HERITAGE sites across the country are beginning to get a boost with the erecting of markers that could help make an impact on Guyana's tourism potential.

The markers erected at the Botanical Gardens, Seven Ponds, and at the Independence Park, Georgetown, were Monday unveiled by Georgetown Mayor, Mr. Hamilton Green in the presence of Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manzoor Nadir and other officials.

Markers were placed at the sites as part of activities planned in observance of Tourism Awareness Month.

The Seven Ponds is historically significant to Guyana's heritage because it has been identified as the final resting place for some of the country's national heroes.

Governor General Sir David Rose, former President, Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, and National Poet, Mr. Martin Carter were all laid to rest at the Seven Ponds.

There are 10 other sites where markers would be placed. These include the Water Wheel at Christianburg, Linden, Fort Zeelandia, Essequibo River, Damon Square at Anna Regina and Kyk-Over- Al in the Mazaruni area.

During the unveiling ceremony, Conservation Officer, National Trust of Guyana, Ms. Allison Stoll noted that erecting the marker constitutes an important step in preserving heritage sites.

She said it has given a tangible identity again for Guyanese and other visitors, making clear the value the society has bestowed upon it.

Stoll noted that the Botanic Gardens, Seven Ponds, as part of a larger site for great cultural value to the nation, has become associated with aspects of Guyana's past which have contributed in a significant way to the shaping of its heritage.

"This heritage has now become recognised as an integral part of civil society and an invaluable, and now recognisable resource for development".

She noted that the exigencies of globalisation have given rise to challenges for conservation and an important one is the need for communication of the value of sites to the host communities and visitors.

"Tourism is an irreversible social, human, economic and cultural fact and the benefits to be accrued from the tour of heritage sites cannot be ignored", according to Stoll.

She said that Heritage Tourism which aims, among other things, to discover monuments and sites of memory, can contribute to conservation because those sites must be maintained and protected to assure their survival.

Green in commending the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the other agencies involved in the project, pointed out that the city of Georgetown cannot be promoted unless markers are put in place to highlight key heritage sites.

"Tourism must not only be seen as beaches and blue seas, but bringing people from North America and Europe to see part of our history. Every nation's history is important. We cannot know who we are until we seek and understand our past."

Green said that is what makes the heritage sites important, particularly for young people, because it helps them to have a clear vision and strength for the future.

He noted that the impact of heritage sites provides the intellectual base for a critical understanding of the nation.

"Unless we pay some respect and make an investment both in financial and human resources, to preserve what we inherited, we would not be able to march forward confidently", he noted.

Nadir said the signs being placed at important and strategic places to highlight Guyana's heritage and to inform people about its history, will help those areas get more attention.

More resources will be mobilised and further rehabilitation works will be done to enhance the sites, he promised.

Nadir said the sign at the Seven Ponds is not only meant to be part of its enhancement and a heroes' place, but is also part of the wider Botanical Gardens.

He said the project will begin to showcase the garden's uplift and its greater utilisation.

He also said that other facilities to be included as part of the enhancement programme are sanitary blocks, and a fast food area where people can refresh themselves after visiting and seeing all the gardens have to offer.

Nadir said the Botanical Gardens has the potential to be a "big money spinner" and his ministry will be working with the relevant agencies for that to be achieved.