Newly renovated, extended PAC building commissioned
The newly renovated and extended PAC building in the National Park
The newly renovated and extended PAC building in the National Park

A LONG-STANDING partnership between Germany and Guyana has led to another important step in Guyana’s biodiversity conservation effort and its fight against climate change, with the opening of the first national-level institution for protected areas management in Guyana.The new Protected Areas Commission (PAC) building in the National Park was Tuesday evening officially commissioned by Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President; Minister of Natural Resources

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, delivering remarks at the opening of the new PAC building
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, delivering remarks at the opening of the new PAC building

and the Environment, Robert Persaud; and German Ambassador to Guyana, Stefan Schluter. The building, which represents a key tool in Government’s integrated and sustainable approach to the management of Guyana’s natural resources, was completely renovated and extended by 800 square feet under the Germany and Guyana implemented ‘Guyana Protected Areas System (GPAS) Project.’
The building, Schomburgk House, is named after late Sir Robert Hermann Schomburgk, the German-born explorer who carried out geographical and botanical studies in Guyana.
The Prime Minister noted that protection of the forest, conservation and development of protected areas and parks are crucial to the country’s eco-tourism development thrust, and so the government and people of Guyana are appreciative of the support of the Government of Germany and its people for the assistance it has been receiving, towards this venture.

German Ambassador to Guyana, Stefan Schluter, at the commissioning of the new PAC building
German Ambassador to Guyana, Stefan Schluter, at the commissioning of the new PAC building

He noted too, that Guyana has also been receiving government and private sector support from Germany in the area of energy. “So we look to the continued relationship between the people of Guyana and the people of Germany, in all areas; but particularly we see a growing partnership in this area of conservation of parks and protected areas system,” the Prime Minister said.
He said that he looks forward to Guyana gaining some international reputation in this area.
According to Minister Persaud, Guyana and Germany started its partnership in conservation in 2004, with the implementation of the €2.56M, GPAS Project.
He said that the then Phase 1 of the GPAS project supported sustainable livelihood projects in over 30 Amerindian communities associated with Shell Beach, Kanuku Mountains, Kaieteur National Park and the Upper Mazaruni.
It also led to the drafting of the National Protected Areas Act, delineation plans for both the Kanuku Mountains and Shell Beach Protected Areas, and a draft Kanuku

Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, addressing the audience at the commissioning of the new PAC building
Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, addressing the audience at the commissioning of the new PAC building

Mountains Management Plan.
Minister Persaud said that the Guyana-Germany partnership, which represents one of the only bilateral cooperation agreements in the Caribbean, is now into Euro 5.15M, Phase II of GPAS, with Euro 4M serving as an endowment to the Protected Areas Trust Fund. The remaining funds are being utilised for the establishment of the PAC offices, and the development of management plans and infrastructure in key protected areas.
The Natural Resources Minister said that the ministry looks forward to the continuation of the partnership with Germany under GPAS III, through which it is hoped that the two countries can work to pioneer new approaches in biodiversity conservation and low-carbon, climate resilient development.
“The innovation fostered under this bilateral relationship will no doubt be applicable to other member states in CARICOM, and others in the developing world,” he said.

Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds; Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud; and the German Ambassador to Guyana, Stefan Schluter commission the renovated and extended PAC building in the National Park
Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds; Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud; and the German Ambassador to Guyana, Stefan Schluter commission the renovated and extended PAC building in the National Park

“With this solid legislative and financial foundation, and with the help of our German and other partners and stakeholders, we will shape a National Protected Areas System in Guyana (NPAS) that is inclusive, effective and ultimately financially sustainable,” he added.
The minister noted that, along with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), a world class NPAS will put Guyana on par with other nations at the forefront of new and innovative approaches to conservation and sustainable development.
Ambassador Schluter also said that the commissioning ceremony highlighted the close and trusted partnership between the two countries. He listed the tourist centre at Kato Falls, grant for small community development project, support for the development of management plans, demarcation of protected areas and development of protected areas bills as projects in Guyana that were financed with German funds.
“My Government is looking forward to continuing the successful participation of the strengthening of your protected areas through our financial

Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds; and the German Ambassador to Guyana, Stefan Schluter, browse one of the books on display at the PAC building. Also in picture is Minister Persaud
Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds; and the German Ambassador to Guyana, Stefan Schluter, browse one of the books on display at the PAC building. Also in picture is Minister Persaud

cooperation,” he said.
The Ambassador said that the construction and equipping of the PAC office is an important step in this regard, but others will follow.

The new PAC building will additionally house the Ministry of Natural Resources Litter Unit, and will also be the base for the Three-Parks Initiative, which aims to rehabilitate and transform Georgetown’s green landscape; the Botanical Gardens, Zoological Park and National Park.

(GINA)

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