–Chairman of Protected Areas Commission says on occasion of World Environment Day

The following is the full text of a message by Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission, Robert M. Persaud, on World Environment Day:
“Today, as we observe World Environment Day, Guyana joins the global community in reflecting on the critical theme of: Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. This theme is a clarion call for urgent action to restore our lands, and strengthen our resilience against the growing threats of desertification and drought.

This year’s theme also resonates deeply with us here in Guyana, a nation blessed with rich biodiversity and vast natural resources. It calls upon each of us to take urgent and transformative action to heal and protect our environment.

Guyana stands as a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature. Our lush rainforests, flowing rivers, and diverse wildlife are treasures that we must preserve for future generations. Yet all around the world these treasures are under threat from deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable practices. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our natural heritage.

Our government has taken significant strides in environmental conservation and sustainable management. Through our Low Carbon Development Strategy, we have demonstrated that economic development and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
By maintaining low emissions levels through keeping deforestation and forest degradation at the lowest for tropical countries worldwide, we have not only protected our forests but also provided sustainable livelihoods for our people.

However, government action alone is not enough. Every citizen, community, and organization must play a role in ecosystem restoration. We must adopt sustainable practices, reduce waste, and support conservation efforts. Education and awareness are crucial in this endeavor. We must instill in our children a deep respect for nature and a commitment to preserving it.
On this day we are urged to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time under the theme of “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”.

Protected Areas Management has critical importance in keeping with this theme through promoting restoration to degraded protected landscapes (an example of this is PAC’s roles in addressing wildfires within the KMPA).
Protected Areas Management also involves building resilience against desertification and drought through community and stakeholder partnerships and awareness programs. And at the heart of these efforts lies the relevance of our protected areas.

Guyana’s protected space includes our national parks, zoological park and IUCN Category VI protected areas. In keeping with our LCDS 30 by 30, the goal is to expand this protected system potentially including wildlife reserves and other conservation zones. These will play a vital role in further land restoration strategies and combating desertification and drought. The existence of these areas will act as a natural buffer against environmental destruction and degradation, preventing erosion, and maintaining natural ecological cycles.
Protected areas also serve as a reserve for biodiversity containing distinct animal and plant species that can adapt to arid and/or semi-arid environments such as some bird species. Therefore, by conserving these species and their habitats, protected areas contribute to the resilience of ecosystems, enhancing their ability to withstand the impacts of climate change and related stressors.
Furthermore, the restoration of degraded landscapes within protected areas can provide valuable ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and flood regulation, benefiting both people and nature.

The global community also has a vital role to play. Environmental challenges know no borders, and it is only through international cooperation and solidarity that we can address them effectively. We call on developed nations to support developing countries like Guyana in our efforts to restore and protect ecosystems. This support is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for the health and well-being of our planet.

Today we also celebrate Guyana, with its rich and diverse ecosystems, understands the intrinsic value of healthy, productive land. Our rainforests, savannahs, and wetlands are not just natural treasures; they are the lifeblood of our communities, providing sustenance, livelihoods, and a stable climate. Yet, we recognize that the health of our lands is under increasing pressure from human activity and climate change.

Desertification and drought are global challenges that affect millions of people, particularly in vulnerable communities. While Guyana is blessed with abundant water resources and lush landscapes, we stand in solidarity with nations and regions grappling with these harsh realities. We know that land degradation anywhere threatens food security, economic stability, and the very fabric of societies everywhere.

In Guyana, we are committed to sustainable land management and restoration practices. Our efforts to combat land degradation are guided by our Low Carbon Development Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. We are investing in reforestation projects, soil conservation techniques, and water management systems to enhance our resilience against drought and desertification.
However, our efforts must be part of a larger, collective global movement. International cooperation and support are essential in addressing these issues. Developed nations must provide technological and financial assistance to developing countries to implement effective land restoration and drought resilience measures. We must share knowledge, resources, and best practices to build a more resilient world.
On this World Environment Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to restoring our lands and building resilience against desertification and drought. Every action counts, from individual efforts to international collaborations. By working together, we can heal our lands, protect our communities, and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Today, as we celebrate World Environment Day, let us renew our commitment to environmental stewardship. Let us embrace the challenge of restoring our ecosystems with vigor and determination. Let us work together—government, businesses, civil society, and individuals—to create a sustainable future for all.
As we reflect on the theme of World Environment Day 2024, the Protected Areas Commission reaffirms its commitment to protecting and restoring our land for the benefit of present and future generations. We also recognize the pivotal role protected areas play in restoration and resilience and continuously advocate for their expansion, sustainable management and effective stakeholder engagements.
In closing, I want to remind us all that the Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth. Let us honor this truth by acting with care, respect, and responsibility. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can restore our ecosystems and build a greener, healthier planet.
Let us remember that the health of our planet depends on the health of our lands. Let us act now to restore and protect them. Together, we can make a difference.”