And other July 2022 updates…

The rainy season has thrown storms and torrential rain at us here at Sophia Point, but we’ve continued to make progress. Read on for a quick update on renovations, research and new projects from the past month. 

Renovations at Sophia Point

Despite the rain we’ve been busy making improvements to the site at Sophia Point. A team of local Barticians, led by caretaker Rodwell Mackey and his sons, have worked wonders to modernise the facilities, improve the staff accommodation and  install a fuel and storage outhouse. 

These steps all help set the foundations for the site ahead of construction of the main centre due to begin later this year.

We’re particularly happy with the colour of the staff accommodation! 

Sophia Point joins the World Weather Network

We are delighted to join the World Weather Network, a global alliance of 28 arts and science agencies formed in response to the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. The network represents a worldwide group of artists and writers reporting on their weather and our climate.

We see it as essential to work beyond the traditional sciences and embrace all disciplines in the effort to tackle the climate crisis. Using art, storytelling, language, and science to communicate the importance of weather and the  challenges the planet is facing is a key part of our mission. 

Find out more about the World Weather Network here.

Study on the impacts of gold mining

Sean Glynn, and his fellow researcher Jean Hercé, spent over 3 months at Sophia Point conducting fieldwork for Sean’s PhD. The Kent University researchers were, for extended periods of time, deep in mining areas around nearby Karrau community, examining the biodiversity in abandoned mine sites. Their work hopes to gather a better understanding of the impacts of gold mining - the biggest driver of deforestation in Guyana – and natural regeneration rates. 

Sophia Point was a base for these two who were able to sort and identify specimens, log their field data, catch-up with the outside world, and dry their soggy gear! We learnt a huge amount from them both, wish them all the best in the next stage, and hope they will return soon.

Join the club! 

Sophia Point’s social media accounts on both Instagram and Facebook are the best place to keep up to date with our progress. Follow for insights into the wildlife and activities on the Essequibo river.

Next steps for Sophia Point

With the finishing touches to the renovation work ongoing we are excited to be welcoming researchers back to the site and to see the designs for the centre really come to life. We have a busy few months ahead as we develop the plans and push to raise the vital funding. 

If you are interested in more information, future research or supporting the work of Sophia Point then please do get in touch!