–PM Phillips acknowledges individual efforts to protect, promote sustainable use of forests, but calls for more collective action
By Feona Morrison
PRIME Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has called for collective action to protect the priceless ecological treasure of the Guiana Shield, an area spanning 270 million hectares that includes Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Venezuela, small portions of Colombia, and northern Brazil.
In a moving speech at the opening of the third Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue at Marriott Hotel, on Monday, Prime Minister Phillips emphasised the Guiana Shield’s status as the “greenhouse of the world,” and stressed the need for international cooperation in addressing issues like biodiversity loss, deforestation, the illegal wildlife trade, and climate change.
He urged governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local communities to work together in this regard.
He said: “The Guiana Shield houses high forests wildlife, including iconic species, jaguars, giant river otters and harpy eagles. Nonetheless, the illegal wildlife trade such as poaching threaten these species, leading to population decline and endangering certain species.”
According to him, poaching for “bush meat”, traditional medicine and the exotic pet trade is particularly prevalent in some regions and impressionable already on vulnerable species.
The Prime Minister reasoned that addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that integrates conservation endeavours, sustainable development initiatives and enhance local law enforcement measures.
But even in the face of these dire circumstances, he said, “We have not been idle,” adding that this is the third Guiana Shield Dialogue iteration.
“Across our nations, initiatives have been implemented to ensure the Guiana Shield’s sustainable development from the establishment of protected areas, and sustainable land management practices to community-based conservation efforts,” Prime Minister Phillips said.
During his speech, Prime Minister Phillips referred to a series of bold initiatives aimed at safeguarding the Guiana Shield.
These include the REDD+ for the Guiana Shield, a vital project funded by the European Union (EU), the French Guiana Regional Authority, and the French Global Environmental Facility, which aims to reduce the emissions from deforestation and forest degradation that underline conservation and sustainable development.
Another transformative initiative, he said, is the Guiana Shield Facility (GSF)—a multi-donor funded facility that supports long-term conservation.
The GSF was created to offer rewards for preserving the distinctive ecosystems of the Guiana Shield, and is facilitated through a compensation system that in turn will help reduce poverty, establish a unified framework for planning, prioritising and managing natural resources, and shield the region from dangers.
He reiterated that Guyana has taken concrete steps to protect the Guiana Shield through initiatives such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
“We are committed to reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation while promoting sustainable development.
These efforts are contributing to global climate action and empowering local communities and Indigenous Peoples to be stewards of their lands,” the Prime Minister said.
He said that Indigenous Peoples and local communities were integral in the development of the LCDS which was unanimously endorsed by the National Toshaos Council.
The Prime Minister reminded that earlier this year, Guyana proudly received the world’s first carbon credits for its 2021 performance in sustaining one of the world’s highest levels of tropical forest coverage and one of the world’s lowest deforestation rates.
He related that a portion of the carbon credit revenue are being used to create village sustainability development plans such as eco-lodges, agriculture ventures and infrastructural development.
The remaining revenue is directed towards broader priorities like land titling, renewable energy, and climate resilience measures, according to Prime Minister Phillips.
GROUP ACTIVITIES
However, he stated that despite these attempts, group activities must continue because the Guiana Shield’s problems call for coordinated actions.
“Our partnerships must always give rise in cross national interests,” he declared.
He said it is important to keep in mind the need to encourage continued research, support education and empower local communities.
“We must celebrate our shared heritage and protect it for generations to come. The Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue, therefore, must continue to play a crucial role in fostering understanding, building relationships and promoting cooperation among our countries to address the complex challenges before us and to help us achieve our objectives,” Phillips added.
Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, in his remarks, emphasised the importance of collective commitment in addressing security challenges in the region, including illicit trafficking, maritime security and climate change.
“Building on the foundation from the previous editions of this dialogue, particularly our 2023 security master plan, we are presented with a unique opportunity for the solidifying of collective commitments to safeguarding the peace, beauty and prosperity of our nations and the wider Guiana Shield Region,” Benn said.
Brazilian Military Attaché, Colonel Josi Cruz disclosed that Brazil and other countries in the region are working together to address environmental challenges that transcend national borders, such as the issue of fires in the Amazon Rainforest.
To highlight the magnitude of the issue, Cruz said that the Brazilian territory accounts for 55 per cent of the Amazon Rainforest, and over five million inhabitants are affected.
In light of this, he pointed out that regional cooperation is crucial to mitigate this issue through knowledge sharing, technology, and expertise.
Addressing the challenges of the securing the environment requires a holistic approach, according to Krishna Mathoera, Minister of Defence of Suriname.
She emphasised the need for a clear picture of the threat landscape and information sharing to stay ahead of emerging threats.
According to her, technological innovation and a coordinated responses are also crucial, as natural disasters, illegal immigration, cybersecurity threats, and organised crimes can all pose a direct threat to development and prosperity.
Commissioner of Police (ag), Clifton Hicken; Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot; Fire Chief Gregory Wickham, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and delegations from Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, and France were among those in attendance during the opening on Monday.
The Guiana Shield Strategic Dialogue was initiated by French Guiana in 2021 to discuss the security environment of all countries involved. It concludes today. Plans are in place to include Colombia and Venezuela in the conversation.
