A turtle conservation field station, which is expected to complement the ongoing conservation efforts of the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society (GMTCS), was commissioned at Almond Beach, Region One on Saturday
The field station is outfitted with internet service and a solar power supply and it boasts a library where training will be provided in conservation strategies and ICT, the Government Information Agency (GINA) has reported.
A multi-purpose guest house is also currently being built to accommodate visitors to the beach, host workshops and function as a hub for the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project. These were made possible through funding from Eerepami Rainforest Foundation, which received contributions from youths in Germany, GINA noted.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was appointed a patron of the GMTCS, visited the beach for the first time for the commissioning ceremony and to view the Leatherback turtle. Hinds said he was appointed after calls were made for the minister responsible for mining—which is part of his portfolio—to take an interest, after persons had been found mining the sea shells, which are abundant on the beach. Hinds also noted that partnerships are important in conservation, particularly in clearing up misconceptions youth may have on the issue. He noted that with their exposure to the world via the television and internet, they may be tempted to become involved in for-profit activities, such as the harvesting of natural resources, in a way that may not be sustainable.
Co-patron of the GMTCS, Dr Peter Pritchard, recognised the efforts of the community, saying it indicates their interest in the sustainability of the turtles and protected areas of Guyana, and Almond Beach in particular. He noted that since his arrival in 1964, there have been significant efforts to properly develop the beach.
In addition, Chair of the GMTCS Board Dr Raquel Thomas noted that government has recognised the organisation’s efforts, which have received support through education awareness and in protected area development. She added that the GMTCS has worked with the community during 2010 in determining its delineation potentials for Shell Beach.
Thomas pointed out that while protected areas focus on biodiversity, focus must also be placed on the people dwelling in the area.
“The project has received support from organisations including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), SOL, Flora and Fauna International (FFI), Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and Conservation International (CI),” GINA said. A representative of Eerepami Rainforest Foundation, Robert Spitzer, explained that there have been over 100 years of careless activities, including over-harvesting, which have brought a variety of sea turtles to the brink of extinction. In this regard, he noted that conservation is critical, since the turtles are being protected. He also said turtles are important for the stability of the marine ecosystem, as they maintain the fish populations. Meanwhile, Vice-Chairman of Region One Paul Pierre commended the community for its steadfastness in ensuring marine turtle conservation is successful in the area. He also said that there are visible signs of development in all communities of the region. Pierre noted the success of the road projects, along 60 miles of road, which allows access to communities that had not previously been connected, the construction of new schools, progress in agriculture, and improved healthcare, via roving doctors.
In addition to being known as the nesting place of four of the world’s eight known sea turtle species—the Leatherback, Green, Hawksbill and the Olive Ridley—Almond Beach is well known for its abundance of coconuts, which provides investment opportunities and has the potential to materialise others.
