FCPF Project well underway

─ govt reiterates call for better protection of Guyana’s forest

─ it remains a jewel in Guyana’s crown – Min. Trotman

DPI, Guyana, Friday August 9, 2019

 At the time the coalition government entered into office in 2015, the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Project had not been operating for quite a while.

According to Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman, this is  Guyana being presented with a plan and a subsequent agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank to facilitate this.despite

“When I became Minister of Natural Resources, the FCPF had not been functional for some time despite Guyana being approached with a Readiness Plan Idea Note (R-Pin) since 2008 and an agreement being signed between the Government of Guyana (GOG) and the Inter-American Development Bank for US$3.8M to operationalise the Project in 2014,” stated Minister Trotman.

He said acknowledging the seriousness of this matter, his ministry got down to work immediately.

“Recognising the importance of our commitment to the forests, we endeavoured to ensure that the FCPF Project became operational when we took office and in 2 short years since its rebirth, the project has recorded some key successes,” he noted.

These include extensive strengthening and capacity building programmes with Indigenous and forest-dependent institutions and stakeholders, to ensure their readiness, involvement, inputs and active participation for an inclusive REDD+ programme.

As he sent his greetings to Region 9 on Thursday, as the FCPF-REDD+ Project handed over approximately $5M in equipment to the South Central People’s Development Association (SCPDA); South Rupununi District Council (SRDC); North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) and the Kanuku Mountains Community Representative Group (KMCRG). Minister Trotman reiterated government’s call for better protection of the country’s forest.

“Over 80% of Guyana is covered in pristine forests which contribute significantly to our exports, supports our local logging industry and communities and provide jobs to thousands directly and indirectly. Our forests are a part of our identity as Guyanese as well as the foundation of realising our goal of becoming a ‘green economy’ hence the urgent need to harness its potential and preserve and protect it through partnerships with stakeholders capable of carrying the vision forward.”