CARIBBEAN SECONDARY EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE 2019

GEOGRAPHY

SCHOOL BASE ASSIGNMENT (SBA)

TOPIC: DEFORESTATION

NAME OF CANDIDATE: JHASHODRARAMNARAIN

CENTRE NUMBER: 090012

CANDIDATE NUMBER: 090012

NAME OF SCHOOL: J.C. CHANDISINGH SECONDARY

TERRITORY: REPUBLIC OF GUYANA

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

During the process of completing this research, the researcher received a lot of guidance

from Miss Amanda Mohan, her Geography teacher. The residents of Palmyra and her parents

played important roles in the completion of this project. It gives the researcher great pleasure to

express her gratitude to all sources of informants and assistance.

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 FORM GEOG-5

CARIBBEAN EXAMINATION COUNCIL

SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATE

SCHOOL-BASED ASSESMENT

GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDY

STRATEGY SHEET
To be completed by March 15 of the year of the examination. Insert at cover of field study
report. Make a duplicate copy of this sheet. Your teacher will return a copy to you.

CANDIDATE’S NAME: Jhashodra Ramnarain

REGISTRATION NUMBER:

GENERAL TOPIC OF INTEREST: Human-Environment Systems - Deforestation

POSSIBLE QUESTION(S) TO BE INVESTIGATED: What is the role of natural vegetation?

STRATEGY

(A) What is the purpose of your study?

To investigate and illustrate the role of natural vegetation in the ecosystem and to examine what

measures can be carried out to prevent the further removal of the natural vegetation in Palmyra,

Guyana.

(B) How will you obtain data?

The data for this survey will be obtained by means of a survey. Fifty printed questionnaires will

be distributed to residents of Palmyra, Guyana. Data will also be obtained from the internet,

textbooks and other articles.

(C) How do you intend to present the data and findings in your report?
Data will be presented in the form of graphs, pictures or tables.

LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA: PALMYRA, GUYANA

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 EQUIPMENT/RESOURCES REQUIRED: CAMERA, QUESTIONNAIRES, SACNNER,
COMPUTER, INTERNET ACCESS, NOTE PADS, PENCILS

ANTICIPATED CHALLENGES: QUESTIONNAIRES MAY BE NOT RETURENED ON

TIME AND ALSO THE RESPONSES PROVIDED MIGHT NOT BE CLEAR AND OPEN.

NAME OF TEACHER:

SIGNATURE OF TEACHER: __________________________

DATE: _________________________

Revised 2006-06-23

MARKING SCHEME

Section of Report Teacher's Marks Moderator's Marks

P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3
(PS) (KC) (UK) (PS) (KC) (UK)
1 Table of Contents 1 1 1
2 Aim 2 2
3 Introduction 2 2
4 Location Chosen 4 4 4
5 Methodology 2 2 2 2 2 2
6 Presentation of Data 4 4 4
7 Quality of Data 4 4 4
8 Analysis and Discussion 10 10 10
9 Conclusion 4 4 6
10 Communication of 3 4 4
Information
11 Bibliography 1 1 1
TOTAL 10 10 9 10 20 20 10 10 20

Moderators Initials: Examiner’s initials: Chief Examiner’s /

Asst Examiner’s Initials

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT PAGE NUMBER

Aim 7

Introduction 8

Location of area investigated 9

Methodology 11

Presentation of data 12

Analysis and Discussion 17

Conclusion 19

Bibliography 20

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 TITLE OF STUDY
What role does the natural vegetation play in the ecosystem of Palmyra in Guyana and what

measures are being carried out to prevent the further removal of the natural vegetation?

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 AIM OF STUDY

 To investigate and illustrate the role of natural vegetation in the ecosystem and to

examine what measures can be carried out to prevent the further removal of the natural

vegetation in Palmyra, Guyana.

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 INTRODUCTION
The Caribbean was one of the most beautiful places on earth when the early European

explorers arrived here. Thick forest, cascading waterfalls and pristine beaches were typical sights

on the islands of the West Indies. However, as the population grew, human activity began to

affect not only the land but the coastal environment too.

Natural vegetation serves many beneficial functions and is regarded as an essential

renewable resource. However, over exploitation and deforestation has led to their destruction.

Palmyra is one of the areas in Guyana that consist of natural vegetation alongside the main road

where trees are constantly being cleared for specific reasons. This research is a survey carried out

to analyse the role of natural vegetation in an ecosystem, effects of deforestation and measures

implemented to prevent deforestation.

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LOCATION OF AREA INVESTIGATED

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 METHODOLOGY
HOW?

The information for the completion of this SBA was partially obtained from a survey and

through research on the internet and in articles. The survey was conducted in Palmyra, Guyana

and was carried out using quantitative research which is a type of research carried to collect

primary data. A total of twenty five (25) questionnaires were prepared for distribution to the

survey population. In the selection of the participants, the numbers of all houses in Palmyra were

written, each on a slip of paper. Each slip was folded and placed in a box. The box was closed

and shook vigorously to ensure a mixture of numbers. Twenty five (25) slips were drawn from

the box, one at a time, while shaking the box in the process. Twenty five (25) households

selected were supplied with questionnaires. In instances where persons are not at home, another

slip was chosen. Secondary information was retrieved from the internet, textbooks and other

articles to support the primary data collected.

WHEN?

The questionnaires were distributed on Friday September 28, 2018 and were collected

from the respondents on Wednesday October 3, 2018.

WHERE?
The survey was conducted in Palmyra, Guyana which is located in South America.

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 PRESENTATION OF DATA
The participants of this survey were very much aware of the role of natural vegetation and

the effects of deforestation. Their responses to the questions in the questionnaires reflect their

opinions of the current situations. Of the 50 questionnaires distributed, all were returned.

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 Figure 1: Role of Natural Vegetation

14%

Watershed and protect the soil

from erosion
Preserve or maintain a balance be-
tween the temperaturere and rain-
fall (climatic balance)
Improve water supply and pollu-
54% tion control
28%
Home/habitat for many endemic
species

4%

The pie chart in figure 1 shows the role of natural vegetation in Palmyra. It can be seen
that the main role of natural vegetation is the watershed and protect the soil from erosion as
indicated by 54% of the respondents. The other roles were improved water supply (28% of
the respondents), home/habitat for many endemic species (14% of the respondents) and
preserve or maintain a balance between the temperature and rainfall (climatic balance) (4%
of the respondents).

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 Figure 2: Causes of Deforestation
25
20
15
Number of Respondents

10
5
0
s d s n n
se an ay io io
al
u m hw uc
t ct
ur de g od tra
l t n hi pr Ex
cu ei nd r
gr
i
eas sa o od be
r a cr d
lw Ti
m
fo in oa e
o fr fu
nd et o
la du io
n a nd
g ct al
a rin ris
m ru o
e u st rc
Cl To
n
Ch
a
Co
Causes of Deforestation

The column graph in figure 2 shows the causes of deforestation in Palmyra. It can be seen
that the main cause of deforestation is the clearing of land for agricultural uses as indicated by
46% of the respondents. The other causes were charcoal and fuel wood production (24% of the
respondents), construction of roads and highways (18% of the respondents), timber extraction
(10% of the respondents) and Tourism due to increase in demand (land for hospitality, sports and
entertainment) (2% of the respondents).

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 Figure 3: Effects of Deforestation

Loss of natural beauty and reduction of tourists

Effects of Deforestation

Decrease in biodiversity and loss of endemic species

Increased chances of flooding

Soil erosion and reduction of watershed

0 5 10 15 20 25

Number of Respondents

The bar graph in figure 3 shows the effects of deforestation in Palmyra. It can be seen
that the main effect of deforestation is increased chances of floodingas indicated by 48% of
the respondents. The other effects were soil erosion and reduction of watershed (30% of the
respondents), decrease in biodiversity and loss of endemic species (16% of the respondents)
and loss of natural beauty and reduction of tourists (6% of the respondents).

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 Figure 4: Implementation measures to reduce de-
forestation
Implementation measures to reduce deforestation

Educate students about deforestation in schools

Charging/imposing fines on persons who try to cut forest reserves

Implementation of a forest education programme

Replanting/reforestation of indigenous species

0 5 10 15 20 25

Number of Respondents

The bar graph in figure 4 shows the implementation measures to reduce deforestation. It
can be seen that the main implementation strategy is implementation of a forest education
programme as indicated by 44% of the respondents. The other strategies were
charging/imposing fines on persons who try to cut forest reserves (22% of the respondents),
educate students about deforestation in schools (18% of the respondents) and
replanting/reforestation of indigenous species (16% of the respondents).

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 ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

The pie chart in Figure 1 shows the role of natural vegetation and it can be detected that

the main role of natural vegetation is watershed and protect the soil from erosion. This was

implied by 54% of the respondents which is equivalent to 27 respondents. A total of 2

respondents that is 4% of the respondents conceded that to preserve or maintain a balance

between the temperature and rainfall (climatic balance) is the main role of natural vegetation.

This was the least popular response. 28% of the respondents which is equivalent to 16

respondents attributed that the main role of natural vegetation is to improve water supply. This

response is approximately half of the most popular response (watershed and protect the soil from

erosion). 14% of the respondents which is equivalent to 7 respondents noted that natural

vegetation is the home/habitat for many endemic species. This response is 40% less than the

most popular response which suggested that watershed and protects the soil is the main role of

natural vegetation.

The column graph in figure 2 shows the causes of deforestation in Palmyra and it can be

noticed from the survey carried out that clearing land for agricultural uses is the main cause of

deforestation as indicated by 46% of the respondents which is equivalent to 23 respondents. 2%

of the respondents which is equivalent to 4 respondents indicated that Tourism due to increase in

demand (land for hospitality, sports and entertainment) is the main cause of deforestation. This

response however is 44% less than the most popular response and is the least most popular

response. Charcoal and fuel wood production was suggested by 24% of the respondents which is

equivalent 12 respondents as the main cause of deforestation. However, 18% of the respondents

which is equivalent to 9 noted that construction of roads and highways in Palmyra is the main

cause of deforestation.

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 Deforestation in Palmyra has negative effects on the community and its citizens. The bar

graph in Figure 3 displays the effects of deforestation in Palmyra and it can be clearly seen that

the main effect is increased chances of flooding. This response was expressed by 48% of the

respondents which is equivalent to 24 respondents. 16% of the respondents which is equivalent

to 8 respondents regarded decrease in biodiversity and loss of endemic species as the main effect

of deforestation. However, this response is 32% lesser that that of the most popular response.

30% of the respondents which is equivalent to 15 respondents noted soil erosion and reduction of

watershed as an effect of deforestation. This response is 18% less than that of the most popular

response. 6% of the respondents which is equivalent to 3 respondents implied that loss of natural

beauty and reduction of tourists is the main effect of deforestation. This response is 42% lesser

that the most popular response and was the least most popular response.

The bar graph in figure 4 shows the implementation measures to reduce deforestation and

it can be perceived that the most popular implementation strategy is replanting/reforestation of

indigenous species as suggested by 44% of the respondents which is equivalent to 22

respondents. 16% of the respondents which is equivalent to 8 respondents conceded that the

implementation of a forest education programme can reduce deforestation by a significant

amount. This response is 28% lesser than the most popular response and was the least most

popular response. Educating students about deforestation in schools was recommended by 18%

of the respondents as an effective implementation strategy. 22% of the respondents which is

exactly half of the most popular response implied that charging/imposing fines on persons who

try to cut forest reserves can control deforestation. This response was suggested by 11

respondents.

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 CONCLUSION
After carrying out this survey, the researcher found that deforestation is one of the biggest issues

faced by the residents of Palmyra. The main cause of deforestation in Palmyra is clearing land

for agricultural uses and this was indicated by 46% of the respondents.Deforestation takes place

daily on large and small scales in Palmyra. It is primarily carried out because of the rapid

population growth that results in increased human activities. However, clearing land for

agricultural uses is one of the most common and localized causes of deforestation in Palmyra due

to the need for land for arable and pastoral farming.

It was implied by the residents that issue can be addressed by the implementation of

forest education programmes in the curriculum in schools and in society.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Vohn A.M. Rahil. New Caribbean Geography 4th Edition. Caribbean Education
Publishers: October 2005.
 Mark Wilson. The Caribbean Environment for CXC Geography New Edition. New
York: Oxford.
 Jeanette Ottley&Marolyn Gentles. Geography for CSEC. England: Pearson Longman
2006.

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 APPENDICES

QUESTIONNAIRE

SURVEY ON THE NATURAL VEGETATION IN PALMYRA, GUYANA

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is a survey being carried out in Palmyra, Guyana to investigate the role of natural vegetation
in the ecosystem and what measures can be implemented to prevent the further removal of the
natural vegetation in Palmyra, Guyana. This study is being conducted for my Geography School
Based Assessment (SBA).

You are kindly asked to complete the attached questionnaire honestly. There is no right or wrong
answers. The responses are based on your personal opinions. Some questions simply require you
to place a tick in the boxes provided and others are obliged to your personalized feedback.

I thank you in anticipation for your kind cooperation.

Yours truly

____________________

Jhashodra Ramnarain
Student

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1. Gender: Male
Female

2. Age: 18-25 25-50 50+

3. How long have you been a resident of Palmyra?

Less than 1 year

2-5 years

More than 5 years

4. Forestry is extremely important in Guyana. Which of the following would you consider
as the main benefit of the presence of natural vegetation in Guyana?
Production of timber which reduces importation

Promotes eco-tourism

Provide rural employment

Produce various by-products such as balata

Provide a source of energy/fuel

5. What role does the natural vegetation alongside the main road play in the ecosystem of
Palmyra?
Watershed and protect the soil from erosion
Preserve or maintain a balance between the temperature and rainfall (Climatic
Balance)
Improve water supply and pollution control
Home/Habitat for many endemic species

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6. Does deforestation takes place daily or frequently in Palmyra?
Yes No

7. As a resident of Palmyra, which of the following would you consider as the cause of
deforestation?

Clearing land for agricultural uses

Tourism due to increase in demand (land for hospitality, sports and entertainment)

Construction of roads and highways

Charcoal and fuel wood production

Timber Extraction

8. Deforestation has had several effects on the Caribbean and other individual territories.
Which of the following effects is currently being faced by Palmyra due to the removal of
its natural vegetation?
Soil Erosion and reduction of watershed

Increased chances of flooding

Decrease in biodiversity and loss of endemic species

Loss of natural beauty and reduction of tourists

9. What measures are currently being carried out to prevent further removal of the natural
vegetation?

Reforestation of area

Satellite monitoring

Implementation of a forest education programme

Other (please specify)

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10. Which of the following do you think can be implemented to reduce/control
deforestation in Guyana?
Replanting/Reforestation of indigenous species

Implementation of a forest education programme

Charging/ imposing fines on persons who try to cut forest reserves

Educate students about deforestation in schools

11. 75% of Guyana is covered by forest however; there has been a significant increase in
deforestation in the last 20 years. Is the natural vegetation of Guyana likely to recover by
reforestation?
Yes No

Give a reason for your answer.

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