GWCMC Ramps Up Environmental Awareness with Wildlife Fair and Wild-A-Thon Series
Written by EDYOU FM Staff on March 6, 2026
This month, the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) is ramping up its efforts to engage the public about the importance of our environment and how to safeguard it. Ahead of the observance of World Wildlife Day on Tuesday March 3, the GWCMC hosted a Wildlife Fair on Sunday March 1, at the Guyana Zoological Park. This year’s theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods,” places special focus on the vital role that plant species play in global healthcare systems and cultural traditions.
Across the world, an estimated 70,000 plant species are used for medicinal and aromatic purposes. In many developing countries, 70 to 95 percent of the population relies on plant-based medicine as their primary form of healthcare. However, due to unsustainable harvesting and habitat loss, these species are under major threat. For Guyana, a country rich in biodiversity and home to vast rainforests, the theme carries great significance. Moreover, given our diverse history and culture, our traditional remedies form part of our country’s cultural identity.
EPA representatives Kristie Duff and Latifah Tasher
The wildlife fair brought together government agencies, conservation bodies and environmental organisations, all working together towards strengthening public awareness of biodiversity protection. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) booth highlighted the health benefits of common medicinal and aromatic plants, including broad leaf thyme, fine leaf thyme, lime, lemon, moringa (or saijan), tomatoes, and fruit trees such as apple and cherry. EPA representatives Kristie Duff and Latifah Tasher emphasized the public’s role in conservation of medicinal plants and wildlife stating, “We want citizens to understand their duty of care. When you litter or disrupt the environment, it affects our plants and wildlife.”
Furthermore, the Environmental Management Consultants Foundation (EMC Foundation), through its Saxacalli Rainforest Center, introduced visitors to seeds and plant species used traditionally across Guyana’s rainforest communities. Booth Coordinator Sarah Singh shared with participants the practical value of species such as kokerite seeds which have a small worm inside and are often used for fishing, the Turu seeds for “bush milo”, and black tea varieties. “Through our rainforest center, we want people to connect with the environment. These plants support health, diets and livelihoods. We want visitors to leave with newfound knowledge and a desire to protect the environment,” Singh noted. The booth also featured some of the books they have published for the public to gain more knowledge on Guyana’s biodiversity, strengthening the call for citizens to get involved in protecting the environment that sustains us. Recently, the EMC Foundation published the Saxacalli Rainforest Activity book to inspire our nation’s children to lead positive environmental change.
Sarah Singh, EMC Foundation
Other participating agencies included the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, the Protected Areas Commission, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, and Conservation International, each demonstrating their work in habitat protection, sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation.
GWCMC Communications Officer Deuel Hughes explained that events like the wildlife fair form part of a broader effort to build public understanding around wildlife protection. He said, “Medicinal plants are part of our heritage. They look after our health, and they provide livelihoods for many. The fair is an opportunity to raise awareness about our wildlife and encourage positive actions.”
Deuel Hughes, Communications Officer GWCMC
2026 Wild-a-Thon Series
In addition to the recent Wildlife Fair, beginning this Sunday March 8, the GWCMC will be hosting its Wild-a-thon series. The Wild-a-thon is a series of runs and community discussions which will take place in every region from March 8-18, 2026. The runs will be held every day except for March 14. According to Hughes, the 2026 Wild-a-thon series aims to promote environmental awareness while encouraging healthy lifestyles. It seeks to change how we interact with wildlife.
The runs and post-run conversations are intended to emphasise the importance of all wildlife, including birds and plants, to human well-being. Additionally, the runs are expected to promote physical activity to enhance health and well-being. For more details, visit https://wildathon.com/ . Through initiatives like the Wild-a-thon, the Wildlife Fair and other community outreach activities, the GWCMC hopes to strengthen public understanding that protecting biodiversity is not only the responsibility of environmental organisations but of every citizen.
