The Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS) and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) have signed a pioneering Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance their collaboration on marine and coastal conservation efforts, particularly by engaging Indigenous communities in leadership roles.
This landmark agreement was formalized by Annette Arjoon-Martins, Project Director of GMCS, and Sonia Latchman, Vice Chairperson of the NTC, during a ceremony at the NTC’s Headquarters in Sophia, Georgetown. The MoU establishes a cooperative framework to support sustainable governance of natural resources, protect biodiversity, and promote community-led development, focusing on the Barima Mora Passage (BMP) in Region 1.
As part of this agreement, GMCS will offer financial and technical support for creating Village Sustainability Plans, developing community-based green enterprises, and providing training on mangrove conservation and coastal stewardship. The NTC, in return, will facilitate the integration of these initiatives into local planning and foster stakeholder collaboration.
This partnership signifies a mutual commitment to make Indigenous peoples central figures in preserving Guyana’s coastal and marine biodiversity. The MoU is set to last for two years, with quarterly meetings planned to assess progress and outline future actions.
This collaboration is crucial for bolstering Indigenous leadership in biodiversity conservation, enhancing resilience, and fostering sustainable livelihoods within coastal communities. It directly aligns with the goals of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, emphasizing Indigenous involvement, ecosystem protection, and sustainable economic development.
Source: newsroom.gy
