THE government’s Green State Development Strategy is expected to be launched soon and nationwide consultations are carded for the effective development and implementation of the policy.This was noted on Wednesday afternoon when the Ministry of the Presidency officially commissioned the Department of the Environment, which falls under the umbrella of the Ministry of the Presidency. The department is located at Lot 86 High Street, Kingston, next door to Red House and will be coordinating the work of six public agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Protected Areas Commission, The National Parks Commission, the Wildlife Division, as well as the Offices of Climate Change and Project Management.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of the unit, Ndibi Schwiers told an audience, which included President David Granger, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon that last year-end, the department piloted wide stakeholder participation in developmental framework of the green state development strategy. She said that this was done in collaboration with UN systems led by the UN Environment.

Schweirs elaborated that the green state development strategy will lay the foundation for inclusive, green economic growth that will lead to the achievement of sustainable development targets and for outlining a vision for a prosperous and equitable Guyana.

“At this stage we are almost ready to release the final document for the green state development strategy,” she added.

Schweirs said that the coordination and integration of the department with the six identified agencies will “catalyze” actions which would improve the country’s national capacity for sustainable management and development of the environment.

The department’s work will include working along with the private sector, non-governmental organisations and civil society among others and according to Schwiers, it will ensure the provision of environmental services in each region of the country, beginning with far flung areas.

President Granger noted that the transition to the green state requires the collective actions of all agencies, authorities, boards, department and ministries of the government.

“This department is expected to play a pivotal role in national development,” he said of the newly commission state entity. According to the President, the unit “must coordinate the work of all those agencies,” relative to the environment and sustainable energy generation.

The President noted too that the department will be required to work with other agencies to ensure that the green agenda remains on course.

“The department of the environment has work to do,” the President told the gathering, noting that the environment is under stress and threat.

“We need a strong permanent institution to conserve and protect and sustainably manage our biodiversity, our patrimony,” the Head of State noted.
In brief remarks, Minister Harmon urged staff of the department to establish a high standard of efficiency, which he noted is expected of the department. He said he had no doubt that the newly established department will live up to its high expectations.