Indigenous leaders engaged on Guyana’s low carbon and biodiversity agenda

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May 22, 2026

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Guyana’s Department of Environment and Climate Change held talks with the Executive Body of the National Toshaos Council on the country’s low-carbon development and biodiversity priorities.

The engagement took place on Thursday and was led by Pradeepa Bholanath, Senior Director for Climate and REDD+.

The meeting focused on the implementation of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, the current status of carbon credit sales, developments in global carbon markets, and the work of the Global Biodiversity Alliance.

The Alliance was launched under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali, with the National Toshaos Council among its founding members. On Monday, the United Nations joined the Global Biodiversity Alliance as its 97th member, further strengthening the initiative’s international reach.

Bholanath also exchanged ideas with Indigenous leaders on biodiversity conservation at the village level, including possible approaches to conservation financing and the development of Monitoring, Reporting and Verification systems for biodiversity.

The discussions formed part of continuing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Government of Guyana and Indigenous leaders on sustainable development, forest protection and environmental stewardship.

Officials said the engagement underscored the role of Indigenous communities in advancing Guyana’s low-carbon model, particularly as the country seeks to link forest conservation, biodiversity protection and development financing.

Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 is central to the country’s climate and development agenda. It aims to maintain the country’s forests while using climate and carbon finance to support clean energy, adaptation, Indigenous and hinterland development, and other national priorities.

The meeting also comes as Guyana continues to promote the Global Biodiversity Alliance as a platform for international cooperation on biodiversity conservation, financing and scientific collaboration.