Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman met with the South Rupununi Development Council (SRDC) and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) on October 3rd and 4th respectively and one of the issues raised was the possible extension of an IDB-funded project.
A release from the Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday said that the initial meeting with the SRDC sought to address the Government’s policy on river mining and the protection of the key headwaters in the South Rupununi, the status of the operation of the “Dragga” down Kuyuwini River, and the status of the Marudi Mediation Agreement Process. The details of these discussions were not contained in the release. Grave concern had been raised by Rupununi communities about the presence of the dredge in the Kuyuwini River and also about the pollution of river water by mining activity.
The release said that the meeting with the NTC served to discuss the possibility of an extension of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility’s (FCPF) REDD+ Project. The release noted that this is an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded project that aims at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, forest carbon stock conservation, sustainable management of forests, and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries. The release said that the project currently offers great support to the Council. It was also noted that in November 2018, the FCPF REDD+ Project assisted with the furnishing and equipping of the NTC secretariat. There was also support in helping the Council to execute its mandate. The REDD+ Project also aids some support staff of the NTC and rental of the building that houses the NTC Secretariat. The project is scheduled to come to an end in December 2019.
Trotman said in the release that the project has done ground-breaking work in regards to the sustainable management and development of the country’s forests with the inclusion of the Indigenous Peoples. He went on to note the international recognition given regarding the country’s forest practices and the eventual release of related funds from Norway to Guyana. The Minister said that as such it would be in the Government’s interest that the IDB project continues. However, he said, if it does not, steps are being made to secure funding to continue aspects of the project, particularly as it relates to support to the NTC.
With the APNU+AFC government having caretaker status, it is unclear whether renewal of such agreements can occur.
The release said that NTC Chair Nicholas Fredericks thanked the Minister for the support and considerations going forward and inquired how best the Ministry could be incorporated in today’s National Toshaos Conference 2019 to better interact with other Toshaos who will be present. The release said that Trotman noted that the Ministry will have a booth set up to address concerns and provide information and updates as needed.
