The Protected Areas Commission received a boost on Wednesday when the German government formally initiated a funding grant valued about 5M Euros to the Guyana government via the Ministry of Natural Resources.
According to a Government Infor-mation Agency (GINA) press release, future investments will focus on the construction and equipping of offices for the recently established Commission.
German Ambassador Stefan Schluter said that his country’s partnering with Guyana on environmental issues started in 1996 and has continued to grow. “We are actually now celebrating the third phase of this on-going project which so far amounts to US$14 -15M. This is the latest phase which will have about 5M Euros in aid,” he said.
This latest initiative is intended to serve as an endowment to the Protected Areas Trust Fund, partly fund the establishment of the Protected Areas Commission’s offices and develop infrastructural management plans in key protected areas.
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud welcomed the initiative, saying that the funding will be instrumental in efforts to promote alternative livelihoods for persons indigenous to many of the protected areas. “The people and Government of Guyana appreciate the firm and consistent support of the Government and people of Germany in this particular area,” he said. Government has also pledged to contribute funds to the project.
The minister also sounded a warning to persons who practice illegal dumping. It’s time to stop pointing fingers and address the issue, he said. In addition to the recently launched “Pick it up” campaign, a “naming and shaming exercise” will soon start to further dissuade persons from this practice.
The formal operationalisation of the Protected Areas Commission was also announced on Wednesday. The Commission will join the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency as the administrative axis for local sustainable development under the Natural Resources Ministry, GINA said.
The commission will be based at the National Park, Thomas Lands and have an initial component of six officers including Commissioner Damian Fernandes and Deputy Commissioner Denise Fraser. Community consultations have already started with various stakeholder groups to finalise management plans for Protected Areas across Guyana.
