We developed an integrated management system to help Guyana combat coastal flooding events using mangroves. In so doing, we enabled Guyana to protect its coast, businesses and citizens more effectively.
Around 90% of Guyana’s population lives in an area that is below sea level, with many inhabiting flood-prone areas along the coast.
Over the years however, degradation and loss of mangrove forests has resulted in increased coastal flooding and salt water inundation of agricultural land. To deal with this, the government has invested heavily in cost-intensive artificial sea defences.
As sea levels continue to rise, the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project (GMRP) is examining ways to shield its people and economy and improve flood protection using mangroves. To assist with this, one of our experts served as team leader and mangrove specialist, developing an integrated management system to help the Government of Guyana prevent flood events using mangroves.
Additionally, we also conducted a biodiversity assessment of mangrove sites. This can be used as a baseline for future assessments and as the basis for future management plans for these areas.
Mr. James Machin is a senior ecologist whose tertiary qualifications are in Science and Environmental Science, with a particular focus on management of the marine and coastal environments in developing countries. He is currently completing his PhD part-time from James Cook University. His thesis focuses on mangrove restoration in southern Thailand. Mr. Machin has spent a significant amount of his working career in South East Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Cambodia) as well as assignments in China and Guyana.
Prior to joining DHI, James was the Principal Environmental Scientist/ Manager, Aid and Development with an Australian consultancy firm. Mr. Machin also has extensive experience working in a project management capacity and in technical roles with international donors, including AusAID, World Bank, UNDP, ADB and the European Union.
Mr. Machin will be at the AMSA2013 Golden Jubilee Conference (Australian Marine Sciences Association) in July this year. He will present a paper on the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project, Guyana, South America. This is a project funded by the European Union which aims to restore Guyana’s mangrove forests and support the Government of Guyana’s policies on sea defences, climate change and mangrove management. Jamie was the team leader and mangrove specialist on this project and advised the Government of Guyana on improved approaches for mangrove monitoring, restoration and sustainable management. In implementing this project, we enabled Guyana to protect its coast, businesses and citizens more effectively.