EU reaffirms commitment to bolster climate change adaptation in Guyana

The European Union has recommitted to bolstering climate change adaptation and environmental partnerships with civil society, Government agencies, and non-government organisations in Guyana.
This was announced by the EU Ambassador to Guyana, Rene Van Nes during a reception on Thursday evening to commemorate Europe Day 2024.
During his remarks at the reception, the Ambassador underscored the importance of fostering cooperation between the bloc and Guyana while highlighting several initiatives that were being spearheaded in Guyana to focus on increasing joint attention to the environment and climate change, peace, and sustainable development.

He explained that the EU was prepared to further develop other initiatives with the same goals, and this would be facilitated through the provision of financial and technical support, capacity building, and research, among other areas.
Among the agencies paving the way for this charter were the Guyana Forestry Commission, ChildLink Guyana, the Amerindian Peoples Association, and the Guyana Marine Conservation Society.
“Some of our projects are so successful that we can get additional funding and one of my favourites is the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme… and it is a brand itself. The project ensures a sustainable future for wildlife while supporting the Indigenous people in the Rupununi, and with success also comes the need to expand, so we will also grow through our Global Gateway Initiative,” the EU Ambassador said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, also stated that the European Union was an integral partner for Guyana’s development across the economic, environmental, and security spheres.
According to Phillips, Guyana’s partnership with the European Union is rooted in shared democratic values and cooperation.
On this point, he posited that the EU was one of the world’s foremost integration movements, fostering the goals of cooperation and peace among its member states.
“Guyana lauds the EU for its proactive measures, engaging in promoting global cooperation, providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries, and advocating for ambitious targets at international forums. Guyana is championing carbon neutrality. We have benefited significantly from the issuance of funds from the EU in support of our climate change adaptation capacity, which is spearheaded under the Integrated Coastal Management Programme.”
In noting the shared priorities between Guyana and the EU in mitigating climate impacts and fostering sustainable development, Phillips also welcomed the recently-signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to make Guyana one of five countries to partner with the EU on forest protection as part of the European Green Deal.
This collaboration reflects the shared commitment to environmental sustainability and underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling this critical issue.
“The relationship between Guyana and the European Union is predicated on the respect for democracy, human rights, the environment, and the promotion of sustainable development. Our cooperation and collaboration, over the years, have advanced across many sectors, resulting in beneficial cooperation in areas including trade and investment, forestry, coastal zone management, and health. The European Union is an important trading partner and a valued source of Foreign Direct Investment,” the PM added.
Additionally, he commended the EU’s commitment to transparent and credible electoral processes, which he said reflected its “broader dedication to democratic values, human rights, the rule of law, good governance, and the promotion of inclusive and participatory political systems.”
Moreover, the Prime Minister highlighted the EU’s significant role in supporting Guyana’s development priorities through its assistance, which has resulted in notable improvements in critical sectors, such as health and forestry.