World Bank joins Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance

The Government of Guyana has welcomed the inclusion of the International Development Association of the World Bank Group as a formal partner in the Global Biodiversity Alliance, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding Friday.

The agreement establishes cooperation to strengthen global efforts on the conservation, protection, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity through the Global Biodiversity Alliance, an initiative launched by Guyana to expand international collaboration on environmental protection and financing.
The MOU was signed by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, and by World Bank Group Director for Environment, Dr Valerie Hickey, representing the IDA.
The Government said the partnership reflects continued international engagement with Guyana’s environmental and development agenda, which has been advanced under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali. It also noted that the initiative builds on Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 and its forest climate services approach, which links forest conservation with economic value and development outcomes.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Singh said the participation of the World Bank strengthens global cooperation on biodiversity.
He said the partnership will help expand financing and international coordination for biodiversity protection and sustainable development, and noted that Guyana has demonstrated that natural capital can support development while maintaining ecosystems.
According to the Finance Ministry, collaboration under the agreement will focus on knowledge sharing, joint initiatives, research, stakeholder engagement, and mobilising financing for biodiversity-related programmes.
The Global Biodiversity Alliance is intended to complement existing international frameworks, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It seeks to increase awareness of biodiversity loss and improve access to financing for conservation and sustainable use initiatives.
Guyana and the World Bank have maintained a longstanding partnership in areas including climate resilience, forest conservation, and institutional strengthening. The Government said this new phase of cooperation will further support efforts to scale biodiversity financing and expand sustainable development opportunities.
The Government of Guyana said it looks forward to continued collaboration with the World Bank and other partners as the Alliance advances its objectives.