The Government of Guyana, through the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding on biodiversity with the State of Qatar, a release from the Department of Public Information (DPI) stated.
Foreign Secretary and PAC Chairman, Robert Persaud, along with Commissioner, Jason Fraser signed the agreement with Acting Charge d’Affaires in the Embassy of the State of Qatar to Guyana, Mohammed Ebrahim Al Rumai, in a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, South Road, Georgetown, on Wednesday.
In his brief remarks, Persaud underscored that the agreement is the first of its kind as it will expand the relationship between the two countries, particularly in the preservation of Guyana’s biodiversity. Additionally, with several facilities under the PAC’s management, the Foreign Secretary noted that the agreement will lead to improvements in these spaces, enhancing the overall experience for individuals who visit them.
According to DPI, capacity will be built in the areas of conservation, ecological monitoring and research, to help better manage Guyana’s green spaces.
Meanwhile, Fraser highlighted that the initiative is intended to leverage the expertise and practices of the State of Qatar, to improve the management of Guyana’s protected areas.
“It’s good to learn from other places, how they manage their green spaces and how we can improve on the management of our spaces,” he emphasised.
Established under the Protected Areas Act of 2011, the PAC is mandated to create, manage, maintain, promote and expand the protected areas system of Guyana. The commission maintains the Botanical Gardens, National Park, Shell Beach, Kanuku Mountains, Kaneshen and Iwokrama, among other protected areas, the release added.
