Forest Regulator Workshop highlights importance of continuing to safeguard Guyana’s forests against
With Guyana’s recent sale of carbon credits, special emphasis is being placed on the conservation of Guyana’s rainforest and reducing deforestation.
Guyana recently hosted the International Learning Event titled “Forest Regulator Workshop: Changing Roles in a Changing Climate” at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
Guyana recently became the first country globally to secure a sale of carbon credits, which recognises the important role our intact forests play in reducing carbon emissions and finances preservation.
Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) to Guyana, Dr. Gillian Smith say the FAO continues to support the Guyana Forestry Commission in new strategies to sustain and expand the livelihoods of Guyana’s forests, especially in the era of climate change.
“This is probably the single most important issue that needs to be addressed. This is a time that I’m urging you; we need to rethink and utilise new knowledge. Really and truly this comes at such an opportune time considering the first carbon credit sale.“
The effects of rising global temperatures on nature and biodiversity cannot be understated, and as such, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat says the Government will continue to focus efforts on reducing deforestation.
“We boast one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world, I think right now we’re at about 0.045%, our commitment to the LCDS 2030 is 0.07%, so we’re way below that. We have to committed to the Guyana Forestry Commission that we will continue reducing that while also keeping the forest sector vibrant.”
The Minister highlighted some successes in the forestry sector over recent years; the increased awareness of the role of forests, increased compliance with the national forestry strategy and better engagement with stakeholders in the sector.
He further noted that the role of the Guyana Forestry Commission will become more and more focused on monitoring the rainforest in years to come.
