Representatives from the communities of Imbotero and Smith Creek came together at the Chinese Embassy on Thursday last for the handover of Two DJI Mavic 4 Pro Drones and accessories.
This much needed advanced equipment will enhance their community mangrove monitoring programme in the Barima Mora Passage, Guyana’s largest and most intact mangrove ecosystem.
A press statement released on behave of the communities states that the collaboration aims to build local capacity for sustainable resource management and community-led conservation in the Barima Mora Passage, a rich and biodiverse coastal landscape in northwestern Guyana, home to mangroves, estuaries, and Indigenous communities whose livelihoods and cultural heritage are closely tied to the natural environment.
The release further stated that the donation will contribute significantly to the increased monitoring capacity of the indigenous youth who are drone pilotsand as the new DJI 4 Pro have one hour flying time and enhanced camera capabilities for higher quality videography and photography outputs.
The simple handing over ceremony featured discussions with Ambassador Yang Yan and the young indigenous recipients on mangrove monitoring where their traditional knowledge is now being complimented by technology in a time of climate change where evidence based data is important for decision making and sustainable management of their natural resources.
This contribution marks a significant step forward in empowering and supporting Indigenous youth to take ownership of the ecosystems that sustain their livelihoods.
The equipment cost is GY$3,225,800.00 (Three million, two hundred and twenty five thousand and eight hundred Guyanese dollars) funded by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, and implemented by the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS).
The event concluded with a collective resolve to continue collaboration.
