Preserving Guyana’s biodiversity to take centre stage in restoration of zoo, Botanical Gardens

Students will not be exempt from the transformational works of the National Zoological Park as Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo spearheaded an initiative to educate the nation’s youth on Guyana’s biodiversity.
During a public consultation on Friday, the Vice President related that the vision for the beautification project also contains an introduction to animals that are not commonly seen on the coastland which will grant children an opportunity to witness them for the first time in their lives.
“We are doing this so that our children and coastal people who may not understand the challenges of climate change and sustainability, or who may not have been exposed to flora and fauna, or who would never have the opportunity to see a giant anteater, can experience the beauty of our country here – even if they’ll never have the opportunity to see an anteater in the forest,” he stated.
He added, “That is why many facilities this year are focused on teaching, familiarisation, and providing a safe space for children and families to enjoy what we have as a country, exposing them to it.”

As the Government forges ahead into the path of education, students will also have the opportunity to learn about Guyana’s strides in maintaining its biodiversity.
He also highlighted the common notion among Guyanese people that the forest is a source of income for the country; however, this should not be the only discussion associated with biodiversity.
“That’s why we’re involved in this project,” he said. “I see it as part of what we’re doing at a national level. We can’t just keep talking about our forest and the $2.56 billion it generates. This beautification project is a major educational resource for our children.”
In keeping with his vision to incorporate students, he mentioned that students of the University of Guyana can come into the institution as part of this project.
All of this, he noted, is part of the bigger plan to preserve Guyana’s biodiversity for the next 100 years.
“For tourists, this can also be a source of interaction,” he said. “Exposing our children to future challenges is vital, so they can help sustain this country for the next hundred years.”
The Vice President also mentioned that there would be possible internships for university students.

“If the focus is on exposing children, then we’ll need guides who are paid by the State to do this. It could be like a school environment, just as we hire teachers, we’ll have people here who are very familiar with this area, or we could get university students on attachment for their internship so they can talk to the kids. So, yes, I like creativity, but we’ll need people who can act as teachers.”
He also pointed out that architects would be sought for the designs of the zoo.
“We’ll likely need some local architects involved…when we are ready to do the designs in the zoo, there is room for creativity from our local architects. We want foreign advice as well, but sustainability will be key to achieving our goals as a country,” the VP noted.
Meanwhile, the advisor to the Protected Areas Commission, Damian Fernandes, unveiled the initial plans for the transformative project.
These plans include a new vehicle entrance and green parking areas, designated spaces to showcase the uses of various flora and fauna, an education and orientation plaza incorporating Indigenous features, and a wildlife conservation and education centre.