Guyana and Norway yesterday signed an agreement that will see Oslo paying US$30 million ($6.2 billion) next year and potentially up to US$250 million ($51.7 billion) by 2015 for Guyana to preserve its forests.
Erik Solheim
Under the partnership, Guyana will accelerate its efforts to limit forest-based greenhouse gas emissions and protect its rainforest as an asset for the world. Norway will provide financial support to Guyana at a level based on this country’s success in limiting emissions. This will enable Guyana to start implementing its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) at scale, a joint statement issued through the Government information Agency (GINA) said.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Fairview, Region Nine by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Norway’s Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim. The MOU shows the two countries determination to work together to provide the world with a working example of how partnerships between developed and developing countries can save the world’s tropical rainforests, GINA said.
“It will be impossible to defeat climate change if we don’t significantly reduce tropical deforestation,” President Jagdeo was quoted as saying. He added: “We said several years ago that the people of Guyana stood ready to play our part in determining how this can be done. We are delighted to work alongside Norway in searching for solutions that align the development aspirations of our people with the urgent need to protect the world’s tropical forests.”
The financial support from Norway will be channelled through a new fund, the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). The Ministry of Finance will be responsible for the GRIF’s operations and a reputable international financial institution to be selected by Norway and Guyana will act as manager of the fund. The mechanism will ensure full national and international oversight of financial flows, according to the statement.
With deforestation accounting for about a fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, Guyana’s LCDS sets out how this country can limit forest-based emissions, convert almost its entire energy sector to clean energy, accelerate the development of low-carbon economic sectors and address the huge challenges the country faces in adapting to climate change.
“Through this partnership we are building a bridge between developed and developing countries,” the statement quoted Solheim as saying. “We are giving the world a workable model for climate change collaboration between North and South. It’s not perfect, but it’s good and it will be improved upon as we learn and develop together,” he added. Solheim further said that saving the world’s remaining tropical forests is a crucial element in the battle against climate change and his country is proud to support Guyana’s contributions in this effort. “We are committed to contributing $30 million to support the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund in 2010. Provided that the expected results are achieved and that other elements of the partnership fall into place, our support for the years up to 2015 could add up to as much as US$250 million,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jagdeo pointed out that addressing climate change can no longer be just about campaigning for action. He said that it must be about designing solutions and delivering results. “This will not happen as long as developing countries are treated as passive recipients of aid. Instead, we need to be equal partners in the search for solutions. When we find solution-oriented partners like Norway, we will not be found unwilling,” he stated.
The President said that the Informal Working Group on Interim Finance for REDD+ has set out a framework for others to join the two countries in achieving a 25% reduction in global deforestation and forest degradation by 2015 for less than 25 billion Euros. If successful, this would be the single biggest contribution to combatting climate change during this period.
The statement noted that three years ago Jagdeo had said Guyana might be willing to place its entire rainforest under long-term protection “to help in the world’s fight against climate change providing our peoples’ sovereignty is respected.” At yesterday’s signing, the President said “that goal just came closer.”
Norway has other forest protection projects in the Congo and Amazon basins and Tanzania. Until now, nations with high levels of forest cover have attracted less cash than worse performers promising to slow high rates of deforestation.
A deal to help protect tropical forests is due to be agreed to at the United Nations climate conference in Copenhagen, Denmark next month.
OMG! It is a far cry from the US$580M Jagdeo was hoping for, but I hope this is truly the beginning of a new chapter in our story called life in Guyana under the PPP and PNC. Anyway, here is what I really wanted to know:
“The financial support from Norway will be channelled through a new fund, the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). The Ministry of Finance will be responsible for the GRIF’s operations and a reputable international financial institution to be selected by Norway and Guyana will act as manager of the fund.” —-It is imperative, given the level of corruption and lack of accountability in government, that all LCDS funds be managed by an INDEPENDENT entity and not the government or Parliament.
A good story which appears to reflect what went on at the signing ceremony. It underscores the leadership of President Jagdeo and the GOG in international arena re the LCDS. These monies will be put to good use to deepen the ongoing progress and development of all the Guyanese people and the world.
The Barbados’ tourism Minister last week exprssed concern about climate change affecting the island’s important tourist sector…
`True, the guys in Norway isn’t sleeping…but then again, what about the “Sovereignty” thingie…
Seriously, now its US 30mn per annum…what happens: Already indutrial development is at its low ebb, so now it will be stalled for the next five years? The exisiting industries can hardly recover their current costs much less retooling under the green agenda..or is this money going to help them. Suggestion- pick up the garbage in the city and reduce the thick black smoke from GPL plants. You will need to retarin the people to become skilled at surviving in the forest as after five years, thats all there may be on the economic development front!
Reddy is the leadership that has international financial bodies WACH-MANIN tax-payers MONEY>>>>DAY AINT TRUS D MAN..an if he ent do he best he gon lass mo.
Congratulations to the government of Guyana. We are now a nation that has cajoled another country into giving us money in exchange for not exploiting of one of our resources.
“Norway will provide financial support to Guyana at a level based on this country’s success in limiting emissions.”-Our country is severely under populated and an increase in population will certainly lead to an increase in green house emissions. This would then have an impact on the monies received. This will happen unless the government prevents people from leaving the country.
“Guyana will accelerate its efforts to limit forest-based greenhouse gas emissions and protect its rainforest as an asset for the world.”- This will be done only if you pay us. What ever happened to doing something because it’s the right thing to do? To many this betrays my naivete but I’m a product of a household and a country that were clearly capable of distinguishing right from wrong.
“The Ministry of Finance will be responsible for the GRIF’s operations and a reputable international financial institution to be selected by Norway and Guyana will act as manager of the fund.”- This will not stop the corrupt practices that take place today. My comprehension of this arrangement is that the financial institution will be investing the funds and the Ministry will be dispersing it as usual to their close buddies and political supporters.
What may seem to be a golden egg may be made of lead. I am not trying to be the skunk at the picnic but experience has taught me the value of caution. Remember that gift of a Trojan Horse.
Extremely good new for Guyana’s continued development. However, the usual spin doctors would not like this and would somehow come up with their negativities. They do not want to see a better Guyana…at least not under the current govt.
I would like to congrats to the President on this one. Even though a far cry from what he wanted he came away with something. Good Job. On this article they should be no Jagdeo Bashing. It’s time for us to ensure that the $30 Million is spent properly and all Guyanese benefits from this deal.
this money should be policed with the resilience and cats eyes like james bond tactics
My friends, you are all getting worked up over fools gold. Check out this little parody which demonstrates what unfolds when five men are shipwrecked on an island and when a banker suddenly arrives on the island.
Watch how the author applies this to the Canadian economy and how he reveals that a system of social credit instead of Banksters credit will ensure prosperity of any group of people in any land in any country.
I have said before that we the people need to insist on a new economic order, this present one will bring only deeper and deeper suffering on all of us and our children until we all become indentured slaves to the money masters.
It is a must read if you really want to understand why we are in this mess and why no amount of money given to the Guyana government can ever solve this mess.Share it with your friends. It is called the money myth.
http://www.michaeljournal.org/myth2.htm
Joe.
Red rover leadership? come on thats a bit of a reach isnt it?
Sounds like a wonderful beginning! Now let’s hear specifics as to how it will add value to the lives of Guyanese people in terms of our standard of living in future years; specially those that live in the forested areas or depend on it. I, for one, have no interest in protection plans that seem more interested in protecting a country’s trees, rivers and wild life for the benefit and enjoyment of “World”, but make little provision for protecting and preparing local People to live meaningful lives in a modern, competitive world. What’s in the details?
JOE! There’s not a woman on the island with the men! Who’s going to spend the money! 5 MEN on an island for years with a MAN banker. Can never be a paradise.
The opportunists only see gloom and doom.Self serving tools of others, politicizing,they do not see anything for the ordinary Guyanese.These people do not represent Guyana, nor speak for Guyanese.Critical thinkers should be aware of these losers and dismiss their incessant ramblings as ludicrous.
What will these fund be used for? Will it go unaccounted for like the lotto funds? Can we see these funds go directly into something tangible? Like building am asphalt road to Lethem? Or building a permanent bridge across the Demerara near Soesdyke and bridging the Essequibo River?
I think you should refer to the Government’s LCDS to see exactly where these monies will be spent. This can be found at http://www.lcds.gov.gy
Dear John,
I for one Guyanese do not even believe that the written LCD plans will come to pass but rather the motives of this morbid regime will be accomplished.
This is a great day for Guyana, and all environmentally conscious Guyanese must feel a sense of pride. It’s a good start, and Norway is only the first financial contributor to the implementation of President Jagdeo’s Low Carbon Development Strategy. There is more to come as little Guyana takes valiant, selfless measures to help keep the planet clean and to stave off global warming.
Yasu, yes indeed a great day for Guyana. Hope that the funds air marked for the preservation of the environment will be used for exactly that. What happened with the British? were they not approached for funding to maintain the rain forest in its pristine condition?
NeNe, Britain’s Prince Charles has a vibrant rainforest project encompassing the world’s forest reserves. It includes Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the Prince’s Rainforest Project website, “Three of the countries in the region that The Prince’s Rainforests Project has been working with are Brazil, Colombia and Guyana.” So, some assistance is forthcoming from Britain. See http://tinyurl.com/l3la42
norway is the first because the many have learned from past experiences.
yasuman i thought the brits were trying to recolonize us? how dont we know this is a backdoor strategy through the EU to recolonize us?
Notice how the brits wanted to train in our forests and now Norway is again doing somehting to and with our forests?
Seems fishy to me……we should be wary of these capitalists I am sure you would agree right Yasu?
There is nothing great here for Guyana, unless your Guyana is restricted to President Jagdeo and those around him. How will this money benefit the Guyanese people in General? More contracts for schools and hospitals, or better pay for teachers and nurses and improved equipment in the hospitals?
In the guise of the so-called Low Carbon Development Strategy, the present government is begging to be paid to keep Guyana unproductive and stagnant. Now that someone has given it a pittance, there is cause for celebration.
yasuman don’t think that the part of the planet that is namedGuyana has to be cleaced up first? what’s the use of low carbon stratigy when human beings are all murdered or tortured to death?
I am pleased about this should the money be wisely used in the interest of all Guyanese.
Blacksage, that remains to be seen so I will hope for the best but not forget what we are privy to everyday in corrupt Guyana.
Regardless of your politics, all Guyanese should be proud of and support this.Spent wisely this money represents a larger inflow into the country than the Barama, Omai, and GT&T investments combined. Based on my projections Guyana’s economy could virtually triple (yes, triple) its size within 5 years and at the end of this disbursement. We all are eating some crow this morning because we were skeptical in the beginning. Perhaps there is more money to come even if it never gets up to the $580M Jagdeo was looking for.As my grandfather would say “one one dutty build dam” so let’s look at the positives and not the negatives in this story.
While we look aat the positives of this story, let us not forget, we cannot do it at the expence of the development of Guyana. Guyana hasa a lot of natural resources which can make life better for Guyanese, yet we have not seen this after over 40 years of independence. Hope this is another agreement which would continue to leave Guyana underdeveloped. We need to build a hard surface road between Lethem and Linden, and develop other areas in the interior, and still preserve enough of the forest to meet this LCDS initive.
’tis not about politics, Cummins.
Here’s my scepticism:
1) This LCDS seems to be an elegant solution, on paper. Its success would make it probably the first development strategy that began life as an elegant solution on paper.
2) It’s aid for forest (see history of aid).
3) The funds we eagerly await were generated, largely, by precisely the methods we are agreeing to forsake.
Cummins, thanks very much for your optimistic outlook but after seeing the many cover-ups for corruption. The proof will be in the pudding.
Guyanese should be proud when proper negociations are being made to ensure job opportunities with a livable salary instead of being dependent on funds and BEGGA-MAN MOINES, while our lands and industries; THE NATION is being being exploited.
Mack you have said a mouth full K’YAN CHANGE BEGGA-MAN MENTALITY they would rather beg (ELETE BEGGERS) and stay at the BEGGA-MAN NEVO than to work TO WORK AND ELEVATE themselves…
Wow. What a great step. exactly the kind of goodwill that was needed ahead of Copenhagen, especially considering the fact that no major decision regarding REDD is likely to result from COP15. What is good to note is the fact that an independent International institution will be partly responsible for managing this fund. Hopefully this allows for some degree of transparency so that the Guyanese people can see where these funds are being directed. I am sure the GOG is thrilled with these monies as they can now get the much anticipated and highly lauded LCDS underway. However, does this fund provide sufficient incentive for Guyana to agree to preserve its forests and is Guyana losing out?
How was this figure of USD250million decided upon? what does it represent? The carbon services offered by Guyana’s forests? How about the biodiversity value of this ecosystem?
By preserving forests under this fund, the GoG will be able to demonstrate their willingness and commitment to adhere to international agreements. This will make Guyana a more desirable location for other environmental payments. On this point I suggest that investments should be made into research geared at better understanding and modelling Guyana’s forest resource that would allow Guyana to participate in (or put the case forward for) other environmental markets (besides carbon). As the developed world grows more aware of the importance of these ecosystems and the possible threats facing them, their willingness to pay for preserving them will grow even higher. Guyana should therefore position themselves to be able to cash in on other payments for environmental services.
If the GoG was interested in enviormental cahange they would not have been so focused on CASH there are many other sources that would have benefited the nation and the country at large..joe help me out here…
Great Day for the Guyanese nation. Congrats to the PNC, AFC, Kaieteur and Stabroeks News for making this happen.
Sorry Jagdeo and PPP -no credit for ya’all, this is all the fruits of the hard work of the combined opposition. Oh wait, I heard they boycotting parliment but still collecting their salary.
the GoG have to do what they are suppose to do with that money… and the expected results has to be achieved….or else that money is going to be with drawn at the blink of the eye.
Dont think norway is going to be hoodwinked by the GoG,2010 is still some months away, the GoG should make sure all the elements of the partnerships is in place. Norway being the senior partner and all, GoG will have to consult with Norway with almost every decision concerning Guyana rain forest.
That money is not in hand yet, some elements of the partnership have to be in place first.
Come on man!!! Give the guy a hand for making this happen. We should hope that he work with the opposition and all other progressives in Guyana to make something out of this money.
You are funny, dude. Guess you are trying to cheer up some who will be suffering from another GREAT, BIG LET DOWN!
How can we give this man a hand when he has openly put his office to shame by call Freddie Kissoon names on National TV and by making the derogatory remarks to citizens who are simply using their democratic right to speak out when they do not see things as he does.
How can we give this man a hand when he has still allowed Mr. Kwame McCoy – the information liaison acting as the information minister and yet Guyana has not passed the freedom of information act after eons have passed. This man Mr. Jagdeo has allowed Mr. Kwame to still remain in office after allegedly soliciting sex from a boy (which is Buggery and illegal in Guyana) who is a minor (which is another crime).
My dear friend, there are so many to mention not to forget the 300 million that recently went missing from GRA. I have not lived in Guyana all my life but i do know of the atrocities that PNC have done as well. Mr. Jagdeo will never get a hand but needs a whip. I am convinced he does not give a hoot about this country and the people thereof but only for his own personal interests.
With or without you nuaveb,,,Guyana will progress, they do not need your support and your other negative collegues…You can go and hug Freddie Kissoon and join the protest line with him…
so its ok for freddie to call people names like-ghost writers-ppp lackeys and jumbies who oppose his daily trash….i done seh aready…freddie does talk wid de dead…yea..dead pepol…who does guide him in his writings..so dat makes freddie de real jumbie ghost writer…ehehehehehehehe
Ex PPP, Why are you giving credit to PNC, AFC, Kaieteur and Stabroek News ? Theses are the illeterates that never faces any debates in pariliment, and always walking.
All that some ppl have left here on this blog,is their carbon footprint from criticizing this initiative.
Education is a key factor in this drive to preserve our rainforest and let the money be spent wisely.
Witch Dr. all I left is my carbon hand-print.
Thought of the Day
“A truth that’s told with bad intent,”
Beats all the lies you can invent.”
~ William Blake
We were also promised milllions from the British, but look what happened. I will be converted when I see de money in we hand.
Touche my friend touche. I agree with you 200%
haha colin… “guyana will act as manager of the fun”… hopefully, it won’t be the fox watching the chickens… haha