GUYANA is setting its sights on a new frontier in tourism, aiming to collaborate with Costa Rica to boost its eco-tourism industry. President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently visited Costa Rica to accept an award from the Inter-American Institute for Agricultural Cooperation (IICA) for his leadership in Food Security, during which he also discussed potential partnerships in eco-tourism and environmental conservation.

During a press briefing held with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, President Ali expressed Guyana’s keen interest in collaborating with Costa Rica. In fact, he revealed that Guyana was using Costa Rica as a model for developing its own eco-tourism industry, citing Costa Rica’s success in this field.

“In positing Guyana as a major destination for eco-tourism, we have identified Costa Rica as our model… We are embarking on a programme to work closely with the Government of Costa Rica in helping us develop our eco-tourism product in Guyana,” President Ali stated.

This collaborative effort between the two nations started earlier in the year when they signed a Letter of Intent and Collaboration to explore investment opportunities, exchange knowledge, and provide technical support in the tourism sector. This collaboration marked a significant step forward for Guyana’s tourism industry, which is looking to expand through international partnerships.

Furthermore, Guyana aims to collaborate with Costa Rica on climate change and forestry preservation initiatives. In November, Guyana is scheduled to host a side event at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) where they will discuss critical issues such as climate services, climate financing, and forest preservation.

President Ali has been actively advocating for more financing for the region, particularly for efforts aimed at preserving its forested lands. His vision extends to positioning Guyana as a leader in food production, energy security, and climate security by 2030.

The collaboration between Guyana and Costa Rica holds great promise for both nations, not only in terms of eco-tourism but also in addressing pressing environmental challenges. As the world grapples with climate change, the cooperation between these two nations demonstrates the importance of international partnerships in achieving global sustainability goals.

The recently commenced Conference of Ministers of Agriculture of the Americas 2023 in San Jose, Costa Rica, featured the participation of presidents from Guyana and Panama, among other high-ranking officials from 32 countries. This event highlighted the urgent need for a robust agriculture sector to ensure global food security and environmental sustainability, especially in the face of ongoing climate and economic crises.

Both President Ali and President Cortizo were recognized for their commitment to agricultural development and support for farmers in their respective countries. The conference served as a platform for sharing successful experiences and knowledge among nations in the Americas to collectively address the impacts of climate change on agriculture and food production.

In conclusion, Guyana’s collaboration with Costa Rica and active participation in international forums like COP 28 signals its determination to not only enhance its eco-tourism sector but also play a significant role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture. As these efforts continue to unfold, the world watches with anticipation to see how these partnerships will contribute to global environmental and economic resilience.