The beginning of May marks the countdown to one of the most exciting environmental observances on the UN calendar; the International Day for Biological Diversity or simply put Biodiversity Day or IDB.

The theme ‘Water and Biodiversity’ was chosen to coincide with the United Nations designation of 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation.

Designation of IDB 2013 on the theme of water provides parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the public at large the opportunity to raise awareness about this vital issue, and to increase positive action. Coincidently, the period 2005-2015 is the International Decade for Action “WATER FOR LIFE”.

This week’s article takes a quick look at a few of the amazing creatures found in the Caribbean Sea.

Lionfish

Scientific name: Pterois volitans (red lionfish) and Pterois miles (devil firefish)

Common names: Lionfish, zebrafish, firefish, turkeyfish, red lionfish, butterfly cod, ornate butterfly-cod, peacock lionfish, red firefish, scorpion volitans, devil firefish.

Ecological role: Lionfish are slow-moving and conspicuous, so they must rely on their unusual coloration and fins to discourage would-be predators from eating them.

Lionfish are now one of the top predators in many coral reef environments of the Atlantic. Lionfish consume over 50 species of fish including some economically and ecologically important species. Lionfish are active hunters who ambush their prey by using their outstretched, fan-like pectoral fins to slowly pursue and “corner” them.

Economic importance: Although lionfish have been used as a food source in their native range, economically, they are far more important in the aquarium trade. Lionfish are very popular and common aquarium fish, especially in the U.S.

Reef squids

Scientific name: Sepioteuthis sepioidea

Common name: Caribbean reef squid

Habitat: Caribbean reef squid are found throughout the Caribbean Sea, as well as off the coast of Florida, commonly in small schools (four to 30) in the shallows associated with reefs. The habitat of reef squid changes according to the squid’s life stage and size. Hatchlings tend to reside close to the shore in areas from 0.2 metres below the surface on or under vegetation. Young squid typically congregate in shallow turtle grasses near islands and stay several centimetres to two meters from the surface to avoid bird predators. Adult reef squid venture out into open water and can be found in depths of up to 100 metres. When mating, adults are typically found near coral reefs at depths of 1.5 to eight metres.

Description: The mantles of newly hatched reef squid are about eight to nine millimetres in length and the mantles in adult males and females reach 12-20 centimetres in length. Adult reef squid closely resemble their cousins, cuttlefishes, in that their bodies are broad and less streamlined than many other squids. Reef squid can also move about using jet propulsion by shooting water from their pallial cavity (an area inside their mantle) through their funnel to move rapidly through the water.

Interesting fact: Compared to the size of their body, squid’s eyes are strikingly large. They have the largest eye-to-body ratio in the entire animal kingdom.

Sea urchin

Scientific name: Echinoidea

Common name: Sea urchin

Habitat: Found all over the world, but prefer to live in coral reefs and areas that are prone to tidal waves.

Description: Sea urchins have a round shaped body and with long spines that come off it. The spines of the sea urchin are used for protection, to move about, and to trap food particles that are floating around in the water. Sea urchins have five paired rows of tiny tube feet which are found among the spines. The feet of the sea urchin have suckers which help the sea urchin to move about, capture food, and to hold onto the ocean floor.

Sea urchins also have little claw-like structure among their spines which the sea urchin uses for protection. These structures (known as pedicellarines) are small stinging structures that are not only used for defence and obtaining food, but are also vital in keeping the body of the sea urchin clean. The mouth of the sea urchin (known as the Aristotle’s lantern), is found in the middle on the underside of the sea urchin’s body and has five tooth-like plates for feeding. As with other echinoderms, sea urchins do not have a brain and instead rely on their water-vascular system which is like a circulatory system and comprises of water-filled channels that run through the body of the sea urchin.

Diet: Sea urchins are omnivorous animals and therefore eat both plant and animal matter. The sea urchin mainly feeds on algae on the coral and rocks, along with decomposing matter such as dead fish, mussels, sponges ans barnacles.

Interesting fact: The anus of the sea urchin is located on the top of the body.

These and other interesting and amazing creatures found in the Caribbean Sea are under threat: from climate change and human actions. Throughout the region, actions have been taken to protect and conserve its rich biological resources, from education and public awareness, establishment of protected areas in various countries, and upholding protocols under various treaties and conventions that have been signed onto by Caribbean states such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

You too can do your part to protect our natural heritage

* When traveling, do not remove plants and animals from their natural habitats

* DO NOT LITTER – remember to always reduce, reuse and recycle when possible

* When shopping, choose products from organisations which have a demonstrated commitment to biodiversity conservation and good environmental practice

* Involve others as part of your class, club or local group; once you have a better understanding of local biodiversity issues, find out about local priorities for biodiversity and how your class, club or group can help.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending your letters to: “The Earth Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division. Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

Water is one of the most precious resources and is very pertinent for the sustenance of life on earth. In recognition of the importance of freshwater to life on earth, the United Nations (UN) has designated March 22 as World Water Day (WWD). Since 1993, World Water Day has been celebrated annually and seeks to draw attention to   the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. However, since 2013 has been designated ‘International Year of Water Cooperation by the UN; this year’s WWD theme  is also dedicated to the theme of cooperation around water and is coordinated by UNESCO in collaboration with UNECE and UNDESA on behalf of UN-Water.
The theme is timely since the fulfilment of basic human needs, our environment, socio-economic development and poverty reduction are all heavily dependent on water.
The challenge of managing water
Good management of water is especially challenging due to some of its unique characteristics: it is unevenly distributed in time and space, the hydrological cycle is highly complex and perturbations have multiple effects. Rapid urbanisation, pollution and climate change threaten the resource while demands for water are increasing in order to satisfy the needs of a growing world population, now at over seven billion people, for food production, energy, industrial and domestic uses. Water is a shared resource and its management needs to take into account a wide variety of conflicting interests. This provides opportunities for cooperation among users.
The need for cooperation on water
In designating 2013 as the UN ‛International Year of Water Cooperation’, the UNGA recognises that cooperation is essential to strike a balance between the different needs and priorities and share this precious resource equitably, using water as an instrument of peace. Promoting water cooperation implies an interdisciplinary approach bringing in cultural, educational and scientific factors, as well as religious, ethical, social, political, legal, institutional and economic dimensions.
What can you do?
Check out Guyana Water Inc (GWI) website and Facebook page is see what the local celebrations are.
Promote the International Year of Water Cooperation and the World Water Day: use the logo, web banners and other campaign materials.
Raise awareness of the benefits of water cooperation: use the brochure, the messages, case studies and success stories.
Share your knowledge with people around you.
Develop the capacities of stakeholders by organising a seminar, a workshop.
Host a drawing or painting competition for primary and/or secondary schools.
Organise or participate in a run or walk for water.
Clean a river or water body in your area.
Join the discussions on Twitter using #World Water Day and WaterCooperation2013
Contribute to the formulation of Sustainable Development Goals where water is properly addressed: ‘Have you heard!’
GWI collaborates with both local agencies and international organisations in the management of Guyana’s freshwater. You also have your part to play by ensuring wise use and protection of our freshwater. How we use water today, will determine what’s available for tomorrow.
It’s time to be smart about your water usage.
Just so you know
UNECE – United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
UNDESA – United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
UNGA – United Nations General Assembly
UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisations

Some important messages for this year
Water cooperation and peace – Although access have and can result in conflicts, it can also help to create cooperation and build peace. Proper water management practices can build peace among people from different groups on a local, regional and national level.
Water cooperation and the economy – Water is vital to economic development, since all economic activities require water. Therefore, cooperation can promote more efficient and sustainable use of water resources.
Water cooperation and socioeconomic development – Water cooperation which encompasses gender inequality and promote participation of people for all levels of society can promote socioeconomic development, environmental sustainability and reduce poverty.
Get more facts about water cooperation from: http://www.unwater.org/water-cooperation-2013
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

Water is essential for all forms of life and crucial for all aspects of human development. However, some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water. This week, we will examine how this precious resource has impacted the lives of women, especially in developing countries. Women comprise a significant portion of the world’s population, making astronomical contributions to the well-being and sustainable development of their communities and nations, and to the maintenance of the earth’s ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources. Unfortunately, the roles that have been classically defined for men and women in many parts of the world have put women at a disadvantage and make them vulnerable to negative environmental changes, especially with regards to water and sanitation.

Since the Earth Summit of 1992, there has been increased attention being paid to the connection and impact between women and the environment. Although significant strides have been made to close the gender inequality gap, this disconnect still remains – an issue of contention in many developing countries.

In almost all countries, women are disproportionately represented among the poor. Studies have also found that the poor, in urban and rural areas of rich and poor countries, bear the greatest burden of environmental degradation and pollution. Although issues of water affect men and boys as well, women and girls, especially in developing countries, spend a significant portion of their day collecting water for their families.

Water-related issues affecting women and girls

* Climate change and resulting droughts, floods and other water-related events

* Inadequate sewage systems

* Improper waste disposal

* Pollution from agricultural and industrial residues and discharges

* Degradation of freshwater sources such as wetlands, flood plains, and coastal ecosystems

In many parts of the world, women and girls are in regular contact with poor-quality water, increasing their exposure to waterborne diseases and pollution, as has been the case with the arsenic-infused well water in Bangladesh. Seventy per cent of the world’s blind are women who have been infected, directly or through their children, with trachoma, a blinding bacterial eye infection occurring in communities with limited access to water (GWA, 2003).

Even when waterborne diseases do not afflict women personally, their burdens increase in caring for others who are ill, while the cost associated with family illness deepens family debt and poverty. There are also strong links between women, water and non-water-borne illnesses. In particular, the exploding number of people infected with HIV/AIDS – for example, in southern Africa – has made collecting and using water more difficult, as women strive to keep up with the competing demands of caring for the sick, as well as doing their own work and that of ill or deceased household members. In addition, many are infected and ill themselves.

About 443 million school days are lost each year as a consequence of water-related illness. In Africa, for example, the absence of clean and private sanitation facilities in schools causes about 10 per cent of school-age girls to not attend school during menstruation or drop out at puberty (GWA, 2003).  Millions of women are denied the access to an education and the privilege of accomplishing their dreams, since they spend several hours a day collecting water. In addition, in many communities, women must walk long distances to find some privacy, often in bushes or fields, which increases their vulnerability to sexual and physical assault.

Gender gaps works against environmental development. Many studies done by World Bank and other independent organisations found that women are the perfect agents for the grassroots level and are also carriers of indigenous wisdom.

Development must improve the quality of women as well as men alike. International environmental treaties such as those on biological diversity and desertification now recognise the central role of women as stewards of the natural world, as do the action plans adopted by a series of important international conferences, including the 1995 United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing and the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. http://www.unep.org/PDF/Women/ChapterFive.pdf; http://www.unep.org/PDF/Women/ChapterSeven.pdf; http://www.washadvocates.org/2012/07/27/the-silent-barrier-women-water-and-sanitation/.

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

 – integral for life

Water is an integral part of life on this planet. It is an odourless, tasteless, substance that covers more than three-fourths of the Earth’s surface. Most of the water on Earth, 97 per cent, is salt water found in the oceans. Only about three per cent of Earth’s water is fresh. Two per cent of the earth’s water (about 66 per cent of all fresh water) is in solid form, found in ice caps and glaciers; but, because it is frozen and so far away, the fresh water in ice caps is not available for use by people or plants. That leaves about one per cent of all the Earth’s water in a form useable to humans and land animals. This fresh water is found in lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and in the ground. (A small amount of water is found as vapour in the atmosphere.)

In Guyana and around the world, many issues are raised about water pollution, contamination, and the misuse of water.
Pollution, making water foul or unclean, does not constitute an actual health hazard, but may pose a potential one. The quality of the water is impaired with respect to taste, odour, or use.

Contamination of the water supply, however, **does constitute an actual health hazard**. Polluted waters, therefore, can become contaminated which in turn can lead to a series of health problems.

Sources of water pollution in Guyana

The major sources of water pollution can be classified as:

municipal;

industrial; and

agricultural

Municipal water pollution consists of wastewater from homes and commercial establishments.  For many years, the main goal of treating municipal
wastewater was simply to reduce its content of suspended solids, oxygen-demanding materials, dissolved inorganic compounds, and harmful bacteria.  In recent years, however, more stress has been placed on improving means of disposal of the solid residues from the municipal treatment processes.

The characteristics of industrial wastewater can differ considerably both within and among industries.  The impact of industrial discharges depends not only on their collective characteristics, such as biochemical oxygen demand and the amount of suspended solids, but also on their content of specific inorganic and organic substances.
Agriculture, including commercial livestock and poultry farming, is the source of many organic and inorganic pollutants in surface waters and groundwater.  These contaminants include both sediment from eroded cropland and compounds of phosphorus and nitrogen that partly originate in animal wastes and commercial fertilisers.

Animal wastes are high in oxygen-demanding material, nitrogen and phosphorus, and they often harbour pathogenic organisms.  Wastes from commercial feeders are contained and disposed of on land; their main threat to natural waters, therefore, is from runoff and leaching.

Causes of water pollution

There are many causes for water pollution, but two general categories exist: direct and indirect contaminant sources.

Direct sources include effluent outfalls from factories, refineries, waste treatment plants, etc. These sources emit fluids of varying quality, directly into urban water supplies. In many countries, these practices are regulated, although this does not mean that pollutants cannot be found in these waters.

Indirect sources include contaminants that enter the water supply from soils, groundwater systems and from the atmosphere via rain water. Soils and groundwater contain industrial wastes that have been improperly disposed and the residue of human agricultural practices, eg, fertilisers and pesticides. Atmospheric contaminants are also derived from human practices, eg, gaseous emissions from automobiles, factories, and even bakeries.

The effects of water pollution

The effects of water pollution are varied and include contaminated drinking water and animal protein. The latter is caused by the build-up of toxins (bio-accumulation) from the environment in tissues of animals during their lifespan. Pollution also leads to unbalanced river and lake ecosystems, rendering them unable to support full biological diversity.  Acid rain, a form of atmospheric pollution, causes deforestation and reduced productivity in natural water systems.

Increased growth and reproduction of aquatic plants

The common runoff of manure, eg, cow and chicken dung into rivers and garbage into trenches and streams increases the growth and reproduction of aquatic plants or eutrophication. Although a natural process, over time, it turns a relatively small water body into a bog and eventually into land. This process is commonly referred to as “algal bloom” and chokes off the oxygen supply normally shared with other organisms living in the water. When the algae die, the bacteria which aid in their decomposition, use up more of the oxygen present in the water; as a result, fish are not able to get enough oxygen and they suffocate and die.

The spread of diseases

Polluted water is dangerous to human health. People who drink polluted water become infected by waterborne disease such as cholera, diarrhoea, or typhoid.

Vital body organs affected

Harmful chemicals in polluted water prevent proper working of vital body organs such as the heart and kidney.

Toxic build-up in the food chain

Harmful chemicals containing compounds like PCBs found in pesticides and heavy metals like lead and mercury from industrial wastes can build up in the food chain, where they can reach toxic levels in fish and other sea animals.

Death of aquatic life

Polluted water can kill fish, shrimp, other aquatic life and coastal vegetation, eg, mangroves. This means fewer fish to eat and the loss of livelihood for many.

Flooding

When a lot of soil is washed away into rivers and trenches it not only causes aquatic life to perish but also creates the problem of flooding, especially during heavy rainfall seasons.

Demise of sea birds

Oil from oil spills forms a coat on the feathers of birds reducing their waterproofing and insulating qualities. As a result, birds die from exposure to cold water and air.
Water is Life – Conserve it!

You can share your ideas and questions by sending your letters to: “The Earth Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division. Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.

In our last article, we established why it is important for Guyana to have a National Policy for Biotechnology, Biosafety and Biosecurity. This week we delve deeper into the policy and review the guiding principles and the main focus areas for the development of the policy.
There are seven basic principles which give legal support to this document:
Sovereignty: Guyana has sovereign rights over natural or native (including genetic) resources. This means that we have the authority to control activities which may have negative impacts on our resources;
Balance: There should be a balance between the promotion of biotechnology and sustainable development practices such as; organic agriculture and biodiversity conservation;
Compliant with national law: Use, output, export, sale or transport of biotechnology practices, and products must be done in accordance with the law;
Competent authority: Formal overseeing of biotechnology shall be a capable, authority independent of both government and industry. This body should be transparent in decision making, take full account of environment, public health, socio-economic, and socio-cultural. Measures should also be out in place to address the possible risks which may arise.
Intellectual property rights: In cases where biotechnology knowledge, innovations or practices of communities or individuals of Guyana are used; the intellectual property rights shall be protected by law and the individual or community benefit financially or otherwise;
Cooperation: Guyana will cooperate with other states to ensure the safe use of biotechnology and ensure protection from illegal trans-boundary movements; and
Standards: Importation and use of biotechnology products which do not meet the required safety standards will not be permitted.

Focus areas
The areas of emphasis of the biosafety regulations will be the following:
Agricultural biotechnology;
Environmental biotechnology;
Food processing biotechnology;
Health/medical biotechnology
Industrial biotechnology
Agricultural and food
processing biotechnology
Biotechnology has the potential to help increase production and productivity in food and agriculture, forestry and fisheries. It could lead to higher yields on marginal lands especially in poor developing countries. In a recent survey, the OECD (2005) reported that over the last eight years, there was more than a 47-fold increase in the area grown with genetically engineered crops (also known as transgenic crops), reaching 81 million hectares.

Environmental biotechnology
This is primarily based on methods of traditional biotechnology. Biotechnology is used to clean air, wastewater and polluted soil. It is also used to produce bio-energy in the form of ethanol and biogas, and to replace chemicals harmful to the environment with biodegradable alternatives based on renewable sources.

Health/medical biotechnology
Biotechnology has had many successful applications in the field of  medicine; a recent study identified the top ten biotechnologies for improving health in developing countries. Successful applications and/or emerging technologies include: genetically modified (GM) plants to produce pharmaceuticals and GM animals to find cure for diseases. Drugs and vaccines produced in this way have been on the market for nearly 20 years.
Industrial Biotechnology
This includes such developments as the use of renewable raw materials (biomass) to replace raw materials derived from fossil fuels, use of biological systems such as cells and enzymes to replace conventional/ non-biological methods.
Join us next week as we examine the pillars upon which the policy is built and give you some important information as it relates to what has been happening in Guyana in the area of Biotechnology, Biosafety and Biosecurity.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.