More support for sustainable development in Guyana
-as Euros 6.46M WWF project launched

Georgetown, GINA, October 23, 2007.

Government’s focus on sustainable development is being further supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas Phase II Project through which Guyana will benefit from investments in areas of sustainable mining and forestry activities and effective water control.
            The Phase II Project ‘Guianas Sustainable Natural Resources Management, 2007-2011’ is valued at Euros 6.46M which will be shared among Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
It was launched today at Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara in the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, Dutch Ambassador to Suriname Van Gool and officials of WWF and other institutions associated with the project.
            To mark the project’s commencement, several grants were signed with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Hydrometeorological Service and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for implementation of various sub-projects included in the WWF Guianas Phase II plan.
            Grants for the forestry sector are valued $42M; $30M earmarked for the mining project and $15.8M for water control and management activities. These will see implementation of various activities in keeping with a development plan and natural bio-diversity strategy of Guyana and will further support the Government’s efforts.
            Prime Minister Hinds highlighted the importance of sustainable development and the need for collaboration and support from various donors and multi-lateral agencies. Reference was made to the need for capital procurement and utilisation of available natural resources toward achieving socio-economic growth in keeping with the best environmental and sustainable development practices.
            Minister Persaud pointed out that the projects were developed collaboratively and assured his Ministry’s continued support to monitor the progress of the proposed activities that will ensure all commitments are met as expected by the donors.
            Heads of the various agencies that will be directly responsible for the activities and the beneficiaries were urged to ensure that all mechanisms are in place to satisfy the operational, technical and financial reporting requirements.
            The role of beneficiaries especially the local communities were encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the projects.
            “Your participation, dedication and commitment are absolutely necessary to realise an improvement in your livelihoods and assist in further improving sustainable utilisation of our natural resources,” the Minister said.       
            Ambassador Gool noted that importance of environmental development particularly in Guyana and Suriname which are blessed with abundant natural resources of water, land and variuos species of animals.
            The need for more focus on recognition and awareness of these rich resources was highlighted and it was pointed out that the Phase II project will assist in this regard. It is aimed at promoting greater public awareness and maintaining environmental standards.
            The Guianas Phase II project includes six components: protected areas; sustainable forest management; gold mining pollution abatement; species conservation and management; fresh water conservation and management; and communication and education.
            Guyana has a vast abundance of renewable and non- renewable natural resources and Government recognises that it is imperative that these are utilised.  It is also recognised that this must be done using the best environment, social and economic practices through which significant investments have been made over the years.
            Commissioner of GFC James Singh, Commissioner (ag) of GGMC William Woolford, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Dindyal Permaul, Chief Hydromet Officer (ag) Bhaleka Suelall and Regional Coordinator of the WWF Guianas project Dominiek Plouvier were among those present at the launching.

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