Over 600 trained by FAO as Guyana builds next-generation land management system

Guyana’s drive toward a modern, climate-resilient land governance framework has taken a significant step forward with the successful implementation of the Sustainable Land Development and Management (SLDM) project, which has trained more than 600 people nationwide in sustainable land-use practices.

Speaking at the project’s closing ceremony and workshop on Tuesday, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative Dr Gillian Smith said the initiative reflects Guyana’s vision for a “modern, resilient, people-centred system—one that tackles land degradation, climate risks and unplanned development.”

Dr Smith noted the depth of national participation, highlighting engagement with more than 20 national and regional agencies. She said the training, which targeted surveyors, farmers, miners, students and planners, has helped build “a strong ecosystem for land governance.”

In addition to broad-based capacity building, the project directly involved almost 100 farmers, 30 miners and nearly 170 local actors who received hands-on training in diagnosing land degradation and applying sustainable land management tools.

“This is capacity that has been built at scale—creating impact that lasts,” she said.

The SLDM initiative also benefitted from international expertise, with technical support from Brazil, Canada and several Caribbean countries in areas such as digital mapping, soil restoration and climate-smart agriculture. Dr Smith credited the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) for ensuring that these innovations are now embedded in Guyana’s long-term systems.

Among the project’s major achievements are digital transformation, strengthened national institutions, upgraded equipment, land management pilot programmes and improved access to services for more than 10,000 land users.

Although the project formally concludes on December 31, 2025, Dr Smith said its outcomes are already laying the foundation for “the next generation of land administration” and more climate-resilient livelihoods. She reaffirmed FAO’s continued support for Guyana’s efforts to advance sustainable land governance, food security and climate resilience.

GLSC Chief Executive Officer Enrique Monize also praised the project, saying it created an enabling environment by enhancing land administration systems, improving land services and strengthening decision-making processes. He added that the initiative positions Guyana to advance long-term economic, social and environmental development in line with the country’s Local Carbon Development Policy 2030.

“The project has not only enhanced national capacity but also laid the groundwork for more resilient land management solutions aligned with national development priorities and global sustainability commitments,” Monize said.