The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development has raised the alarm over the growing littering problem along the Linden–Lethem Road, where 72 kilometres pass through the Iwokrama Protected Area.
According to a release, rangers have reported an exponential increase in garbage in recent years, posing serious threats to the forest’s ecological integrity and wildlife, while placing immense physical and mental strain on staff tasked with maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
In response, Iwokrama has welcomed support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen enforcement and public awareness. On 26–27 November 2025, the EPA trained 20 individuals—including Iwokrama staff, Fair View’s toshao, residents, members of the community policing group, and an officer of the Guyana Police Force—as litter prevention wardens.
The training covered, among other areas, the definition of litter and litter offences, the Litter Enforcement Regulations of 2013, enforcement procedures and court processes, the roles and responsibilities of litter prevention wardens, the use of enforcement notices (clean-up orders/litter removal orders), and the 3Rs concept: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Participants engaged in both classroom sessions and practical field exercises. On 27 November, trainees carried out a hands-on activity at the Kurupukari Crossing, interacting with road users and community members, monitoring for infractions, and applying their newly acquired skills.
Despite ongoing interventions—including signage, provision of bins at strategic points, and repeated clean-ups—rangers continue to record significant amounts of litter, most commonly water bottles, beverage containers, food boxes, and discarded tyres. This persistent issue undermines Iwokrama’s conservation mandate and threatens the health of the forest ecosystem.
Iwokrama is calling on all stakeholders to support the EPA-led initiative. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and report instances of littering. In the coming months, Iwokrama will also engage transportation providers to foster a culture of responsibility, respect, and environmental stewardship along the Linden–Lethem corridor.
