[www.inewsguyana.com] – In an effort to broaden technical exchange programmes and encourage investment from our South American neighbours, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, recently broke new ground by leading a successful mission to Argentina.
According to a statement from the Ministry, as a result of the visit, the two countries have agreed to formalize a project focusing on the improvement of parks and protected areas through technical support and multiple exchange visits which is expected to commence shortly.
Facilitated through a Cooperation Agreement between the Governments of Guyana and Argentina, the mission focused primarily on benefitting from Argentina’s significant knowledge and experience in Protected Areas and natural resources management.
The team, which included the Commissioner and a Senior Technical Officer from the Protected Areas Commission, met with a number of technical agencies, including Argentina’s National Parks Service, Ministries of Tourism, Environment and Sustainable Development, Mining, and Foreign Affairs.
Visits were also made to Iguazu Falls National Park and the Biopark Temaiken to assess and identify options for development and improved management of the Kaieteur National Park, the Zoological Park and the Botanical Gardens.
Significant progress was made in identifying potential support to Guyana’s efforts at improved mining practices and geological assessments.
The Protected Areas System in Argentina, comprises of over 30 protected areas, has been in existence since 1934. The Argentine Administration of Parks, therefore is well-advanced, and has a wealth of experience in the establishment and management of protected areas.
It is therefore envisioned that through this partnership, Guyana and Argentina will be able to exchange knowledge and experiences of protected areas and ultimately improve the management Guyana’s newly created National Protected Areas System.
