Advancing Guyana’s National Development through Improved Forest Management
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), hosted a pivotal Project Inception Workshop on 4th July 2024. The workshop marked a significant step in developing the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Project (ASL) Phase 3: “Advancing Guyana’s National Development through Improved Forest Management” Project Proposal Document.
The project is co-financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Government of Guyana. This project aims to further Guyana’s commitment to sustainable forest management and conservation.
The purpose of the Inception Workshop was to present the draft goals, objectives, and approach of the project as outlined in the current draft of the Project Document and receive recommendations for revision.
The workshop objectives included presenting the GEF-accepted project concept, providing an overview of project execution and implementation arrangements, outlining the project preparation process, and gathering ideas and guidance from stakeholders to improve the project document’s content. The Project Document is expected to be completed by November 2024, with the deadline for submission set for January 7, 2025.
Stakeholders, included representatives of the EPA; the LCDS2030 Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee; the Guyana Forestry Commission; the University of Guyana; Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development; North Rupununi District Development Board; South Rupununi District Council (SRDC); Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group; Conservation International and World Wildlife Fund, focused on four main areas:
- Enhancing the Role of Communities in the Continuous Assessment and Monitoring of Protected Landscapes: Discussions centered on strategies to engage local communities actively in the monitoring and assessment of protected areas, ensuring their involvement in conservation efforts.
- Developing Value Chains for Non-Timber Forest Products: Challenges and Opportunities: Stakeholders explored the potential and challenges of developing sustainable value chains for non-timber forest products, aiming to diversify income sources for local communities while promoting forest conservation.
- Landscape Restoration: Target Areas for the Short Term (Next 5 Years): The workshop identified priority areas for landscape restoration efforts over the next five years, focusing on enhancing ecosystem resilience and biodiversity.
- Wildfire Management: Participants discussed the extent of wildfire issues in Guyana and developed strategies for effective wildfire management, emphasizing prevention, early detection, and community involvement.
FAO has had a long history of collaboration with Guyana, bringing to bear its global experience on local initiatives related primarily to food production and forest management. FAO envisaged that, given the peculiarities of the local forestry sector, the Inception Workshop would create opportunities for the incorporation of a wide range of perspectives and expertise to produce a comprehensive and effective Project Document, thus ensuring its seamless implementation.
The EPA, as the lead executing Government Agency, highlighted the importance of this collaborative effort in advancing Guyana’s national development through improved forest management. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, emphasizing the sustainable use of natural resources, biodiversity conservation, and community empowerment.
The “Advancing Guyana’s National Development through Improved Forest Management” project proposal is in the development phase, with a strong focus on community involvement, gender-sensitive practices, and sustainable development. By enhancing forest management and conservation efforts, this project aims to position Guyana as a model for conservation initiatives, particularly within the Amazon Basin, promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development in one of the world’s most vital natural habitats.
