WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

World Environment Day is commemorated each year on June 05, worldwide. The theme for this year is “Deserts and Desertification” and the slogan is “Don’t Desert Drylands”. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of protecting dry lands, which cover more than 40% of the planet’s land area. This ecosystem is home to one-third of the world’s people who are more vulnerable members of society.

World Environment Day  gives a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. 

While this year’s theme does not have much relevance to conditions exiting in Guyana, most Guyanese are concerned about the many climate changes taking place in the environment globally, and worldwide concern on issues related to Environmental Protection and Preservation is increasing.

Manufactures are being forced to face up to the stark realities that a competitive global economy with increased awareness of the damages of continued environmental degradation is changing the playing field, as consumers are increasingly demanding eco- friendly products (products which are produced without damaging the environment), environmental credibility is becoming a factor in national and international competitiveness. Hence to survive and to meet increasingly stringent regulations, manufacturers must improve their environmental performance.

Successful companies have realized that doing just enough to keep out of trouble with government inspectors is a rather weak and reactive approach, hence they need to be more proactive by implementing a strategic approach with a vision of not just complying with legislation but returns on investment in environmental related measures.

The ISO 14001( Environmental Management System) standards provide the foundation from which industries can deal practically and effectively with the real needs of the environment in economic uncertainties and in an expanding global economy.

These standards once implemented can provide organizations with the elements of an effective Environmental System which can be integrated with other management requirements to achieve environmental and economic benefits. They can facilitate increased competitiveness through measurement and innovation, leading to increased profit, more efficient processes, reduced costs and a more credible image. They can be applied to all sizes and types of organizations and can accommodate diverse geographical, cultural and social conditions.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards has recognized that manufactures and other stakeholders in micro and small enterprises need to meet environmental standards within their operations. In this regard the GNBS has a Technical Assistance Programme in place to provide assistance to organizations desirous of implementing a management system, meeting the requirements of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standards.

Through this programme the GNBS conducts gap analysis, trains personnel to the requirements of the standard, develops all documentation (in relation to the requirements of the standards), provides guidance on implementation, and facilitates contact with the registration/certification body, and  facilitates continuous improvement.

The GNBS advises all manufactures and small and micro enterprises to tap into the available resources and to be conscious of the preservation of the environment which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.