Guyana receives US$12.5 million pledge for biodiversity conservation

Four charitable organisations, including the Rainforest Trust, the Basis Earth Fund, Andy’s Amazon Fund, and Nia Tero, have pledged a collective US$12.5 million to support conservation efforts in Guyana. The announcement was made by Rainforest Trust CEO Dr. James C. Deutsch during the Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference.

The funding aims to support Guyana’s commitment to conserving 30 per cent of its land and waters by 2030, including the protection of 1.5 million hectares in the Akarai-Rupununi Corridor. The pledge is intended to strengthen institutions managing protected areas and empower indigenous communities.

In a related development, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is planning to establish a private sector forest conservation fund. GCCI President Kathy Smith stated the fund would allow businesses of all sizes, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, to contribute directly to conservation through small, affordable amounts. This initiative seeks to support government conservation efforts through corporate social responsibility.