A TEAM from a German Development Bank (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau – KfW) is currently in Guyana to finalize discussions that will launch Phase III of the Guyana Protected Areas Systems (GPAS) Project, which will significantly enhance some of Guyana’s most iconic protected areas.Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman met with the team on Wednesday, and discussions were had between the two bodies. The areas identified are Kaieteur National Park, the Kanuku Mountain Range and Shell Beach.

While in Guyana, the team also plans to visit two of the three protected areas’ sites that will benefit from its support.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, this third phase will support Government’s efforts to create a more integrated environmental management system that recognizes and fosters the linkages between the PAC, Wildlife Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies of the ministry.

The Government of Germany, through the bank, will make funds available to expand the work of the Commission by supporting infrastructural development onsite at Shell Beach, Kaieteur Park and the Kanuku Mountains.

It was noted that Germany and Guyana have enjoyed almost two decades of cooperation on GPAS initiatives, which have benefited the people of Guyana. Further, the ministry sought to highlight that both parties are now anxious to move this current partnership forward by the signing of an aide memoir.

The Protected Areas Act was passed in Parliament in 2011, and its accompanying legislation paved the way for establishment of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) in 2012.

The PAC is responsible for protection and conservation of Guyana’s natural heritage and natural capital through the coordination and management of the National Protected Areas System (NPAS). This system, the ministry said, ensures effective protection and sustainable management of ecosystems within Guyana in a way that is self-sustained, transparent, decentralized, and managed through partnerships.
Under the NPAS, four areas of extraordinary biological value were designated legally protected areas: Kaieteur National Park, Shell Beach, the Kanuku Mountains, and the Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation.

During the meeting, the team expressed its satisfaction with the progress made to date, noting, “We are very positive about the good progress of the Government in advancing the field of environmental protection.”

Minister Trotman, on behalf of the Government, expressed appreciation for the German Government and the bank’s support, despite shifting priorities and rapidly changing contexts in Europe.

“We really appreciate the fact that you have remained committed, because your priorities have changed, your challenges have changed, and your focus is on so many other things. We thank you very much for that commitment,” the Minister said.

Phases I and II of the project provided support for a number of activities, including sustainable livelihood projects in thirty Amerindian communities associated with three protected areas, and the establishment and development of infrastructure for the offices of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC).