The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment signed a $33M agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the execution of a six-month project aimed at developing a comprehensive strategy that will be adopted as a policy for sustainable management of Guyana’s natural resources.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud acknowledged UNDP’s prompt response to offer support to advance the project. “This particular intervention has been lacking; we do have national strategies such as the National Development Strategy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS)…but we were lacking that comprehensive natural resources development outlook that concentrated on this key sector of the national economy,” he said, according to a GINA press release.
The extractive industries, which form the basis of the natural resources sector, are seen as a key driver of Guyana’s development. As such, the policy will ensure its sustainable development. “This would allow us to be able in a very focus and dedicated way, to look at new opportunities and further enhance the performance of existing activities within the natural resources sector. For us this strategy will be a catalyst for further growth in the gold, diamond, bauxite, manganese, oil and gas and forestry sectors; ensuring that they are developed in an environmentally sustainable way…its very holistic and forward-looking,” Persaud said.
The ministry will be embarking on widespread consultations with stakeholders of the sector, after which it will be reviewed by Cabinet, then the National Assembly for further deliberations. These efforts will be augmented by external assistance which will examine the different models that are being implemented in other jurisdictions in order to arrive at the best strategy for Guyana.
UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa in her remarks said apart from establishing a national strategic plan for the sector, the project will ensure that future environmental development is clear and well coordinated.
