HEAD of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Mr. Pavan Sukhdev has expressed the conservation body’s support for Guyana’s policies. At the end of a three-day visit to Guyana, he praised Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) and applauded the government’s commitment to ensuring sustainability through a low-carbon economy. Mr. Sukhdev suggested that government consider using oil revenues to fuel human capital, agriculture, and other areas that support and will help to further the current trajectory of sustainable development. The endorsement is a remarkable development considering the international reputation of the WWF and the respect which the organisation has earned on the world stage.

The WWF is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that began its work in 1961. At that time, the organisation’s focus was almost exclusively on wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species. Currently, the organisation is internationally recognised as the leading NGO working in the field of wilderness preservation and the reduction of negative human impact on the environment. Since then, though, the WWF has expanded its role to include habitat conservation; water issues; environmental research; and other more general concerns related to wildlife conservation, environmental protection and the defence of flora and fauna.

The WWF believes that our part of the world is so important that it has established an entire unit dedicated to Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname. The unit, located in Paramaribo, Suriname, is called ‘WWF Guianas.’ The unit has offices in Georgetown and Cayenne. The stated mission of WWF Guianas is “To stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.” The regional office of WWF Guianas collaborates with governments and other NGOs such as Conservation International and the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development. Such cooperative efforts result in the protection and management of ecologies; the conservation of animal habitats; and restoration of areas depleted by human activities, educational initiatives, and awareness campaigns.
Additionally, WWF engages in protected areas and sound land-use planning; payment for ecosystem services; abatement of mining activities; marine conservation; and sustainable fishing activities.

WWF recognises the importance of the Region; the three Guianas have an estimated 80 to 89 per cent pristine forest cover. This area is known internationally as the Guiana Shield. That Guiana Shield holds 15 per cent of the entire world’s freshwater reserves; and such is essential to global biodiversity.

It is not surprising that WWF would endorse the policy programmes of the administration. After all, they coincide absolutely. Guyana is committed to an irreversible course of sustainability. Our generation must be self-sustaining and happy, while we must ensure that future generations can also provide a good life for themselves.

President Granger has announced that in addition to the forested areas already being protected, an additional two million hectares will be added. Those areas will be available to scientists and researchers, so as to increase human knowledge. However, those parts of Guyana will not be allowed to be used for any commercial enterprise.

The absolute dedication to a green Guyana was iterated on December 12, 2015. On that day, Guyana signed the Paris Agreement. That agreement, which presents a historic opportunity for the world to respond to the challenges of climate change, will forever improve and transform our world into a place where we recognise sustainability as an integral and indispensable part of human existence, in harmony with nature.

The fact that the WWF has even positively mentioned Guyana is noteworthy. The fact that the organisation has chosen to praise our policies is nothing short of exceedingly remarkable. It is a testament that we are going in the right direction. Our policies are consistent with world views and our developmental ideals are noble and reachable.