SEVERAL international philanthropic organisations have pledged US$12.5 million towards conservation efforts in Guyana’s biodiversity-rich Acarai-Corentyne Corridor, with the funding tied to legally enforceable protection of the area, including safeguards against mining.

The announcement was made on Friday by Chief Executive Officer of Rainforest Trust, Dr James Deutsch, during the opening of the Second Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Georgetown.

The collective pledge involves contributions from the Bezos Earth Fund, Andes Amazon Fund, Nia Tero and Rainforest Trust.

He explained that philanthropic partners have expressed strong interest in providing sustained support for conservation stewardship, strengthening public institutions responsible for conservation efforts and empowering Indigenous communities.

Dr Deutsch also emphasised that Indigenous Guyanese must take a leading role in conservation efforts, underscoring the importance of ensuring that communities are central to decisions surrounding the protection and management of the corridor.

The pledge forms part of broader efforts to translate investment in nature into lasting conservation outcomes through sustainable financing, stronger institutions, legally protected forests and Indigenous stewardship.