LocationsArt exhibitions, training sessions, and community activities highlight the Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Mining Projectโs 2025 calendar across Region 7 and beyond.
Biodiversity and Mining: Karrau Outreach Launches Year of Engagement
August 21, 2025
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the Mainstreaming Biodiversity in the Mining Project, through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), conducted a series of site visits to mining camps in Karrau, Region 7.
The primary objective of the visit was to assess ambient air conditions around mining camps and ensure mining activities are not contributing to harmful emissions that can affect both the health of humans and the surrounding environment. A key feature of the visit was a capacity-building session on biodiversity conservation, during which miners were engaged in discussions on:
The definition and importance of biodiversity in the mining context
The potential impacts of mining on local ecosystems and species
Practical, environmentally responsible mining practices that can be adopted to minimize biodiversity loss
This initiative is part of a broader effort to mainstream biodiversity conservation into Guyanaโs mining sector by building awareness, enhancing monitoring, and promoting best practices.
Art Exhibition for International Day of Biodiversity May 2025
In recognition of International Day of Biodiversity in May 2025, the Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Mining Project through the UNDP in collaboration between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and hosted a ART Exhibition Under the theme-โ๐๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐: ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ , ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ & ๐๐จ๐๐ฑ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ง๐๐,โ which aligns with the overall theme for ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐จ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐, โ๐๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญโ, artists were asked to submit works that explore the relationship between mining activities, the natural environment, and sustainable coexistence.
Lumex Mercury Analyser Training July
The EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the MBIM Project executed a Lumex Mercury Analyser Training July 2025. The training included participants from all the relevant regulatory agencies and key stakeholders including the Guyana Mining School, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the University of Guyana.
One of the objective of the project is to strengthen the regulatory framework and institutional capacity for the management of small-scale gold mining and promote greater adoption of environmentally responsible mining techniques in Guyana. A key component of outcome 2.1 of the Project seeks to provide appropriate training on data collection and use. To this end, the project has procured a LUMEX RA-915M Mercury Analyzer with a PYRO-915+ attachment which allows for a range of mercury determination applications in solids, sediments, rocks, ores, minerals, wastewaters, wastes, sludge, food, and bio-samples: tissues, hair, urine and blood.
Training with the Guyana Mining School July
The Guyana Mining School in in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the MBIM Project has launched a new training programme in Mineral Prospecting, Map Reading, and First Aid in Mining is now underway through. The programme also includes key stakeholders such as G-Mining Inc., and Aurora Gold Mines. Participants from Bartica and surrounding communities will receive 3 months of theoretical training, followed by a 6-week paid internship to gain hands-on mining experience. The training also focuses on mining legislation and environmentally responsible practices โ empowering safer, smarter, and more sustainable mining in Guyana.
Remaining Planned Activities for 2025
Biodiversity Outreaches in region 7 and 8 to raise awareness of about the importance of biodiversity, safe and environmentally friendly mining practices and the implementation of the Technical Assistance to Miners (T.A.Ms) Programme.
Restoration of ecosystems through reclamation of mined out areas with the GGMC
Training on Prospecting Equipment with the Guyana Mining School
Rapid baseline assessment of mercury levels in soil, water and air in project intervention areas (Mahdia, Bartica (Karrau), and Puruni)
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