THE World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas and Conservation International (CI) Guyana are urging this country to continue its thrust towards early development of a local carbon economy.
The two non-governmental organisations in a joint statement yesterday said they recognize the importance and value of early movement towards a low carbon economy for sustained economic growth, while strengthening local livelihoods and ensuring both local and global climate security.
“We are convinced that such an economy can be built without resorting to large scale forest loss seen in other parts of the world”, they said.
The joint statement did not refer to a statement from a workshop organised by the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) last week which claimed that some indigenous leaders criticised the consultations on the LCDS and advocated a hold on the LCDS and related activities.
CI and WWF, however, noted the “substantial and unprecedented effort put in to garner support and input into the LCDS from hinterland communities in particular”.
They added, “we have been encouraged by the depth and range of responses received to date. We share the principle of free, prior and informed consent in decision-making that has been stated in the LCDS. At this time, however, we recognize that the LCDS and the REDD+ framework are works in progress that require continued engagement from all parties concerned to successfully address all issues related to the development and implementation of these models.”
“In this context, Guyana has an opportunity to establish its global leadership on how to transform its economy whilst maintaining a low-emission pathway or it can decide to await the decision at the international level, when the rules are set.
“We share the view that waiting – or being denied the chance to pursue low-emissions development at this early stage when it can influence the international rules, is not a pro-sustainable development option for Guyana. We note that the ‘business as usual’ pathway experienced in similar regions suggests that the country will suffer as much as eleven percent loss of its forests over a thirty year horizon in the absence of an effective REDD+ framework.”
The LCDS is based on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) and REDD+ is REDD as well as sustainable forest management, forest conservation and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
CI and WWF said that as environmental NGOs working with the government and people of Guyana, “we recommit our efforts to provide support to stakeholders in Guyana in understanding climate change, REDD+ and low carbon economies.”
“We urge all stakeholders to build the necessary supporting mechanisms to ensure continued and deepening participation in the development of the low carbon development economy and the attendant REDD+ framework.”
The two groups noted that the LCDS advocates for a low-carbon or low-emitting development path as an alternative to the traditional economic development path undertaken in countries endowed with substantial natural resources.
“This approach is built on a number of strategies including a REDD+ framework. We are pleased to note that the developmental approach proposed by the Government of Guyana is a part of the Copenhagen Accord which recognizes that a low-emission development strategy is indispensable to sustainable development, and calls for the provision of incentives to developing countries with low-emitting economies in order for them to continue to develop on a low emission pathway”, they said.
The Copenhagen Accord was adopted at the United Nations global climate change summit in December in Copenhagen, Denmark.
CI and WWF said that with a focus on healthy ecosystems that support human wellbeing, “we continue to call for a structured approach that integrates and values ecosystem conservation within economic and human development.”
They noted that the forests and other ecosystems of Guyana provide a valuable service locally, nationally and to the world as a whole.
“We support a low carbon economy that recognizes and values the important role that forest communities have played in being good stewards of the environment. The mutually beneficial nature of a low carbon economy, the resultant conservation of ecosystems, and the security of the livelihood of forest-dependent communities are to be highlighted and promoted for the success of all.”
They added: “In interactions with stakeholders nationally and internationally, we have recognized the need for support in increasing understanding of climate change and REDD+. In Guyana this also importantly includes continued and deepening the dialogue on the LCDS.”