History

The Institute for Marine and Riverine Ecologies and Economies (IMAREE) is a newly established institute within the University of Guyana system and the first established at the Berbice campus. Officially approved by the Academic Board in May 2024, the IMAREE was formally launched on 12 August 2024.
The idea for such and institute dates back to 1984 when a mission from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recommended the establishment of an “Institute of Aquatic Sciences,” at the University of Guyana. More recently, as the University considered its role in relation to the increased interest in the marine and maritime sectors in Guyana, that dated UNESCO report came into focus. Noting that there is now even greater justification for an institute of aquatic sciences than there was in the early 1980, discussions were held with local stakeholders and international partners to conceptualise such an institution.
After much deliberation and with financial support from the Government of Guyana, IMAREE was made a reality.

The Name

The name, IMAREE, communicates the ecological areas which the Institute will focus on – the Atlantic Ocean (marine) and river basins in Guyana. The name also makes it clear that the institute will focus on two broad sets of issues related to these areas. Ecological issues such as biodiversity and ecosystem forms and functions, including the anthroposphere. And, issues related to economies including livelihoods, trade and business.

IMAREE Staff

As a newly established institute, we have an expanding staff complement. The current faculty and staff of the IMAREE are:

• Mr Calvin Bernard – Director, IMAREE and Senior Lecturer, Department of Biology
• Mr. Philip Da Silva – Deputy Director, IMAREE and Reader in Biology, Division of Natural Sciences 
• Ms Rajsharie Balram – Administrative Officer
• Mr Troy Broomes – Lecturer
• Mr Aqmal Joseph – Personal Assistant to the Director