The 18th edition of Earth Hour kicked off on Saturday, March 23, with Guyanese uniting with millions of people around the world from 190 countries and territories in support and celebration of planet Earth.
This was stated in a Wildlife Fund (WWF) release yesterday which also explained that the aim of Earth Hour was to invite everyone, everywhere, to “Give an hour for Earth” by finding the most enjoyable ways to give an hour for Earth through the Hour Bank. This new online interactive tool, it added, which was developed by WWF, saw a total of 1,476,081 hours given to Earth, of which Guyana contributed 580 hours.
It further noted that the Earth Hour campaign in Guyana encouraged individuals not only to switch off lights symbolically, but also to take 60 minutes to do something good for the planet while doing something they love. This year’s Earth Hour focussed on promoting sustainability while raising awareness about the twin perils facing the Earth: nature loss and climate change.
According to the WWF, Earth Hour celebration activities commenced with the Eco-Explorers Scavenger Hunt, which was organised in collaboration with Policy Forum Guyana. It saw over 80 participants, representing schools, environmental groups, and public-spirited individuals, compete for prizes as they deciphered various clues that tested their knowledge of biodiversity and ecological sustainability.
Following the scavenger hunt, supporters were treated to a nature exhibition that highlighted the collaborative efforts of various organisations, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Environmental Management Consultants (EMC), local craft producers, Hyde Park Zoo, the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), and Save Soil. The exhibition, it explained, aimed to raise awareness of the importance of conservation efforts and the role each entity plays in preserving Guyana’s natural heritage.
The countdown to lights-out event was held in the Botanical Gardens, which served as an appropriate backdrop for a night dedicated to Guyanese ‘Giving an Hour for Earth’. The lights-out moment, which took place at 20.30 hours and usually marks the pinnacle of Earth Hour, saw scores of supporters gathered to witness the symbolic gesture of the collective lighting of the ‘60’ emblem. The event was accompanied by the melodious sounds of Abel Stokes and the harmony of the Buxton Steel Band Orchestra.
Meanwhile, WWF-Guianas Country Manager, Aiesha Williams, commented on the success of this year’s campaign. “As we reflect on the success of this year’s Earth Hour, it’s clear that our collective efforts have not only raised awareness but also sparked a bigger interest in the urgent need for a sustainable future. Let’s carry this momentum forward, continuing to work together to create a more hopeful and resilient world for generations to come.”
Local companies also played a crucial role in making Earth Hour a success and these included Logitech Geospatial, Twins Manufacturing Chemists, Darthan Investments, and Cole’s Printing, all of whom made valuable contributions in support of Earth Hour, the release added.
