…EPA grants approval for continuation of first phase
Construction of the Hyde Park Zoo Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens at Land of Canaan on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) has been delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the project has received a renewal of Environmental Authorisation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue its first phase.
The proposed project will facilitate a variety of animals both native to Guyana and other countries around the world. The proposed facility is set to be the first of its kind in Guyana and will promote conservation, employment, recreation for families, and education for children in a safe, healthy, and serene environment.
It was projected in March 2021, that the facility would be completed by the end of the year. However, according to the EPA, project implementation is still at 85 percent of the first phase, with two more phases to go. This first phase includes the construction of key infrastructure, the establishment of the zoo sanctuary, and the introduction of wildlife from Guyana.
Phase Two will entail the importation of exotic animals through exchange programmes with other zoos around the world and Phase Three will involve the construction of luxury infrastructures such as a 20-room hotel with a bird-watching facility, a mini-golf course, a recreational park, and a landing strip and helicopter pad for the purpose of emergencies, depositing rescued animals or flying in dignitaries.
The proposed development is being established at areas PML1 and VML2 of Tract “H” all being portions of Lots C and D comprising the South Half of North Plantation and North Half of Lots 10, 11, and 12 of Land of Canaan on the East Bank of Demerara. The total land area of the overall size is 186 acres, of which 36 acres will be taken up by the proposed facility.
It should be noted that the Environmental Authorisation permitted for the project is only for the first phase. According to the EPA: “The construction and implementation of Hyde Park Zoo Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens have been stalled given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the project met the minimum criteria during the environmental audit and was renewed by the Agency.”
The construction or operation of facilities such as zoological parks and other green spaces come under the purview of the Infrastructure and Project Management Department of the EPA.
