Iwokrama raises alarm over increased littering on Linden-Lethem Road

…joins forces with EPA to tackle issue

The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development has raised concerns about increasing littering along the Linden–Lethem Road, where 72 kilometres fall within the Iwokrama Protected Area. Rangers have noted a sharp rise in waste discarded along the corridor in recent years, warning that the situation threatens the forest’s ecological health and places heavy physical and mental strain on staff responsible for maintaining the area.
On Friday, Iwokrama said that it has welcomed the recent involvement of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to boost enforcement and public education. On November 26–27, the EPA conducted training for 20 individuals, including Iwokrama staff, the Toshao of Fair View, residents, Community Policing Group members, and an officer of the Guyana Police Force, to serve as Litter Prevention Wardens.
The two-day session covered definitions of litter and related offences, the Litter Enforcement Regulations of 2013, enforcement and court procedures, responsibilities of wardens, use of clean-up and removal notices, and the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3Rs) concept. Participants also completed practical field exercises.
On November 27, trainees carried out a hands-on activity at the Kurupukari Crossing, where they interacted with road users and residents while monitoring for violations and applying the techniques learnt during the workshop.
Despite increased signage, the placement of bins at key points, and frequent clean-ups, rangers continue to find large quantities of waste throughout the protected area. Water bottles, beverage containers, food boxes and discarded tyres remain among the most common items. Iwokrama said the ongoing problem poses risks to wildlife and undermines its conservation work.
The Centre is urging greater collaboration among all stakeholders and encouraging citizens to report littering. It also plans to engage transportation providers in the coming months to promote responsible practices and support environmental stewardship along the Linden–Lethem corridor.
According to the Litter Enforcement Regulations of 2013, it is an offence to dispose of litter from a motor vehicle or trailer. A person is liable if material being transported is not properly secured or covered and is likely to fall or blow off a vehicle. The offence carries a fine of $50,000, or $100,000 for a corporate body.
The regulations also require owners of buses and taxis to provide at least one receptacle for litter while the vehicle is operating. Failure to do so carries a fine of $15,000.