __ __ __, or glass items, you can

reduce the need to mine, transport, and manufacture natural resources to make new

products. In other words, you reduce the amount of SHOUERNEEG

__ __ __ 4 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ gas released and help prevent climate change.

Paper Products

Do you use paper products such as paper napkins, paper towels, or

wrapping paper? To make these items, SRETE __ __ __ __ __ must be

cut down, transported by truck, and processed into paper at paper mills. This procedure

ALEERSES __ __ __ __ __ 5 __ __ __ greenhouse gases and adds to climate change. By reduc-

ing the NATMUO __ __ __ ___ __ of paper you EUS __ 6 __ __ everyday or by recycling

GREEN LEAF Green Lea f Page 5

Can you find the secret saying???