Guyana launches EU-backed forest investment programme

Guyana has launched a five-year partnership with the European Union and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to develop financial mechanisms for the country’s forest sector. The ‘Financing for Forests’ programme, launched in Georgetown, is expected to operate through 2030 and aligns with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.

The initiative is part of a wider €10 million multi-country programme under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which also includes Colombia, Lao PDR, and Mongolia. In Guyana, the programme will focus on designing and piloting financial instruments to attract sustainable investment into forest management, restoration, and biodiversity conservation.

Potential financing mechanisms under evaluation include biodiversity credits and a trust fund established under the Forests Act. The initial phase involves a joint assessment by the Government of Guyana and the GGGI to determine which mechanisms should proceed to detailed design and pilot implementation.