The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples’ is observed on August 9 each year. This helps to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population.
This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous peoples have made to improve and address world issues such as natural resources and environmental protection.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People was first pronounced by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1994, marking the day of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, in 1982.
On the observance of the 19th Commemoration of the ‘International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples’ scheduled for August 9, 2013 under the theme: ‘Indigenous peoples building alliances: Honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements” the Ministry of Natural Resources & the Environment join in observing this land-mark occasion with the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana.
The Indigenous Peoples of Guyana have seized opportunities in Tourism Industry, Forestry, Mining, Agriculture, and Land Management through Protected Areas to name a few.
The Indigenous Sector has contributed to Guyana’s Economic and Social Development in partnership with the Government and related agencies. Most recently recognition has been directed towards the Indigenous Peoples for preserving Guyana’s forests, thus making the Low Carbon Development Strategy which focuses on economic development while combating Climate Change a possibility.
Through numerous contributions and achievements the Indigenous Peoples in Guyana have demonstrated their aptitude to partner and integrate in moving Guyana forward and it is only through such actions the full developmental potential of Guyana can be realised.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment remains committed to the protection of the rights of indigenous Peoples under the laws of Guyana while we cooperate in pursuit of our common goals.
This will contribute to building a society with guaranteed security for the country and its population. It’s in this regard that the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment joins in observing World Indigenous Peoples Day – 2013.
