Guyana celebrates Mangrove Day, aims to promote sustainability and resilience

Guyana: Guyana celebrated International Mangrove Day with a vision to enhance the environmental conditions of the country and for the restoration and conservation of the coastal guardians. The country focuses on investing in mangrove restoration and promoting sustainable practices, ensuring resilient health of the coastal communities.

International Mangrove Day was celebrated under the theme “Mangroves Matter: Safeguarding our Coastal Guardians for Tomorrow.” While shedding light on this celebration, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha stated that Mangroves are crucial to Guyana’s environmental and economic health.

He added that these unique ecosystems serve as natural barriers against coastal erosions and storm surges, protecting the communities and infrastructure. The Minister added that as articulated in Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, mangroves play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, enhancing their efforts to combat climate change.

The Minister of Agriculture also asserted that Mangrove ecosystems in Guyana provide essential services that support the livelihoods of many coastal communities. He added that investment in mangrove-based livelihoods will not only promote environmental sustainability but will also enhance economic resilience.

For the same, the Ministry of Agriculture is planning to collaborate with the Guyana Tourism Authority in order to foster opportunities for eco-tourism, where the rich biodiversity of mangrove forests can attract both local and international visitors.

Minister Mustapha also mentioned that Agricultural Ministry will be making efforts to provide support to build the capacity of local communities in order to meet the local demand for honey and its products. The Minister added that by establishing more hives in mangrove areas, communities can leverage this ecological niche with a vision to boost honey production, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic development.

Also, the Minister added that Guyana’s mangrove efforts will significantly contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals. He added that by restoring over 500 hectares of mangroves, they are supporting SDG 14, which focuses on the sustainable management of both oceans and coasts.

“Mangrove efforts help to combat climate change, support livelihoods, enhance biodiversity and strengthen the resilience of the coastal zones,” noted Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

The Government of Guyana also reiterated their commitment to invest in mangrove restoration in order to promote sustainable practices, ensuring health and resilience of coastal communities.

“Together, we can ensure that Guyana’s mangroves continue to thrive, safeguarding our coastline and fostering a sustainable future for all,” noted Minister of Agriculture.