GUYANA’S Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) framework is designed to support a non-polluting, low-carbon development trajectory, that enables people, in particular those who live in the forested regions of Guyana, to develop jobs and economic opportunities—an undertaking that maximizes the synergies found in economic activity that prioritizes the protection of Guyana’s forests.

Tropical forest-producing nations have long pushed for the proper assessment of the ecosystem services provided by the world’s remaining tropical forests through public and private financing.

However, the majority of the low-lying coastal states, including Guyana, are susceptible to the disastrous effects of climate change, which is said to be the most significant environmental concern presently facing the world.

It is the single greatest challenge facing environmental regulators. This issue is worsening and affects the economy, human health and safety, the food supply, security, and other aspects of life.

With the persistent effects of global warming, catastrophic weather events, and rising sea levels, the infrastructure, habitations, and farms in the world’s low-lying coastal zones face complete devastation. Nevertheless, with Guyana being one of the fastest-developing countries in the world and with the resources for economic development, the country and the Guyanese people play a crucial role with regard to the resources that are needed to help safeguard the planet from the catastrophic consequences of a changing climate.

In 2021, as part of the Climate Changemakers Initiative, UNICEF Guyana and the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC), gave grants to several young Guyanese to carry out climate-action initiatives for World Children’s Day. In that meeting, the youths proposed, designed, and explained how they will execute the projects, ranging from monitoring and advocating for the preservation of freshwater resources in the Rupununi Savannahs (Region Nine) to engaging young people on social media and raising awareness of climate change. These included:

* Protection of Freshwater Resources in the South Rupununi: proposed by Dan Rudolph, Aquila Fernandes, and Jacintha Realine, this project will monitor, raise awareness, and advocate for the protection of key freshwater sources in the South Rupununi.

* Youths for a Change: proposed by Shontay Hawker, this project will involve youth in Georgetown wards in raising awareness and taking action to promote environmental sustainability.

* Mangrove Restoration: proposed by Deopaul Somwaru, this project aims to find a more efficient way of replanting mangroves. This will involve exploring the use of a pioneer species of grass to set the foundation for the growth of mangroves on mudflats on the West Coast of Demerara.

* Ecospacegy: proposed by Suphane Dash-Alleyne, the main focus is utilizing social media to engage and raise awareness of climate change and its impacts, with the main audience being Guyanese youth.

According to Deopaul Somwaru, “Words cannot begin to describe how overjoyed I am; the restoration of mangroves has always been one of my goals. So being given the opportunity to do so is beyond amazing. I am very grateful and will carry out this project to the best of my abilities.”

Another beneficiary, Dash-Alleyne, explained, “I am elated to have received funds for my social media awareness campaign to educate Guyanese youths about climate change. This is an opportunity I plan to take full advantage of, and I promise to ensure all my aims and objectives are achieved. I believe a project like this is desperately needed because youth like me are the ones who will inherit this earth, and it is imperative that they know all the facts about this ongoing crisis.”

The Deputy Country Representative, Mr Irfan Akhtar, who was a part of the event, said during his presentation, “UNICEF is delighted to support this group of exceptional young Guyanese. We hope it is just the start of their climate-action journey and will be an inspiration to other youth. At UNICEF, we recognize that the climate crisis is a child-rights crisis, and we are committed to helping young people take action to protect the future of our planet. “When we enable children and young people as agents of change, there is an unparalleled opportunity to address the climate crisis both in the present, among their peers, households, and communities, and in the long term, as these children become decision-makers.”

UNICEF and the RCC’s Climate Changemakers Initiative aim to strengthen youth participation in climate action. Under this programme, Guyanese youth have benefitted from training in climate change, advocacy, diplomacy, life skills, and digital platforms to improve their understanding of the climate crisis and increase participation in climate advocacy and action.

The Government of Guyana continues to work with young Guyanese and developmental partners, such as UNICEF, to ensure that our forests are sustainably utilized.

(This is part of a weekly series on LCDS.) The author can be contacted at cparkinson0206@gmail.com