Healthy ecosystems crucial for livelihoods, protecting biodiversity – EMC Director

…calls for worldwide conservation of migratory birds, habitats

As World Migratory Bird Day is being celebrated across the world today, the Environmental Management Consultants Inc (EMC) joins the calls for conservation of migratory birds and their habitats while reaffirming its commitment to support the protection of Guyana’s ecosystems.
On Friday, EMC said that Guyana is home to more than 850 species of birds and more than 250 of these species have been seen in Georgetown, making it one of the few capital cities in the world that can boast of such a high number of birds.
“Guyana also hosts over 90 migratory bird species that depend on a network of sites and habitats, such as wetlands, coastal areas, forests, and grasslands, to survive. This wide avian diversity has made bird-spotting a popular pastime for locals and international tourists. It is also a source of revenue for tourism operators and communities,” a press release from the company stated.
According to EMC, unfortunately, migratory birds are under threat from loss of habitat, climate change, and predation, including human hunting.
The effects of these threats on bird species, the release stated, have long been observed in Guyana, but the scale of their impact is yet to be thoroughly examined. EMC’s work contributes to the protection of Guyana’s ecosystems and rich biodiversity, including the diverse species of migratory birds the country hosts.
EMC’s Managing Director, Shyam Nokta, said that “healthy ecosystems are crucial for livelihoods, offsetting climate change, and protecting biodiversity.”
“We contribute to Guyana’s biodiversity database through our work on the coast and hinterland, which includes biodiversity assessments, resource mapping, awareness raising, capacity development, and continuous engagement with communities and stakeholders. Our work supports a better understanding of avian biodiversity and habitats in Guyana and can therefore contribute to their conservation,” Nokta said.