THE Norwegian Government regards Guyana’s revolutionary Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) as a mechanism of hope for the partnership needed to promote the safeguard of the global climate for the future.

The Government of Norway at present holds a historic forest climate services agreement with Guyana, that has seen remittances of up to US$115M deposited into the Guyana REDD Investment Fund (GRIF) in efforts to maintain and preserve sustainable development practices.
New Norwegian Ambassador to Guyana, Aud Marti Wiig, who presented her Letters of Credence to President, Donald Ramotar yesterday, said the governments of both countries share a deep and sincere desire to preserve what nature has given.
The non-resident ambassador, who is on her first visit to Guyana, intends to build on the excellent relations between the two countries, and after pointing out areas that she believes need strengthening, she was given the assurance by President Ramotar about the Guyana Government’s commitment to the full-fledged implementation of the Guyana/Norway climate pact.
“We are convinced that through inclusivity and partnership, we can achieve our sustainable development goals,” President Ramotar said.
As the ambassador seeks to also explore new waters during her tenure, President Ramotar suggested looking at the possibilities for increased commercial relations, shipping and industry.
In keeping with the agreement that was signed between former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Norwegian Minister of Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim, in 2009, Guyana is expected to receive funding of up to $250M by 2015.
It will be targeting priority projects under the LCDS, such as renewable energy initiatives, indigenous community development projects, the Information Communication Technology sector, and a state-of-the-art biodiversity research centre at the University of Guyana.
The former Norwegian Minister, who only recently had to dispel a Kaieteur News article misrepresenting him about the Guyana-Norway climate and forest partnership, had reason to reiterate that Guyana has shown and continues to show commitment at the highest level to keep deforestation low, and embark on a low carbon development path.
He also cited the country’s high forest cover and exceptionally low deforestation rate, commitment to channelling the GRIF funds to a clean and renewable energy trajectory, and investments in adaptation to unavoidable climate change.
Solheim also noted that the pay for performance- partnership could serve as a model for the world, as developing and developed countries struggle with avoiding catastrophic climate change.
Guyana and Norway have enjoyed good relations at both the bilateral and multilateral levels since the establishment of diplomatic relations on August 2, 1979.
The new Norwegian diplomat is currently serving as her country’s Ambassador to Brazil, an appointment which she took up in 2012.