In an effort to raise public awareness of the importance of soil health, a Save Soil mural was recently unveiled in the National Park. The idea was conceptualised in support of the Save Soil movement, a global initiative to bring humanity together to keep the soil alive.
The artwork, created by local artists Sadia Vasquez, Bevan Allicock, and Eldon Allicock, serves as a visual representation of the dependency of all life on healthy soil. The mural also highlights the jaguar, a protected species in Guyana, as well as other local flora, fauna, and a human, symbolising the interconnectedness of our environment and humanity.
The Save Soil movement, launched by international spiritual leader Sadhguru, has reached over 4 billion people, with the goal of addressing the catastrophic issue of soil degradation and depletion. The movement is supported by leading institutions such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), UN Environment Program (UNEP), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the World Food Program (WFP).
The Government of Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Save Soil and pledged 100 square kilometers of land toward the effort of restoring and safeguarding agricultural soil.
This mural was an initiative of local volunteers of the Save Soil movement called Earth Buddies. The Save Soil movement gained traction at the World Wildlife Fund Earth Hour Vigil on March 25, 2023. Since then, many individuals have signed up, some volunteering their time and effort in various projects aimed at raising environmental awareness. The mural in the National Park is a direct result of these ongoing efforts.
Torginol Paints donated the paint for the mural and the Protected Areas Commission granted the use of the wall across from the parking area in the National Park. Indigenous artist Bevan Allicock was particularly passionate about the project, stating, “In the indigenous heritage, we believe that one cannot exist without the other, so it’s very important to understand the purpose of everything around us, an ecosystem where we help each other.”
The release said the Mural stands as a testament to the dedication of local volunteers working together to raise awareness and promote soil conservation. This powerful visual reminder serves as a call to action for everyone to join in the efforts to preserve our soils for generations to come. Visitors are encouraged to view the mural and learn more about the importance of saving soil.
