[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Guyana Government will be implementing a $500 million reforestation project. This was announced by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, during an event organised to mark world forestry day on Friday, March 21.
At that event at the Umana Yana, Chairperson of the National Toshaos’ Council Derrick John used the opportunity to call for the restoration of areas which were damaged by activities such as mining as well as natural disasters.
And in response to that request, Persaud announced that the government has already set aside $500 million to be used to reclaim and reforest mined out and other damaged areas.
The World Day of Forests observance features exhibitions across Guyana, which showcases the importance of forests and the need to sustainably utilise it.
And in keeping with the focus, Minister Persaud said Guyana on this day “recommits itself to the principle of sustainable utilization of these very important forest resources for socio-economic and other development, ensuring that this is done in keeping with environmental best practices and in a manner that contributes to combating climate change”.
The Minister noted however that while Guyana has been a great role model in forest utilization and preservation, the rest of the world has not been living up to their promises, particularly when it comes to the financial resources required to maintain forests.
Persaud said “Guyana has not and will not shirk from these responsibilities even though the global community with few exceptions has reneged on its commitment to provide the necessary financial and other resources to support developing countries to maintain their forest resources whilst pursing economic development”.
In this regard he is insisting that the international community and developed nations make good on their commitments, both financially and in reducing emissions of green house gases to agreed levels.
