RESPONSE TO ORAL QUESTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE BY HON. ROBERT M. PERSAUD, MBA, MP, MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
Guyana ’s Strategic Approach to addressing climate issues is two-fold. Mitigation, as a direct response, and Adaptation.
This has given rise to the following interventions:
Policy and Planning
Government has reorganised the National Climate Committee (March, 2007) under the theme strengthening the capacity on the NCC. This committee, which has wide stakeholder representation, is multi-sectional in its composition and focus and is expected to provide technical guidance, and coordinate Guyana’s response to climate issues.
A Climate Unit has been established within the Ministry of Agriculture and will serve as the focal point for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The Unit will also provide support to the work of the NCC and will evolve eventually, to a National Climate Centre.
Guyana prepared its Initial National Communication in Response to its Commitments to the UNFCCC (2002) and is now in the process of preparing the 2 nd National Communication.
A Climate Change Action Plan and National Guyana's Climate Change Adaptation Policy and Implementation Strategy for Coastal and Low Lying Areas are in the implementation phase.
Specific Initiatives
A number of specific initiatives are being pursued as part of Guyana’s Strategic Approach, principal among them being:
Renewable Energy – Guyana is embarking on a number of renewable energy initiatives: the Amaila Hydropower Project projected at 165 MW, and the cogeneration facility at Skeldon Estate to supply 10 MW, to name just two.
Cleaner Sources of Energy – the initiatives of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) bio-diesel from sources such coconut oil, vegetable oil and palm oil. A semi-commercial bio-diesel at Wauna is in operation. Several proposals are before Government for consideration on production of ethanol using sugar cane as feed stock.
Carbon Credits – Guyana is taking the lead on exploring carbon credits from standing forest and has entered into Agreement with the Chatham Environmental Group. This arrangement will realize direct economic benefits to the country from standing forest.
Infrastructure – Government is undertaking major infrastructure rehabilitation to maintain and improve water management in the major conservancies as well as the drainage and irrigation system. The system of man-made and natural sea defence is being strengthened as a direct response to accommodate the projection of sea level rise
Research and Data Collection - Research is being conducted into disease resistant, high yielding, short growing season crops as a direct response to climate variability. As well, there is increased monitoring and strengthening of the capacity for forecasting and the developing of early warning systems.
A study done by the Caribbean Climate Change centre to assess the impact of Climate Change on Agriculture is on-going.
Within the context of Adaptation, sector planning is being required to take on board, climate issues and the fostering of better inter-sectoral coordination and collaboration.
