Latest update April 29th, 2024 3:41 AM
Apr 10, 2024 News
Kaieteur News – The extractive industry in Guyana has long been a significant source of revenue for the country but with such industries there are environmental risks that must be managed, monitored, and mitigated and, rules enforced.
In Guyana, this role falls under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and with the expansion of the domestic oil and gas industry its effectiveness, is of greater import.
During its most recent period review by the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) however, the EPA found itself on the receiving end of harsh criticism.
Specifically, the Committee expressed its concern about reports of inadequate implementation of environmental regulations including of the Environmental Protection Act and the lack of detailed information on the effective role of the Environmental Protection Agency in the implementation of these regulations.
Additionally, the Committee also flagged the EPA over concerns about the limited access to environmental information and lack of effective consultation and meaningful participation by the most disadvantaged groups, including the Amerindians and fishery-dependent communities in decision-making processes directly impacted by pollution and climate change.
“Furthermore, the Committee is concerned about the prevalence of illegal mining activities, which contribute significantly to desertification, and by the lack of thorough assessment of the environmental impact of such activities by the Environmental Protection Agency,” the Committee said.
The Committee said too it was concerned by the negative effects of water pollution and air contamination caused by these activities, as well as poor management of hazardous waste and their impact on environmental health conditions, such as abnormal childbirths, fatigue and memory loss. It is concerned about reports of the hazards posed by mercury contamination and poisoning from mining activities in inhabited areas, particularly by indigenous peoples.
To this end, the UNHRC called on Guyana to enhance the ability of the public to participate meaningfully in environmental decision-making and access to information, particularly Amerindians and fishery-dependent communities, including air and water quality, laws, regulations, policies, permit applications and decisions, pollution data, and enforcement actions taken.
Additionally, the country has been called on to redouble its efforts to address water pollution and air contamination, improve waste management, improve the framework for ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, and regulate the maximum permissible concentrations of air and water pollutants.
This is in addition to revising the legal framework governing social and environmental responsibility and the legal regime and regulatory standards applicable to mining activities, “including by private foreign companies, to impose on them an obligation to exercise due diligence to identify the risks of violation of the rights protected by the Covenant, prevent and mitigate these risks, and prevent violations of these rights.”
ExxonM now warning us of a potential Tsunami and your leaders busy approving oil project
Apr 29, 2024
The Chase’s Academic Foundation team celebrates capturing the title Milo Schools Under-18 Football Tournament… Kaieteur Sports – The Chase’s Academic Foundation team celebrates capturing...Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News – At his last press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo raised doubts about... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Waterfalls Magazine – On April 10, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]