-Document states Int’l community must consult them and Gov’t on Amerindian issues
The National Toshaos Council (NTC) yesterday fully endorsed the Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) initiative, signing on to the document on day four of the National Toshaos Conference at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal
President Bharrat Jagdeo was presented with a copy of the Resolution after the Amerindian leaders had signed on.
The resolution affirms that the Amerindian communities are in full support of REDD+; that the NTC is the sole authority to represent Amerindian interests to the Government of Guyana; and the international community must consult it and the Government of Guyana on issues concerning Amerindian villages.
Before its presentation to President Jagdeo, Toshaos were given the opportunity to either approve or reject the Resolution. The majority immediately approved the Resolution after Chairperson of the NTC; Yvonne Pearson, read it to them.
It was noted that at the National Toshaos Council Meeting of October 22 to 26, 2007, a Resolution on Climate Change was made where concerns about the dangers facing planet earth, because of climate change, were highlighted.
Support was given for Government’s efforts to create an international framework in which sustainable forestry and conservation practices are adequately rewarded.
The REDD+Resolution highlighted that Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is a unique and progressive model to address the impact of climate change and further Guyana’s development.
Acknowledgements were given for consultations and participatory processes which were done to feed vital information to Amerindian communities. It was noted that further consultations are expected to be carried out shortly as the NTC has outreach programmes planned.
The Resolution also highlighted support for the LCDS, as it is consistent with Amerindian traditional practices of utilising the forest in a sustainable manner.
The NTC and Toshaos welcomed the agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway as it will have direct and indirect benefits for Amerindian communities and Guyana.(GINA)