Media vital to raising awareness of Green State Development Strategy
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Head of the Department of Environment (DOE), Ndibi Schwiers says the media is an important stakeholder group in raising the public’s awareness of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).
Schwiers was speaking on the sidelines of a GSDS media engagement this morning at the Herdmanston Lodge. The workshop aims to stimulate the media’s interest in the GSDS, allowing for a “more informed Guyanese population.”
The DOE Head hopes to establish focal points within the various media entities to ensure the efficient dissemination of the GSDS content.
Updating on the regional consultations, Schwiers said the department is almost complete with the villages along the coast and will soon turn its attention to the hinterland locations.
According to Schwiers, “we are finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am very pleased that Guyanese have been participating and they have been participating fully.”
Project Manager of the GSDS Coordination Office, Deidre Shurland said the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is tasked with leading the process of the GSDS consultations.
“Our role is to ensure all stakeholders nationally are involved in the process and can play a role in getting the Green State Development Strategy drafted and presented to the Cabinet,” she stated.
She too expressed satisfaction with the progress these consultations are making throughout the country, as the September deadline for the presentation of the draft document approaches.
The DOE is collaborating with Conservation International (CI) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Guianas in this process.
President of CI, Dr. David Singh said the organisation has a strong history of working with Indigenous communities as well as policy-makers. It is working along with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs in completing the Sustainable Villages Policy.
The Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) is also benefitting from CI’s expertise in the development of a Regional Development Plan in line with the principles of the GSDS.
By: Stacy Carmichael.
Images: Kawise Wishart.