South Rupununi Conservation Society Awarded Prestigious St. Andrews Prize for the Environment

Published: 18th of March 2026

Last updated: March 27, 2026 at 6:29 am

The South Rupununi Conversation Society in Region 9, Guyana has been awarded the prestigious St. Andrews Prize for the Environment. According to a Facebook Post by the SRCS (reproduced below), this landmark achievement is credited largely to Rupununi resident Alyssa Melville who played a major role in pioneering the SRCS’s Environmental Educational Model.

Statement by the South Rupununi Conversation Society

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

The South Rupununi Conservation Society is incredibly proud and deeply moved to share that we have won the prestigious St Andrews Prize for the Environment for our project, Transforming Environmental Education in Guyana.

This global award, presented annually by the University of St Andrews, recognizes innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Yesterday, March 17th, this award was received by Ms. Alyssa Melville, our environmental Education Coordinator!

Each year, only one winner is selected, with the winner receiving $95,000 USD. To be awarded this global prize is not just an achievement, but a powerful affirmation of the work being done right here in Guyana.

Since 2018, what began as a vision has grown into something truly transformative. Our Environmental Education model, developed for children aged 8 to 18, blends scientific learning with Indigenous knowledge and connects education to culture, community, and the natural world. Over two years, students learn about their environment and are then empowered to design and lead their own citizen science projects. Today, this initiative has reached more than 2000 students across over 20 communities in Region 9.

This moment belongs to many. We extend heartfelt congratulations to Alyssa Melville whose passion, dedication, and leadership have guided this project from the very beginning. Seeing her work recognized on a global stage is something we are all incredibly proud of.

We also thank the facilitators, teachers, schools, parents, Toshaos, Village Councils, and especially the young people who have been part of this journey. This achievement is yours. You are the reason this work matters and continues to grow.

Because of this collective effort, the model is already expanding beyond the South Rupununi into Regions 1, 4, and 6, with the aim of developing a national environmental education curriculum for Guyana, and a guide that can support communities around the world.

This award is not the end of the journey. It strengthens our commitment to continue the work and expand its reach. It shows that community led approaches are effective, that Indigenous knowledge has real value, and that when young people are given the opportunity, they are capable of leading meaningful change.

Most of all, it is a celebration of the Rupununi, once again showing Guyana and the world what is possible.

We look forward to welcoming Alyssa home and continuing this journey together.

This win is for all of us.

Special thanks to all our key partners:

South Rupununi District Council, the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, and Guyana Marine Conservation Society the Sustainable Wildlife Management – Programme Guyana and Delegation of the European Union in Guyana, Field Museum and Amazon Conservation Team Guianas for their continued support and belief in this vision.