Message by Hon. Robert M. Persaud, MBA, MP Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment on the occasion of WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2013

Written by, Friday, 01 February 2013 21:48, Source

THE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment is pleased to celebrate World Wetlands Day, today, under this year’s theme ‘Wetlands and Water Management’, with the slogan ‘Wetlands take care of water’.

Minister Robert M. Persaud

World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997, and since then, the Government has supported activities by non-governmental organizations, citizen groups and corporate Guyana aimed at raising public awareness of wetlands and their benefits. This year, World Wetlands Day celebrations have greater significance, with the UN focus on 2013 as the International Year for Water Cooperation. Global observances will highlight the interdependence between water and wetlands and the key role that wetlands play.

Wetlands are unique and one of the most ecologically diverse and important ecosystems. They provide important environmental services such as regulation of river flows; vital sources of fresh water; filter for pollutants; and provide an important home for biodiversity. As wetlands have a high level of nutrients and water availability, they provide an ideal habitat for fish, amphibians, shellfish, and insects. Not surprisingly, wetlands are also important sources of food, water and shelter for human beings.

As the ‘land of many waters’, Guyana is world renowned for its rivers and wetlands. From the coastal wetlands of the Shell Beach Protected Area, to the flooded forests of the Upper Corentyne, Guyana’s wetlands are an important component of our nation’s landscape.

On the coast, our Mangrove Wetlands have the important functions of sea-defense and nurseries for fish and various crustaceans, e.g. shrimp and crab.  This wetland is also a source of livelihood, e.g., for honey bee farmers. The Government has long recognised the importance of these coastal wetlands, and has moved to establish the Shell Beach Protected Area, which contains the largest stretch of uninterrupted coastal mangrove forest in Guyana.

This Protected Area, along with the work of the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project (implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture) has raised awareness of the importance of the conservation and sustainable use of Mangrove ecosystems.

Approximately 300 miles to the south, a completely different wetland system is home to important biodiversity, agricultural areas and over 5000 residents of indigenous communities.  The North Rupununi Wetland system is dominated by the Rupununi, Rewa and Essequibo Rivers, covers an area of approximately 22,000 hectares of flooded savannah and forest. The area has long been important for cattle rearing, and is now offering opportunities for responsibly managed agricultural diversification. Its more than 750 lakes, ponds and inlets provide habitat for approximately 400 species of fish - the highest diversity of fishes in the world for areas of similar size! This area is also home to some of the world endangered giants such as the Arapaima – the largest fresh water fish, the giant river otter - largest of the 13 otter species, the black caiman – the world’s largest caiman, giant river turtles, the harpy eagle - largest bird of prey, the jaguar - largest cat in South America, and, hundreds of other flora and fauna. These two areas represent just a snapshot of the Guyana network of wetland systems.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment is very cognisant of the importance of wetlands, and is placing significant emphasis on issues related to water, and watershed management. As Guyana moves forward with the development of the natural resources sector, we must remain vigilant to ensure that regulations related to water and water quality are enforced at every level.  This effort within the Ministry must also be paired with international cooperation on the management of trans-boundary waters; agricultural and urban water management; and water storage, just to name a few. It is also important that we tap into support at the global and regional levels to ensure that wetland ecosystems continue to provide benefits to our country and its people.

It is often said that “Water is Life”. The focus of this year’s World Wetlands Day gives us a chance to reflect on this statement and renew our efforts to ensure that wetlands are managed as key components in Guyana’s path towards sustainable development. Whatever your particular interest in wetlands, I invite you to join with us as we spread this year’s message for World Wetlands Day 2013, ‘Wetlands take care of water!’