There needs to be an increased number of protected areas, better planning of gold mining and better control for poaching and hunting. These were some of the issues raised by Dr Patrick Williams on Monday when the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) launched the Living Guianas Report 2012 based on the Living Planet Report (LPR) which is produced by WWF International biyearly.
Dr Williams, Country Manager WWF Guianas, said that the compilation of the report started two years ago and that the idea came about from WWF International who said that WWF Guianas needed to present itself globally. The report was done in collaboration with the University of Utrecht, he said.
“The Guianas have the highest level of forest coverage in the world and there is great potential for ecotourism,” he stated.
One of the biggest drivers of degradation in the industry is gold mining, he said. “Gold mining is a threat to ecosystem, especially gold mining in protected areas,” Williams added. Oil, gas and bauxite were also seen as drivers of degradation. He said that they were concerned about the potential impact on marine environment.
He added that WWF Guianas was looking at some of the ongoing work in Brazil and hoping to learn from it in order to be better prepared.
He also highlighted the issue of trawlers catching marine turtles. “We need to protect our animals, especially the endangered ones,” he added.
WWF Guianas is currently calling for an increased number of protected areas, better control for poaching and hunting, ban on mercury use, better planning of gold mining, areas set aside for Indigenous people, change in energy consumption patterns and volume, and also mitigation on the impacts of new roads and dams.
Minister of Natural Resources Robert Persaud also alluded to some of the issues presented in the report. “The report is very relevant in our quest to stay on track in low carbon path and to remind us of lessons we can learn from our neighbours who are in the same position,” he stated.
“Guyana currently has the lowest level of deforestation because of gold mining whilst compared to Suriname and French Guiana. Guyana’s impact on fresh water he said is small when compared to Suriname and French Guiana, it gives us an indication that we are on the right track.
The report, he added, would allow for the wise development of policies. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to keep balance in terms of maintenance of the environment. He also lauded WWF’s excellent example on environmental issues in Guyana.
