– forum highlights Guyana’s success, growth, and leadership in climate action

GUYANA’S climate leadership and sustainability achievements once again took centre stage on Tuesday as government officials, diplomats, and civil society partners gathered at Cara Lodge for a high-level discussion forum ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).

The event, themed “Bridging Action, Finance, and Inclusion,” brought together representatives from the United Nations, the Embassy of Brazil, the National Toshaos Council, youth advocates, and community leaders to chart a collaborative path as the region prepares for COP30, slated for November 10, 2025, in Belém, Brazil.

The forum underscored Guyana’s growing global profile as a leader in climate action—particularly through its pioneering Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which aligns national growth with environmental protection and equity.

Senior Director for Climate and REDD+ at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr. Pradeepa Bholanath, highlighted Guyana’s decade-long record of environmental stewardship and innovation in forest conservation and carbon markets.

“Guyana has for more than a decade demonstrated that climate leadership is possible from a developing country,” Dr. Bholanath said. “Our perspective is one that aligns growth, equity, and environmental responsibility.”

She noted that over 18 million hectares of forest—covering more than 85% of Guyana’s land—remain intact, storing approximately 19.5 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalents, positioning Guyana among the world’s few net carbon sinks.

Dr. Bholanath also emphasised that Guyana’s climate initiatives are deeply community-focused. “From the first tranche of resources from climate finance, we’ve exceeded the 15% allocation for indigenous village development identified in the LCDS. Over the last three years, that level has increased to 20%, benefitting 242 Amerindian villages,” she revealed.

Looking ahead to COP30, Dr. Bholanath described the conference as a historic opportunity to unify global environmental agendas.

“For the first time since 1992, COP30 will bring together the three Rio Conventions—on biodiversity, desertification, and climate change—in a single space,” she said. “It will be a moment to integrate discussions that have too often been held in isolation.”

She credited President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s leadership for advancing Guyana’s integrated vision that links forest carbon markets, biodiversity finance, and nature-based solutions, a model further strengthened by the Global Biodiversity Alliance, launched in Georgetown in July 2025.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Guyana, Jean Kamau, praised Guyana’s commitment to science-based, equity-driven climate policies and its role as a model for the world.

“Guyana is already demonstrating what decisive climate action looks like,” Kamau said. “The LCDS, the Biodiversity Action Plan, and the country’s integrated approach to conservation and sustainable livelihoods serve as blueprints for others. These policies are rooted in science, guided by national ownership, and grounded in equity.”

She also highlighted the importance of ensuring indigenous and local community leadership in shaping climate solutions. “No climate solution is complete without the voices and leadership of those most affected. Indigenous peoples and local communities possess deep traditional knowledge critical for resilience and conservation,” she stressed.

Kamau urged the forum’s participants to see Guyana’s progress as a shared example for the world. “Let it be a global inspiration. Let’s showcase its innovations and work together to ensure COP30 delivers real, equitable, and inclusive results for people and the planet,” she concluded.

As preparations for COP30 intensify, Guyana’s environmental story continues to resonate globally — proving that even small states can lead big on climate. Through partnerships with Brazil, the UN, and local communities, Guyana’s approach exemplifies what can be achieved when growth, inclusion, and sustainability move hand in hand.