“A national product” – Guyana Chronicle

– President Ali praises the launch of the book “Visual Chronicle of Mahaika Wetlands and Mangroves”

Described as a national product, the coffee table book, A Visual Chronicle of the Mahaika Wetlands and Mangroves, captures the richness of Guyana’s biodiversity, documenting the country’s plant and animal life and the stories of its people.
The book was officially launched at Umana Yana on Wednesday evening. In a keynote address, President Dr. Irfaan Ali praised the project, which is led by the EMC Foundation, a local organization focused on environmental awareness and education.
The head of state noted that the launch of this product on World Environment Day has far-reaching significance, saying: “This is a national product.”
He highlighted the proactive measures taken by Guyana in protecting its forests, biodiversity and the environment in general.
“We can lead the world in the way we manage the environment, the way we address climate change, and the services that forests provide to the world, and we have to remind ourselves that this is where we have to start.”
The President said the curators had effectively used their assets to align with national development priorities.
This unique publication not only showcases Guyana’s rich natural resources, but also serves as a platform to educate the Guyanese people and global audiences.
“It’s about building a culture that knows what we have, understands what we have, values ​​what we have, and then appreciates the wealth that can be created with this value,” the head of state said.
A groundbreaking initiative, The Mahaka Wetlands and Mangroves Visual Chronicle is the first ever coffee table book dedicated to the rich cultural and biological diversity of the Mahaka Basin.
According to the Foundation, the series of photographs tells a fascinating story about the people, flora and fauna of the region, and is complemented by stunning photography by talented Guyanese photographers Nathan Chinapen, Okello Demattos and Deopaul Somwaru, as well as contributions from British High Commissioner Jane Miller and her husband, Dr. Rob Miller.
The EMC Foundation was founded in 2022 by Mr. Shyam Nokta to support environmental awareness and education in Guyana, with a special focus on youth.