PRESIDENT Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has proclaimed Guyana a vital player in global biodiversity, showcasing the nation’s extensive and pristine ecosystems that rival those of larger countries.
In the face of widespread biodiversity loss, President Ali highlighted Guyana’s achievement in maintaining over 85% of its forest cover, which fosters vibrant ecosystems throughout the territory.
“Guyana’s biodiversity stands out on the world platform,” the President remarked, pointing to the rich array of species, including over 1,200 bird species, around 225 mammal species like jaguars and giant river otters, and nearly 8,000 plant species, many unique to the ancient Guiana Shield.
These environmental accomplishments are a result of strategic initiatives under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, aimed at embedding sustainability in national growth. President Ali underscored that nature underscores development rather than restricts it, with the country’s rainforests, wetlands, rivers, and savannahs working as beneficial landscapes for both citizens and the planet.
Looking to the future, Guyana is pioneering biodiversity financing strategies, including the establishment of biodiversity credits that quantify conservation achievements and create economic opportunities for local communities while encouraging conservation efforts.
“Our pledge is ambitious,” said President Ali, detailing plans to expand protected areas significantly by 2025 and aim for the global target of conserving 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030. This endeavor is backed by scientific research, legislation, community involvement, and international collaborations.
Guyana’s leadership in this area benefits from partnerships with esteemed global entities like the Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, Conservation International, and the World Bank, along with collaborative efforts from Indigenous communities and green finance sector stakeholders.
As Guyana prepares to lead the first Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit, President Ali invited the world to learn from their experience, asserting that economic progress, social equity, and environmental integrity are compatible goals.
“This is Guyana’s narrative, but it also represents the future of our planet,” he concluded, encouraging global stakeholders to act courageously in building a sustainable, biodiverse, and equitable world.
Source: guyanachronicle.com
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