Executive Director of EPA, Mr Balgobind Persaud noted that the sixth anniversary of the agency coincided with the observation of World Environmental Day. Since its formation, he said, significant partnerships have been forged with other agencies -- both governmental and non-governmental.

Persaud said the EPA “highly values the partnership with other agencies” and through them it is working towards advancing its mandate to provide proper environmental stewardship.

He also welcomed the move by a private sector agency for venturing into the recycling of plastics, which he observed, are in increasing use for a variety of purposes.

The involvement of youths in environmental awareness is also encouraging. Presently there are 60 environmental clubs working in conjunction with the EPA and another 20 that have requested affiliation, Persaud disclosed.

Minister of Agriculture Navin Chandarpal, who declared open the exhibition said that the key point of sustainable development is people.

Recalling the international conference on environmental protection and sustainable development in Rio, Brazil ten years ago which labelled its objectives as Agenda 21, Chandarpal said while there have been many positive developments there has been an economic and social decline in developing countries.

Global patterns indicate contradictions in the position of developed countries, where countries that pledged support for environmental protection and sustainable development take a different position at other fora, Chandarpal charged. He added: “We cannot speak of sustainable development where there is underdevelopment. Sustainability implies some level of development.”

The minister said that poverty has been increasing since the Rio meeting. The gap between developing and developed countries has been widening and help to promote sustainable growth has not been honoured. Access to the technology required for carrying out the developing process in an environmental and friendly manner has not been forthcoming, he contended.

Chandarpal pointed out that the cost of the requisite technology is beyond the capacity of developing countries.

He commended the work of the EPA since it came into being six years ago. He noted the positive impact in curbing negative mining practices; the revision of existing environmental regulations and laws; its coastal zone and national biodiversity action plans; and the formation of environmental clubs among others.

The minister opined that in order for environmental sustainability to be really successful, companies involved should become self-regulatory in matters pertaining to the environment. He also assured that Government is fully supportive of the EPA, disclosing that in the last three years its subvention was increased by 100 percent on two occasions.

Chandarpal observed that with the growing prospects of war there is a great threat to the future of the planet and urged that this trend be reversed to ensure its preservation. Agenda 21 needs to be implemented, he said. This document states that human beings are at the centre of development and that the integrity of the planet should be maintained by utilising natural resources in a sustainable way for the social and economic betterment of people.

The demands for disarmament and world peace should be intensified, Chandarpal urged.

A student from the Queen’s College Environmental Club, Kevin Daby, who addressed the gathering on behalf of youths, said that the Earth has been neglected and one of the contributory factors is the lack of education pertaining to the environment.

He referred to the danger being posed by the damage to the ozone layer and called on youths to desist from using aerosol sprays, which are contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Daby urged the use of biodegradable materials and the need for curbing littering because the huge amounts of money to counter it can be used for other developmental purposes.

He also called for the empowering of youths, who he said, are the decision- makers of tomorrow, and it is vital that sensible decisions are made in relation to the preservation of the environment.

United Nations Resident Representative to Guyana, Mr Richard Olver said that development rests on three pillars -- economic growth, social progress and a sustainable environment. He called for a greater mutual sense of sustainability, noting that youths have an important role in this process.

“Our planet is still in need of intensive care,” Mr. Olver observed and he pointed out that while there have been improvements in the north, the south has become more fragile and degraded.

“The picture is a mixed one. To put it bluntly, there is growing poverty in the south, while there is growing affluence in the north.”

However, he said poverty alleviation could not be carried out at the expense of the environment.