In a remarkable demonstration of support for nature and environmental responsibility, Guyanese celebrated Earth Hour 2025 and World Water Day in the National Park in Georgetown on Saturday, March 22. The activities drew attention to the urgent need for the conservation and sustainable use of freshwater resources by taking attendees on a “Journey of Water."
The main activities kicked off with the Eco-Explorer Scavenger Hunt, organised by Policy Forum Guyana, which saw participation from 160 individuals representing various environmental clubs, schools, and nature enthusiasts. Participants engaged with several challenges and clues that led them through the park, to solve questions about the journey of water in Guyana, the importance of biodiversity for water preservation, and sustainable water practices.
Following the scavenger hunt, the Water Village Fair and Exhibition created a dynamic space on the tarmac of the National Park, featuring local environmental organizations, government agencies, and businesses. Featured booths included the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) booth, which provided insights into water purification processes and offered tips on reducing water wastage at home. Other booths, including the EPA, PAC, GGMC, Fisheries Department, EMC, Biota, and Hertzog, captivated visitors with wildlife displays, interactive water models, games and received practical tips on conserving water in everyday activities.
As the sun set, the much-anticipated Lights Out Mini Concert got underway, featuring performances by well-known local artists, including Creole Rock and Abel Stokes. The Tapakuma Culture Group added a unique flair to their beautiful rendition of the 'Dance of the Water Lily,' a performance that symbolizes the delicate balance of water ecosystems. The audience was also treated to a spectacular fashion show where pieces from local designer Karen Hughes showcased the creative fusion of sustainability and style, featuring upcycled denim pieces and handcrafted accessories made from seeds.
Aiesha Williams, Conservation Director of WWF-Guianas, highlighted the significance of this year’s event and emphasised the importance of valuing Guyana’s abundant freshwater resources. “While Guyana is fortunate to have the amount of fresh water that we do, emphasis still needs to be placed on preserving it as it is a lifeline to thousands of people. In many areas, people depend on freshwater resources, but in other countries, such as islands, they don’t have as much freshwater as we have in Guyana. Therefore, we should truly value what exists in our land—the land of many waters.
A key feature of Earth Hour was the emphasis on sustainable practices to safeguard freshwater. This was highlighted in the remarks on behalf of GWI by hydrologist Angela Franklin, who emphasized the importance of protecting the primary sources from growing threats, stating that “Ninety percent of our water resources come from groundwater, making it vulnerable to climate change, sea-level rise, and over abstraction.” While we are commissioning new wells to meet growing demand, we are also removing wells that are not operating optimally.”
The event was bolstered by the generous contributions from ANSA McAL Distribution, S&J Industries, Sterling Products Limited and the Hydromet Office.
Earth Hour continues to evolve, strengthening the call for environmental stewardship and community-driven change, inspiring people to take tangible actions beyond the hour. The next edition will take place at 8:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, 28 March 2026, calling for even greater local participation.
The main activities kicked off with the Eco-Explorer Scavenger Hunt, organised by Policy Forum Guyana, which saw participation from 160 individuals representing various environmental clubs, schools, and nature enthusiasts. Participants engaged with several challenges and clues that led them through the park, to solve questions about the journey of water in Guyana, the importance of biodiversity for water preservation, and sustainable water practices.
Following the scavenger hunt, the Water Village Fair and Exhibition created a dynamic space on the tarmac of the National Park, featuring local environmental organizations, government agencies, and businesses. Featured booths included the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) booth, which provided insights into water purification processes and offered tips on reducing water wastage at home. Other booths, including the EPA, PAC, GGMC, Fisheries Department, EMC, Biota, and Hertzog, captivated visitors with wildlife displays, interactive water models, games and received practical tips on conserving water in everyday activities.
As the sun set, the much-anticipated Lights Out Mini Concert got underway, featuring performances by well-known local artists, including Creole Rock and Abel Stokes. The Tapakuma Culture Group added a unique flair to their beautiful rendition of the 'Dance of the Water Lily,' a performance that symbolizes the delicate balance of water ecosystems. The audience was also treated to a spectacular fashion show where pieces from local designer Karen Hughes showcased the creative fusion of sustainability and style, featuring upcycled denim pieces and handcrafted accessories made from seeds.
Aiesha Williams, Conservation Director of WWF-Guianas, highlighted the significance of this year’s event and emphasised the importance of valuing Guyana’s abundant freshwater resources. “While Guyana is fortunate to have the amount of fresh water that we do, emphasis still needs to be placed on preserving it as it is a lifeline to thousands of people. In many areas, people depend on freshwater resources, but in other countries, such as islands, they don’t have as much freshwater as we have in Guyana. Therefore, we should truly value what exists in our land—the land of many waters.
A key feature of Earth Hour was the emphasis on sustainable practices to safeguard freshwater. This was highlighted in the remarks on behalf of GWI by hydrologist Angela Franklin, who emphasized the importance of protecting the primary sources from growing threats, stating that “Ninety percent of our water resources come from groundwater, making it vulnerable to climate change, sea-level rise, and over abstraction.” While we are commissioning new wells to meet growing demand, we are also removing wells that are not operating optimally.”
The event was bolstered by the generous contributions from ANSA McAL Distribution, S&J Industries, Sterling Products Limited and the Hydromet Office.
Earth Hour continues to evolve, strengthening the call for environmental stewardship and community-driven change, inspiring people to take tangible actions beyond the hour. The next edition will take place at 8:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, 28 March 2026, calling for even greater local participation.
