Protected Areas Commission

A Protected Areas Commission (PAC) team on Friday reviewed preparations with other stakeholders for the Botanical Gardens and Zoological Park Modernisation Project which was announced by President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

At the Shell Beach Protected Area, every patrol, every nest monitored, and every hatchling protected represents our commitment to ensure that future generations can continue to witness the remarkable journey of sea turtles. This stunning rainbow serves as a reminder that nature‘s greatest treasures are worth protecting; together let us continue to conserve the habitats that sea turtles depend on and inspire others to do the same. Happy World Turtle Day from the Board of Directors, Management, Staff, and most importantly the Rangers of the Protected Areas Commission.

Today, in observance of World Sea Turtle Day 2026, our Shell Beach Protected Area rangers held a Turtle Talk for students of Kachikamo and St. John’s Primary Schools at Kachikamo Primary in Three Brothers Village, Region 1.

The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) introduced students to the four sea turtle species that nest at Shell Beach, explained the vital ecological roles turtles and coastal habitats play, and discussed threats they face such as habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. The session used activities and hands on examples to show simple actions future conservation leaders and communities can take to protect nesting beaches.

This outreach is part of Shell Beach Protected Area’s broader conservation work: protecting nesting habitats, patrolling against poaching, monitoring nests and hatchlings, and partnering with local communities to strengthen guardianship of our northern coastline. Environmental education like Turtle Talk builds local stewardship and helps create lasting behaviour change so that Guyana’s globally important nesting sites remain safe for future generations.

Thank you to the students, teachers, and community members who joined us. Together we’re growing a new generation of sea turtle guardians for Shell Beach.

The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) successfully wrapped up an intensive, three-day GIS training hosted under the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Program (ASL II).

Held at the University of Guyana’s Hogben Drayton Math and Science Centre, the training equipped our Kanuku Mountains Protected Area (KMPA) rangers and Protected Areas Officers with essential skills in core GIS concepts, interface navigation, and map creation. This vital training paves the way for smarter patrol planning and bridges the gap between crucial fieldwork and administration.

We were also delighted to welcome the Toshao of Rupunau village and KMPA SLC Secretary Michael Wilson to the training. This highlights our ongoing commitment to expanding capacity building within the communities surrounding the KMPA.

We extend special thanks to Mr. Garvin Douglas from the Guyana Mining School and Training Center Incorporated who facilitated the training. His expert guidance was instrumental in helping our participants master these powerful new spatial tools.

By integrating GIS technology into their daily operations, our team is now better prepared to make evidence-based decisions to safeguard our protected areas!

The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) was happy to support WWF-Guianas during these community-informed assessments. Together, we are safeguarding Guyana's incredible coastal biodiversity.

Check out the full update by WWF-Guianas! 👇

Our Kanuku Mountains Protected Area (KMPA) Ranger team recently hosted an important sensitization session with the regional Traffic Department, Region 9.

Upholding the law and ensuring total compliance is at the core of what we do. Because our fieldwork requires specific licensing, this outreach marks a major step forward in streamlining that process for our team.

Beyond compliance, this session was an opportunity to strengthen our ongoing relationship with local law enforcement. Thank you to the Traffic Department for their time, guidance, and continued support as we work to protect and manage the KMPA.

On Sunday, in recognition of World Environment Day 2026, the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) team at the Kanuku Mountains Protected Area (KMPA) walked side-by-side with sister government agencies, non-governmental organizations, school students, and community members.

It was a display of unity, all focused on a single, vital mission: inspiring and promoting environmental responsibility in Region 9.

A massive shoutout to our KMPA team, who work every day to safeguard the incredible biodiversity of the Kanuku Mountains. Your energy reminded everyone that conservation is a shared journey.

Thank you to EPA - Guyana for leading the charge, and to everyone who walked with us. Let’s continue to protect, preserve, and sustain our natural environment! 🇬🇾✨

Credits: Michael McDonald/Protected Areas Commission