GEPOG - Group for the Study and the Protection of Birds in French Guiana

Association founded in 1993, the GEPOG brings together some twenty employees who work to protect the environment (species and habitats) in French Guyana, in relation to the development of the territory. Mainly focused on birds at first, GEPOG's actions have since diversified into four main domains: - Improving knowledge of biodiversity through scientific studies, inventories and population monitoring; - Management of protected areas, as the GEPOG is managing the Grand-Connétable Nature Reserve and co-managing the Nouragues Nature Reserve. The association is also a member of several management committees and is working to set up new protected areas; - Raising citizens' awareness of biodiversity, by organizing all kinds of environmental education activities for all types of public and by publishing different documents on Guyanese biodiversity for the general public; - Participating in the public debate on environmental issues, through representation on various commissions and governance bodies. GEPOG can also act as a civil party in cases of environmental damages. The GEPOG therefore aims to improve knowledge of habitats and species, especially endangered ones, but also to promote their protection and improve their management. The association also aims to enable the general public and the school community to take ownership of environmental issues, to strengthen participation in public debate in order to support the implementation of environmental policies, and to support the sustainable development commitments of public and private partners.