A $600 million multiyear program has been launched to strengthen the capacity of Amerindian villages and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) in Guyana. The initiative aims to develop and implement effective long-term sustainable plans aligned with national priorities. Led by the NTC, the project includes technical assistance, training programs, and workshops to enhance village leaders' skills and collaboration among stakeholders. It will establish monitoring systems to improve plan implementation and institutional support from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. This initiative is crucial as villages expect significant revenues from Guyana's REDD+ Program, with $4.7 billion disbursed in 2023 for over 500 projects.

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Pradeepa Bholanath, Senior Director (Climate and REDD+) at the Ministry of Natural Resources engages with (at left) Tonje Sødal, Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy in Brazil with responsibility for Guyana at the launch of the project to support the development of village plans. At centre is Odd Magne Ruud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Guyana and at right is Ryan Toolsiram, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. (Shatanand Anude/News Room photo)

A groundbreaking initiative worth US$3 million (equivalent to over G$600 million) was launched to aid indigenous communities in Guyana in creating comprehensive village plans for the next decade. This project stands out for several key reasons:

The National Toshaos Council (NTC), with limited resources in the past, will spearhead the development and execution of long-term village plans for over 240 villages, a significant increase from the previous capacity of managing only 10 plans annually.
The funding, allocated over three years, amounts to an annual estimated budget of $200 million, marking a substantial increase compared to the NTC's previous subvention.
This financial support will enable the NTC to enhance its capabilities and resources, empowering it to better represent indigenous communities' interests.
Villages will receive assistance in crafting, executing, and evaluating their projects, fostering valuable skills in project management and ensuring sustainable development.
The project addresses a crucial need, as indigenous communities aim to effectively utilize funds generated from agreements on carbon storage in forests. While 15% of these funds are allocated to indigenous groups, support is required to design, implement, and monitor projects to maximize their benefits. Previously, assistance focused on one-year plans, but with funding extending to 2032, the NTC is now equipped to facilitate the development of 10-year plans.

The allocated funds will enable the NTC to procure necessary resources, such as vehicles, flights to remote villages, and equipment for their Secretariat. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the NTC's capacity and ensure effective project management.

The initiative reflects a collaborative effort involving governmental bodies, NGOs like Conservation International, and international partners. By empowering indigenous communities to determine and execute projects aligned with their needs and cultural preservation, the project heralds a transformative step forward in village planning.

Projects undertaken by villages encompass a range of initiatives, including agricultural ventures, local entrepreneurship, and infrastructure development. These endeavors are crucial for economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and community development across Guyana's diverse indigenous populations.

Funding for these projects stems from the second phase of Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy, utilizing revenues generated from the sale of carbon credits. This strategy aims to balance economic development with environmental conservation, ensuring the sustainable management of Guyana's forests.

The importance of this funding to indigenous communities is underscored by Derrick John, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council, who emphasizes its transformative potential in turning ideas into reality. This infusion of resources offers a unique opportunity for indigenous communities to pursue their aspirations and enhance their quality of life.

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H.E. President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has been sworn in as the 9th Executive President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Ministers and Members of Cabinet have been sworn in and immediately commenced working.

Please expect GRIF website updates to be forthcoming shortly.