Indigenous leaders to showcase ‘sustainable development’ at upcoming Global Biodiversity Summit

The sustainable use of Guyana’s natural resources by Guyana’s Indigenous communities will be on full display at an upcoming international forum, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said on Monday.

Guyana is set to host the world’s first Global Biodiversity Alliance, a groundbreaking initiative that will spotlight the country’s leadership in sustainable development under its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. As he addressed the opening ceremony of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference on Monday, President Ali said Guyana’s indigenous leaders will play a vital role in the forum.

“We are expanding the LCDS to include biodiversity as in the LCDS 2030 and Guyana will be hosting the first Global Biodiversity Alliance right here… where once again you the leaders of the Indigenous communities will have an opportunity to showcase to the world what sustainable development really feels like, looks like and mean,” the Head of State said.

At the two-day Global Biodiversity Summit in July, participants will focus on establishing a market for biodiversity credits, scaling conservation efforts, and promoting nature-positive actions.

“The greatest contribution to the LCDS came from you, the Amerindian leaders and people, because we did it through consultations with you, we did it by honouring your intellectual ability, your cultural contribution, your sustainable ideas. We did it by engagement with you,” President Ali affirmed.

On Monday, he also commended Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who the president described as the “architect” of the LCDS, for his vision and leadership.