TWO Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed between the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) in the first instance, and secondly, between the ministry and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on Wednesday at the Herdmanston Lodge Hotel, Georgetown.

Present at the signing event were Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman; NTC Chairman, Toshao Nicholas Fredricks; Director of Environment, Ndibi Schwiers; WWF Guianas Representative, Laurens Gomes and MNR Policy Planning and Coordination Unit Head, Mr. Veetal Rajkumar.

Rajkumar said that the ministry believes that these documents further strengthen the relationship between itself and the parties and will continue to strengthen the management and development of the natural resources sector.

Minister Trotman, in his feature address, gave the ministry’s commitment to its motto to Explore, Develop and Sustain, while noting that such values cannot be realized without strong partnerships.

He said that it is upon this foundation that the MOUs with the WWF and the NTC will rest, since these agencies are recognized as partners who care about the sustainable management and development of the sector.

Underscoring the productive engagements that the ministry has had with both the WWF and the NTC in the past, Minister Trotman said the WWF has been a consistent partner and has provided financial, administrative, institutional and technical assistance and support to key natural resource agencies.

Additionally, he said it has helped to advance key strategic priorities, including the government’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), the National Forest Policy, the Mineral Sector Policy and Framework, among others.
Also, he said due to the valuable role that indigenous peoples play in the preservation and management of Guyana’s natural resources, the ministry and by extension, the government remains keenly sensitive of their concerns.

As such, he noted government is committed to engaging the NTC and the communities they represent.
Minister Trotman explained that the signing of the MoUs to streamline and formalise the ministry’s relationship between the NTC and the WWF is intended to signal the seriousness of the ministry’s commitment to engagement and development.

NTC Chairman, Toshao Nicholas Fredricks, said living in the hinterland is no easy task, especially when issues about the extractive industries arise in various communities.
“This historical moment has arisen today to initiate the collaborative effort between indigenous peoples, governments and relevant partners in working together to [bring] an end to the issues we face,” the NTC chairman said.

He explained that the MoU will not only benefit indigenous people, but also Guyana at large since many issues will be addressed in relation to mining or other extractive activities.
WWF Guianas Representative, Laurens Gomes, said over the years there has been significant progress in nature conservation in Guyana.

Noting that Guyana has vast opportunities in its natural resources, the WWF representative said the country’s efforts have been acknowledged on a global network with much appreciation.

“It speaks about the vast amount of forests you have and are actively maintaining; it speaks about the fresh water richness you have that is truly at a unique level globally with the expectation that fresh water resources are getting scarce; it speaks about the vast amount of biodiversity in the country that is appreciated and provides a sound basis for your development; it speaks about oceanic and coastal resources which are important for the development of your fishing sector,” he explained.

He said that the WWF will continue to partner and support such initiatives.
Meanwhile, Director of Environment, Ndibi Schwiers, said government has advanced its third national development strategy GSDS vision 2040, which is transformative in its concept.

She explained that Guyana will be developed onto a pathway that is low carbon, sustainable and one that is resilient, ultimately defining better policies for the health and education sector, along with economic resilience.
The Director said that the partnership with WWF is cherished and in the future possibilities of signing an MoU with the NTC for further development will be proposed.