Updates from Guyana
Read our regular updates from the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre
Interview: An indigenous view of COP28 with Melena Pollard
The Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre neighbours the indigenous Amerindian community of River’s View. In December 2023, our very own village leader, known locally as a Toshao, Melena Pollard, flew to Dubai and to attend COP28. Miss Pollard works tirelessly supporting and providing for her community and we were eager to find out about her experience attending the climate conference.
Sophia Point neighbours the Amerindian community of River’s View. In December 2023, the village leader or ‘Toshao’, Melena Pollard, travelled to Dubai to represent Guyana’s Amerindians at the climate conference, COP28. We sat down with her to ask a few questions and learn what she had taken from the experience.
River’s View village, Region 10. Photo credit: Sam Airey.
The below article is a transcript of Toshao Pollard’s interview with Centre Director Sam Airey and Education Outreach Officer Miranda Bragan-Turner as she reflected on COP28, the impacts of the climate crisis and the role she believes education can play.
Who are you and what is your role in the community?
My name is Melena Pollard and I am the Toshao of a village in Region 10 called River’s View. Toshao is the name given to the leader of the village. River’s View got its name because it faces three rivers: the Essequibo, the Cuyuni and the Mazaruni. River’s View stretches along the river from Makouria Creek all the way to Badawarin Creek. It is a village that is long. Although we have a land title, most of the residents live outside of the land title [as the houses are on the river bank, these plots are licensable from the government, all land behind the river front belongs to the village]. River’s View has about 1000 residents.
“It’s an experience that has made me more aware of different indigenous peoples around the world and the experiences they have… we can learn from their experiences to make the lives of indigenous peoples in Guyana better.”
Toshao Pollard
Toshao Pollard attending COP28 in December 2023. Photo credit: Melena Pollard.
Why did you feel it was important to attend the annual climate conference, COP28?
COP28 was an experience for me. An experience that enlightened me that issues indigenous peoples face are not only unique to River’s View or to Guyana. In a sense, Guyanese indigenous peoples are far ahead of other indigenous peoples in the world. It saddened me to know that in some parts of the world, indigenous peoples are still fighting for rights such as rights to be heard, and rights to land, so Guyanese indigenous peoples are very fortunate. It showed me that the things we take for granted such as being freely able to meet with our government are just the dreams of other persons in other parts of the world.
“[E]ducation is the only means of moving you from one point to another and with Sophia Point being in River’s View, per se, we can have more persons [...] learning and being encouraged to further their education [...] to go forward and develop themselves.”
How was your time at the event? How do you feel it went?
So, my first experience of COP was really good for me because I got the opportunity to meet with different indigenous peoples, interact with them and to see how our cultures differ and in some cases are similar too. It’s an experience that has made me more aware of different indigenous peoples around the world and the experiences they have, how it [the climate crisis] impacts their lives and how we can learn from their experiences to make the lives of indigenous peoples in Guyana better.
What does climate change mean for the people of River’s View?
Climate change has had an impact on not only the people in River’s View, but also peoples all over the world. Impacts of climate change have led to a difference in how persons would farm, how they would earn their livelihoods. Because when you listen to the farmers, affected by the worst flood we have had in history, in 2021-2022, it has brought to our attention that we cannot continue to live and to farm how we used to. We cannot even continue to fish how we used to. One fisherman reported to me last week that last year has been the worst fishing year in all of his life, and this is someone who depends on fishing for a living. With the height of the water - water is extremely low right now - when you feel the temperature of the water, it is not going to allow you to catch as many fish as the normal temperature would. Climate change has directly affected how persons live and how they can earn a living.
Toshao Pollard attending a meeting at COP28. Photo credit: Melena Pollard.
What are your hopes for the future for the community? How can Sophia Point help?
For me education is the only means of moving you from one point to another and with Sophia Point being in River’s View, per se, we can have more persons actually being a part of Sophia Point and learning and being encouraged to further their education and not just stop at primary or secondary school, to go forward and develop themselves. I know that education, it moves you from poverty. It raises your standard of thinking and your standard of living and for me that would be the best future for River’s View. When I don’t have school drop outs from the age of ten to fourteen but I have persons completing their secondary education and moving on into jobs that better themselves, for me that is my biggest dream, and it’s a dream that I hope can be accomplished. It takes hard work and perseverance. But I have never been afraid of hard work so I am willing to work and give my all to encourage persons to get a good education and further themselves.
River’s View from above. Photo credit: Jean Hercé
November 2023
Sophia Point’s new centre begins to take shape
After years of planning, fundraising and design we are excited to see the construction work progress in earnest on the Sophia Point Rainforest Research Centre! Following our successful sod turning event in August, contractor Indar Ramllall and his team of workers have been busy realizing architect Marcel Gaskin’s design.
After preparing the ground, establishing foundations and casting the concrete base on which the building will be built, we are now moving to erect our pre-fabricated steel structure. The team is working to get the roof on before the worst of the rainy season so the internal work can continue undisturbed. Workers from our neighbouring River’s View community make up the majority of the team on site and we have been able to source many of our materials locally including wood, sand and stone. We hope to complete the building work by early next year, and to be able to welcome new students to access and learn from the incredible rainforest surrounding us.
The drone shot on page 1 was taken by visiting researcher, Jean Hercé, and gives a great view of the site from above. You can see the efforts we have taken to ensure the design fits into the existing clearing, reducing our need to remove trees. The team have worked hard to consider how this construction can minimise its negative footprint on the surrounding environment. For weekly updates on construction, follow our social media accounts. Links below!
Insect scientist studies over 5,000 beetles
It was great to welcome back insect enthusiast Jean Hercé to Sophia Point. He spent two weeks identifying over 5,500 individual dung beetles during his second visit to the site. Jean is working with PhD student Sean Glynn who is studying the impact of gold mining on biodiversity in the region, using dung beetles as indicators for environmental health. Jean completed the mammoth task of identifying thousands of individual beetles (some as small as a few millimetres!) from sites local to Sophia Point, using our new stereo microscope. We look forward to reading the results of Sean and Jean’s work.
University of Guyana alumni day visit
We recently hosted a group of University of Guyana staff and alumni for a day visit to Sophia Point. Centre Director Sam Airey took the group on a forest trail walk where they learnt to set and check camera traps, in addition to a tour of the building site. The group even managed to squeeze in a quick kayak on the Essequibo river before returning to Georgetown. Check out what they caught on camera below!
Spotted at Sophia Point!
Despite the construction noise, the team are delighted that our cameras continue to capture amazing shots of wildlife just minutes walk away from the site. This big cat, Puma concolor, was captured on a trail camera set by our University of Guyana visitors. Click on the button below to watch the video!
Old jetty repaired and improved
We have a new jetty! After almost 10 years of service we have replaced the old floating jetty. Due to rough water and rotting wood the old bridge and floating pontoon had become unsafe and unfit for purpose. So Director Sam Airey, along with a team of local River’s View builders used locally sourced wood to construct a new and improved pontoon. The revised structure is more stable, it will allow for multiple boats to dock and to offload, and it will support larger visiting groups once the centre is complete. We have also improved safety with an access ladder and life ring on the pontoon. It is now a wonderful spot to catch the sunset and breeze in the hammock after a long day’s work.
William Beebe: a pioneer of tropical ecology in Guyana
Everyone knows the name of Charles Darwin, but naturalist William Beebe is less well known. Despite this he is regarded as one of the founding scientists of field ecology, revolutionizing the approach to the long term study of tropical environments. In 1916, Beebe, with the support of US President Theodore Roosevelt, established in Guyana one of the world’s first tropical field stations, Kalacoon House, located just 10 miles from Sophia Point! As a pioneering naturalist, Beebe’s novel approach to forensic, long term ecological research set the model on which countless field stations across the tropics are now based.
We were delighted when Carey Bamford, whose great grandparents lived at Kalacoon and supported and hosted Beebe’s scientific work, came to visit us at Sophia Point. After a trip to the former location of Kalacoon, she spent an afternoon with us sharing photographs and stories of her great grandparents' lives in Guyana, including an account of when President Roosevelt and his wife came for dinner at her great grandparent’s house in Kalacoon in 1916.
More than 100 years after Beebe’s work in Guyana, and less than 30 minutes away from one of the world’s first tropical field stations, Sophia Point will provide the facilities to once again explore and study this unique environment. This time providing access for young Guyanese to become the pioneering naturalists of tomorrow!
Theodore Roosevelt at dinner with William Beebe and Carey Bamford’s great grandparents (left)
William Beebe at Kalaccon House (below)
Carey Bamford visiting the Sophia Point site (bottom two photos)
September 2023
President Irfaan Ali and Tony Blair inaugurate Sophia Point
On August 29th we were honoured to be joined by special guests, His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to inaugurate the Sophia Point project. This was an opportunity to hear from two leading voices on the future of climate action, celebrate Guyana's globally important environment, and discuss the role that facilities like Sophia Point can play in educating the next generation.
Our co-founder, David Lammy, opened by providing an update on the progress and vision for Sophia Point as we look forward to completing construction next year. The event was co-hosted with our partner, the University of Guyana, with the support of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. A big thank you to Vice-Chancellor Paloma Mohamed Martin for moderating the event and to all those who volunteered to ask thought-provoking questions to our speakers.
The audience was made up of students, conservation practitioners, diplomats, government officials and passionate environmentalists, and we are excited to be a part of this important community. This marks an exciting step towards delivering on the shared goal of protecting and celebrating Guyana's unique environment.
If you missed the event you can watch it back and read more news coverage here.
Turning the sod at Sophia Point
To celebrate the start of construction we invited a small group of partners, trustees, supporters and neighbours to Sophia Point.
To mark this exciting milestone, Co-founder of Sophia Point Nicola Green, British High Commissioner Jane Miller, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana Paloma Mohamed Martin and Toshao (village leader) of River's View Melena Pollard broke ground on site. Toshao Pollard spoke of how pleased she was that Sophia Point would be contributing to education opportunities for young people in the local area.
The team were also able to share progress of construction, hear from lead contractor Indar Rammlall on the delivery of the work, and introduce our wonderful team of local builders to the wider Sophia Point community. After a tour of the site and a presentation of the plans for the Centre, we managed to squeeze in a trail walk and check cameras.
If all goes to plan we hope to be inviting everyone back to celebrate the completion and opening of the new Sophia Point Centre facilities in the first half of next year.
Student begins study of insects
It was a pleasure to host Eric Stoll, a student from the University of Guyana and faculty of the Center for the Study of Biological Diversity at Sophia Point. Eric is conducting his Master's research with us, exploring the insect life present in the rainforest on our site on the Essequibo River.
This is Eric’s first trip, which allowed him to collect information on species during the rainy season. He will return for his second phase of work later this year to compare his findings by sampling during the dry season. As a permanent observation site it is hoped that what Eric is starting can be replicated over the years to produce a much better understanding of insect life and changes at the location. We are looking forward to his return!
Solar power upgrades thanks to funder support
Sophia Point is powered by the sun! As part of our ongoing construction work we have been able to upgrade the solar power system for the main house and office.
Having reliable power will support students and researchers to study, learn and discover at Sophia Point for decades to come. The previous system was over 20 years old and required upgrading to meet the needs of a working office space.
This was only possible thanks to our generous supporters and funders. We would also like to thank the engineers at Farfan and Mendes for designing and installing the system. If you would like to join the team and support Sophia Point as we establish here in Guyana you can do here.
July 2023
Site work begins at the research centre
The first phase of construction on site has commenced. Contractor Indar Ramlall and his team have marked out the site as well as initiated logistics for housing 20 workers at Sophia Point over the next six months. Materials for construction will arrive over the coming weeks via the river. This is a complicated process given our remote location.
Local labour meeting held
As part of the preparations, we hosted an open meeting at the neighbouring River’s View community for local people interested in working on the building project. This was an opportunity to explain the project and sign up those with previous experience. Centre Director, Sam Airey, hopes this will generate income for up to 15 local people as they get involved in building the Sophia Point Research Centre.
Water scientist returns to Sophia Point
During this rainy season we welcomed back PhD student Beth Cowling. This was her third visit to Sophia Point as part of her study of dissolved carbon flows in the Essequibo river. Her work is in collaboration with the Iwokrama International Research Centre and Guyana’s Hydromet Service and we are delighted to continue to support her important research.
Trails enhanced at Sophia Point
Following the trail has never been easier at Sophia Point thanks to our newly installed trail markers and bamboo bridges. Based on guidance from Paul Foster at Bijagual Ecological Reserve in Costa Rica, the Sophia Point team have established a distance and trail name marker system. This will ensure visitors can’t get lost and also provide an aide to mark identification of species or sample sites. Particular thanks to Desmond Braithewaite and Ronald Boyan for their work setting out and clearing the paths. To date the first two trails (named ‘Sophia Point Boundary’ and ‘Jaguar Pass’) have been marked with the new signs and a third route, ‘Warrakabra Way’, is to be completed.
We’re looking for our next Centre Director
How would you like to lead the next phase of Sophia Point's mission and call this idyllic spot on the Essequibo River home? We are on the search for the right candidate to take on the work of our founding Centre Director, Sam Airey. Sam has been with the project since the start and after 4 years of working to make an idea reality, he is excited to hand over the baton and will continue to work closely with the team.
The new Director will commence in February/March 2024. The role is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of a conservation and environmental education organisation with a bold mission. If you have experience in field science and a passion for tropical conservation and education then find more information on the role and how to apply here.
Thank you to our funders!
The work of Sophia Point is made possible by contributions from our supporters. We are delighted when these become ongoing relationships and are hugely grateful to Julie Fitzgerald and Stephen Fitzgerald AO for their repeated support of Sophia Point. This funding will help ensure the delivery of the new centre and will, in part, fund the renovation of solar power at the site.
If you would like to join Julie and Stephen in supporting Sophia Point you can do by clicking here.
May 2023
Birdlife studied at Sophia Point
It was great to have Master’s student Rita Delucco work with our local field assistant Leroy Boyan to study the birds at Sophia Point. They spent time setting up and monitoring mist nets to gain an understanding of the bird activity and species on our site.
Despite rainy season downpours, they were able to document some beautiful and varied species of birds. They were keenly watched on more than one occasion by our resident Wedge-capped capuchin monkeys. Rita shared her knowledge of the mist netting process with Leroy as he, in turn, taught Rita how to set up camp and clear trails in the rainforest. We look forward to reading the Kent University student’s results from her time at Sophia Point.
She was joined by fellow Master's student Marcus Baxter who was studying the caiman trade. Marcus enjoyed a late-night trip up the Badawarin creek with Desmond Braithewaite where he was lucky enough to spot a number of caiman along the banks.
Fans donated to River’s View community
Sophia Point was delighted to support our neighbouring Amerindian community’s school. Thanks to a joint donation from the Bragan-Turner family in the UK and Sophia Point we were able to assist in delivering and assembling fans to help cool the classrooms for both teachers and pupils. Thanks to newly installed solar power at the school, teachers will be able to run the fans through the day to make the school a more comfortable place to work and learn.
Thanks to volunteer Josh
This month we sadly had to say goodbye to our first long-term volunteer, Josh George. Josh was based at Sophia Point for 3 months and worked hard carrying timber, moving sand, supporting the social media and communications output, and helping prepare the site for construction. He was an asset to the team.
Unfortunately, Josh had a scary experience with a venomous lonomia caterpillar whilst at Sophia Point. Thankfully, after medical attention in Georgetown and anti-venom treatment from Brazil, he is on his way to making a full recovery. Academics will make use of Josh's experience to study the effects of lonomia venom and the prevalence of this rare caterpillar in Guyana.
Despite this, Josh remained positive and upbeat throughout his time and it was great to have him support the work at Sophia Point. He left a firm favourite amongst our neighbours and friends in River’s View and we hope to see him back sometime in the future!
Filmmaker follows the trail of Sir Wilson Harris
PhD student Louis Henderson spent time with us studying the work and life of renowned Guyanese author Sir Wilson Harris. Prior to writing books, Harris was a surveyor for the Guyanese government in the early 20th century, spending many hours traversing the rivers which play a prominent role in his famous works.
Louis followed in Harris’ footsteps, taking journeys up the Essequibo and local creeks with our boat guide Alwayne Crighton. He hopes to return to Sophia Point later this year to make a film about Sir Wilson’s work.
Spotlight on a funder - Three Cairns Group
The work of Sophia Point would not be possible without the support and donations from individuals and philanthropic funders alike. We are very proud and grateful to have a collection of supportive, engaged and generous backers.
One such organisation is the Three Cairns Group. They work to build and support innovative organizations, platforms, and initiatives to accelerate climate action. They were an early seed funder of the Sophia Point project and we are delighted to announce that they have committed to continue to support Sophia Point.
If you would like to support Sophia Point, you can donate here:
Spotted at Sophia Point
This beautiful mangrove snake (Erythrolamprus cobella) was spotted crossing our beach. These semi-aquatic snakes are endemic to South America and live amongst mangroves and coastal areas, hunting for frogs, lizards and fish. This one was basking on the river bank before moving into the mangroves.
April 2023
David Lammy visits Sophia Point
During his short trip to Guyana David, co-founder of Sophia Point, met with key partners including, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana Dr. Paloma Mohamed, the British High Commissioner, Jane Miller OBE, Ministers in the Government of Guyana and builders to discuss the next steps for Sophia Point. He also took time, whilst in Georgetown, to attend an inspiring session with Guyanese female entrepreneurs who are part of the Cherie Blair Foundation’s Road to Growth initiative.
Escaping Georgetown, David spent time at Sophia Point with trail guide Desmond and Director Sam. He walked the new jungle trails and en route was able to check the wildlife cameras. He plans to return in August to see the progress on site.
Sand at Sophia Point
With final design for Sophia Point complete, the team have begun the process of collecting materials. We worked with local contractor Dave Younge to pump sand on site. His excellent team — Belle, Franky, Jonatan, Jorge, Lesley, William and Wiltord — repurposed a dredge used in gold mining to bring the sand from the river up to Sophia Point.
The sand is a key material in the construction of our new research centre. We will use it to infill the foundations, raise the height of the structure and as a mix for concrete.
Sourcing the sand from the river, instead of importing it, has saved time, cost and transport emissions in the process.
Researcher studying impact of mining returns to Sophia Point
Sean Glynn and his field assistant and sister Louise returned to Sophia Point as part of the next stage in his PhD exploring nature’s recovery from the impacts of mining. Sean is studying the rates of recovery in abandoned gold mine sites local to Sophia Point.
Using Sophia Point as his base he was also able to spend some time with us setting up mist nets and observing the birdlife. We wish him the best of luck with his research.
Local School wins science fair, Sophia Point supports
Congratulations to our local primary school, Holy Name, for winning their regional science fair. Their exhibition explored the role rainforests play in producing oxygen and providing the conditions for life on Earth. Sophia Point was delighted to support the effort, led by our Education Outreach Officer Miranda Bragan-Turner.
Sese Norville joins the team to support construction
A big welcome to Sese Norville who has joined the Sophia Point team. Sese will be advising and supporting Director Sam Airey during the build of the Sophia Point Centre. A trained engineer who has years of experience coordinating the delivery of projects across Guyana, he will be an asset to the team.
Sese is no stranger to Sophia Point having helped look after the site over the past four years. He will be making monthly visits to Sophia Point and will help oversee the build process.
Old boat given new life as vegetable garden
We spent time with neighbour Newton repurposing the shell of a former wooden boat to provide vegetables for the Sophia Point kitchen. Following Newton;s guidance we set about bringing the boat back to life with manure and mulch so we could plant bora, okra, turmeric and callaloo.
The trial has proved a huge success, we are now planning a next cycle of crops as well as a food waste composter on site.
Spotted at Sophia Point…
In the latest check on the camera traps we were excited to spot this Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi). The jaguarundi is about twice the size of a domestic cat. Due to their long bodies, short legs, dark brown fur, and their strong swimming, they are also known as the ‘otter cat’. This particular individual looked to be limping
If you want to keep up with more of our camera trap updates we post them on our Instagram and Facebook accounts, links below.
February 2023
Final designs for Sophia Point's Centre
After more than 3 years of preparations and fundraising, and 8 months of design consultation, we are delighted to present the final design for the Sophia Point centre.
Our plans have evolved from a small 6 person hammock pod to a building able to support up to 24 persons, provide a wet and dry lab and house all the cooking, washing and teaching facilities needed for week long field courses. Architect Marcel Gaskin has worked with us throughout this process and we couldn't be happier with the results. We also want to thank all those who gave their time generously to review, advise and inform us during the design phases.
We now look forward to the next stage of the process: turning these designs into reality.
Preparing the ground for construction
We have been busy working with Desmond, locals Derek and Boyle and volunteers Josh and Kirsty to prepare for the upcoming building work. This has entailed the construction of a retaining wall to help us store sand and other building materials on site. You can follow our building progress on both our Instagram and Facebook pages - links at the end of the newsletter.
Prospective builders visit Sophia Point
In the next step towards building Sophia Point we welcomed prospective contractors on site. This was an opportunity to give invited builders an insight into the challenges of our remote, off-grid location and the purpose of the project.
Architect Marcel Gaskin joined Director Sam Airey in presenting the designs (photo top left, below). They stressed the importance of minimising environmental impact, delivering a building that is functional but inspiring and of ensuring that the centre is built to sustain the often harsh humid conditions of the rainforest.
We'll be sharing updates of progress regularly on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Finding frogs with US herpetologists
Over January we were joined by four herpetologists from the United States. The team spent their time on night walks, creek trips and exploring the Sophia Point boundary in search of frogs, snakes and invertebrates.
Despite rainy season, they were able to document an array of species to add to the inventory. They also witnessed both a Giant Armadillo burrowing late at night and a family of Giant Otters swimming in the Essequibo. Thanks to CJ, Nathan, Nate and Dagan for the visit!
See some of the incredible photos taken on the night walks below!
Introducing…Desmond Braithwaite, Field Guide
Over the coming monthly newsletters we will be introducing the team in Guyana and in the UK that are working to make Sophia Point happen. We're starting with the person who has known about Sophia Point's beauty the longest, Desmond, our trail guide.
Desmond is a local Amerindian who helped construct the original building on site and has supported the Sophia Point project from day one. Happiest deep in the bush spotting trails and following monkey calls, Desmond is an invaluable member of the team.
When he's not guiding trails or supporting Sam with construction jobs Desmond and his wife Datu often spend their time out on the river catching fish.
Spotted at Sophia Point...
Spotted at Sophia Point - nestled amongst our Hibiscus and Bamboo orchid plants was this well camouflaged Parrot Snake (Leptophis ahaetulla). They are known as parrot snakes thanks to their often bright green and bronze colours. Keep up with all our wildlife shots on our Instagram page.
January 2023
2022 was a busy year. We established a full-time presence in Guyana with Centre Director Sam Airey and his partner moving to Sophia Point in April. We renovated the existing site, developed the staff accommodation, and even hosted our first Master’s and PhD students. Sophia Point was formally granted legal not-for-profit status in Guyana and we facilitated a trial education outreach programme between the UK and Guyana. We also made significant progress with the designs and plans for the development of the larger facility at Sophia Point.
Over the next 12 months we will look to build on that momentum. Once a builder is appointed construction will begin on the main centre. We will formalise the trail system, develop our outreach efforts and welcome additional research groups and volunteers to Sophia Point.
Thanks to all who supported, advised, partnered and engaged with us over 2022. "We look forward to the next stage of the journey in 2023!
Trail clearing continues at Sophia Point
Forest guide Desmond and Director Sam, along with visitor Lawrence Da’Silva, have been out in the rainforest upgrading the trail path.
Bridging sections in the swampy low-lying areas allows us to make use of leftover off-cuts from the palms used in the camp’s roof and provide extra stablity for those on the trail.
Building “Camp Lime”
Our latest addition to the Sophia Point site is a traditional palm thatch camp we like to call “Camp Lime”.
A week of hard work, by Mackey, Desmond and Sam went into the construction of the camp. It is made entirely from materials sourced within Sophia Point. The roof is made of manicole palm leaves tied together with maho bark and affixed to the structure with nibi vine.
Camp Lime will accommodate overflow visitors overnight with the hammocks providing a perfect view over the river.
Sophia Point support Bartica foodbank
The Sophia Point team were delighted to support the local community's Christmas Homeless Hamper Appeal. This programme provides the vulnerable and homeless in the Bartica area with food over the festive period.
As well as a donation from the charity, co-founder David Lammy joined the Chairman in delivering food hampers to those in need in the run up to Christmas.
Spotted at Sophia Point…
This beautiful Tapir [Tapirus terrestris] was spotted roaming Sophia Point in the early hours by one of our trail cameras.
Known locally as a “Bush Cow” Tapir’s are often found near the water’s edge, particularly when fleeing from chasing Jaguar. Tapir numbers globally are in decline due to habitat destruction. The populations here in Guyana are vital in the preservation of the species.
November 2022
Sophia Point joins local planting effort
The team at Sophia Point were delighted to join the big day of planting with the local community at River’s View.
Director Sam Airey brought along Ti plants (Cordyline fruticosa) and West Indian Jasmine (Ixora sp.) from the Sophia Point garden to find a new home at River’s View.
It was great to work with the local school children planting a whole array of fruit trees, flowering plants, shrubs and succulents to enhance the local environment.
We look forward to seeing the school grounds blossom!
Trial education programme kicks off
Our education outreach officer, Miranda Bragan-Turner, has been busy at work development a 6-week primary level course on the importance of tropical rainforests.
She is now trialling this with a school in the UK and in Guyana, with the course culminating in an exchange of letters between the two sets of pupils. We are excited to see how this will develop.
We are grateful to Belmont Preparatory School, Mill Hill for their partnership and support in setting up this initiative.
Spotted at Sophia Point…
We are always excited when we check the camera traps out on the trail at Sophia Point.
This beautiful Puma (Puma concolor) known as a Deer Tiger locally really made our day. Despite its enormous size and hunting prowess, the Puma cannot roar.
Click on the picture to check out the video of this big cat strolling through Sophia Point and give our Instagram a follow if you don’t already!
Co-Founder visits Sophia Point
Co-founder and Chair of the Sophia Point charity, Nicola Green, made a trip out to Guyana to meet our partners and neighbours, to catch up with progress on site and to help plan for the next stage of Sophia Point’s development.
A real highlight of her trip was meeting with local village leader, Toshao Pollard, at River’s View. Nicola was able to listen to the Toshao’s priorities and reaffirm Sophia Point’s commitment to work closely with the community. Nicola handed over a gift of bamboo orchids (Arundina graminifolia) from the Sophia Point garden to the Toshao.
During the busy visit to Guyana, Nicola met with the British High Commissioner, our local architect, staff at the University of Guyana, and Sophia Point’s Guyanese trustees amonst others.
Spotlight on our supporters: Inherent Foundation
As an environmental education and research charity, Sophia Point couldn’t exist without the generous support of individuals and organisations alike.
This month, we are spotlighting one of those organisations: the Inherent Foundation. Sophia Point was lucky to receive early seed funding from the Inherent Foundation to help get us off the ground. We have since build a great relationship with a funder who shares our vision for improving access to conservation and environmental education in Guyana.
We are excited to continue working with these like-minded partners who understand the value of conservation and nature.
Thank you Inherent Foundation!
September 2022
Internet reaches the jungle!
The off-grid quiet of Sophia Point is part of what makes the site so special, but it also comes with challenges. Internet is an important tool in modern research and so the team worked together with DG Network, a local internet service provider, to bring WiFi to the jungle.
This entailed a lot of teamwork to erect a 30+ft pole from a hot zinc roof and patience to get the right angle for the receiver to pick up a signal. Luckily, the hard work paid off and Sophia Point is now connected to the outside world.
University of Guyana academics visit Sophia Point
We were delighted to host a group of lecturers and faculty from the University of Guyana at the Sophia Point site. The group, including our trustee Gyanpriya Maharaj, represented biology, forestry, and natural science faculties.
The day visit was an opportunity to share designs for the facilities, discuss future research opportunities and explore the newly cleared trails. This marked the next step as we begin to deliver on the 10-year partnership formed between the two organisations in December last year. We already have exiting plans forming for student trips, research projects and community engagement.
We are grateful for the insights of all who attended.
Trail clearing
Local Amerindian guide, Desmond Braithwaite, and Director Sam Airey have been out in the forest marking out and developing the trails at Sophia Point. The aim is to make the surrounding forests accessible, improving safety and navigation of the routes, whilst minimising clearing and impact
Whilst establishing the trails they also took the opportunity to set camera traps and will return next month to check what wildlife has been recorded at Sophia Point.
Water scientist returns to Sophia Point
Water scientist, Beth Cowling, returned for the next phase of her PhD research exploring the carbon stored in the Essequibo river. The Heriot-Watt University student visited Sophia Point for a second spell of data collection and analysis.
Beth’s research contributes to the wider BOOGIE project (Breathing Oceans: understanding the organic skin that modulates the exchange of greenhouse gases between the atmosphere and the ocean), which is funded by the European Research Council under the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. This is a first of its kind assessment on the Essequibo river.
It was a pleasure to facilitate Beth’s work over the past few months, including daily trips out on the river, and we look forward to learning more from her results in the field as her PhD progresses.
Spotlight on funder - Oak Foundation
As an environmental education and research charity, Sophia Point, couldn’t exist without the generous support and individuals and organisations alike.
This month, we are spotlighting one of those organisations: the Oak Foundation. Sophia Point was lucky to receive a 5-year commitment of support from the Oak Foundation to support us in improving local access to conservation and environmental education in Guyana.
We are excited to continue working with these like-minded partners who understand the value of conservation and local education.
Thank you Oak Foundation!
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