LOCAL bodies such as non-governmental organisations can access funding through the Green Climate Fund which was established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This is according to a release from the Office of Climate Change, Ministry of the Presidency.

It was noted that a new programme being implemented by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre is raising awareness among Guyanese organisations about how to apply to the Fund and respond to climate-related threats.

The Ministry of the Presidency is the focal point for knowledge, information and advice with regards to accessing this fund by Guyanese organisations. The funding will increase Guyana’s resilience to the impacts of climate change, sustainably manage forest resources, and promote renewable energy sources among other areas.
The release stated that climate change will have serious consequences for the people of Guyana, but cutting carbon emissions and protecting the country from extreme weather events are costly exercises.

“In Guyana, preparing for the impacts of climate change is paramount. The low-lying coastal zone is home to 90% of the country’s population and particularly at risk. Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, and increasing the frequency of powerful storms and extreme rainfall,” the release stated.

It was noted that such phenomena can lead to destructive flooding. In the year 2005, catastrophic floods cost the country 60% of its GDP or US$494.9million.
It has been estimated that in order to implement climate change adaptation measures, including infrastructural development works, Guyana will require an additional US$ 1.6 billion in the current period to 2025.

Funding from the Green Climate Fund will support initiatives aimed at preparing Guyana for an uncertain climatic future and according to the release, the government has already started to engage with the Fund.

Currently, Guyana is benefitting from a grant from the Fund to strengthen institutional capacity and prepare a country programme to guide future engagement with the Green Climate Fund, in accordance with the clearly defined development goals.

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre is implementing this new programme that will help businesses, NGOs and government agencies access funding from the fund. In addition, more funding proposals are being prepared for the agriculture, forestry and energy sectors to help strengthen their response to climate change.

In 2018, the Government plans to work closely with the private sector to enhance their capacity to access resources from the Fund. These resources will be instrumental in preparing the country’s long-term response to climate change, helping Guyana to prosper socially and economically.