Garbage dumped amongst mangroves
The existence of white mangroves from New Amsterdam to Sisters Village, East Bank Berbice; is being threatened by waste oil contaminating the Berbice River. Apiculturists are calling on the relevant authorities to investigate the origin of the waste oil and to put an end to this harmful situation.
The damaging effects of the waste oil on marine life are already being felt with the death of many fishes, destruction of white mangroves and seedlings that line the river bank, and the repulsion or killing of bees.
This is according to Devon Gilead, a beekeeper operating in Ithaca, who related that the emptying of waste oil and diesel into canals and creeks that flow into the river, has been ongoing for several years. But, over the past week oil pollution in the river has directly threatened the livelihoods of apiculturists and fishermen and the existence of mangroves.
The livelihood component of the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project was touted as the sustainer of mangroves along Guyana’s vulnerable coastline when the Government of Guyana- European Union funded programme ends. The idea that those dependent on mangroves for their living would be the protectors has materialized.
Gilead, who has been benefiting from training to enhance his operations and range of products, related that the waste oil has killed a significant stretch of the white mangroves and seedlings. In addition, investment in 70 beehives was wasted because the insects were repelled by the scent and many died.
With his sole dependence on the bee business to produce honey roasted nuts, candles, soaps and bottled honey, the man invested in another 70 hives. However, without the bees and mangroves his business may fold.
“Bees play an important role in mangrove life and in our livelihood, because without the bees we cannot get food.
The bees pollinate the mangroves and that’s how we are able to get so many seedlings. None of the seedlings on the river bank were planted by man,” he stressed.
According to Gilead, he has been trying to educate fishermen and contractors about the importance of mangroves. The slashing of mangroves in that area has minimized, but the threat of erosion in some areas such as Glasgow is a reality.
“Before time you can stand up on the river bank at Glasgow and talk on the other side of the bank but now that cannot happen; the land eroded. And, another serious thing is that where the road is erosion happening. It has one and two wild bush but mangroves or a revetment should be there,” he added.
Another destroyer of mangrove seedlings is large piles of grass. According to Gilead, piles of grass cut from the creek flows into the Berbice River and lands on the river bed stifling thousands of seedlings. The beekeeper recommended that the grass be cut in smaller pieces.
In addition, Edinburg residents have been dumping their wastes along the river bed amongst mangroves. This is another human act that is harmful to mangroves and marine life particularly marine turtles.
While emphasis on replanting mangroves in areas exposed to the Atlantic Ocean is important, Gilead believes equal attention should be placed on preventing the destruction of mangroves in riverain areas.
BY KAIETEUR NEWS