Guyana and UK Sign Agreement to Enhance Forest Governance and Sustainable Development
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom establishing a strengthened framework for cooperation under the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme (FGMC2) and reinforcing Guyana’s global leadership in sustainable forest management, low-carbon development, and climate action.
Georgetown said that the agreement marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership with London grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a joint commitment to safeguarding the world’s forests and forest-dependent communities.
Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, said the agreement deepens technical cooperation at a time of growing global focus on sustainable forestry, reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to maintaining low deforestation and strengthening national forest governance systems.
Bharrat said the agreement also directly supports the national priorities articulated under the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030) that sets out a transformative pathway for Guyana.
The government said the agreement contributes to the LCDS2030 vision by providing targeted support to the country’s forest governance architecture, expand sustainable market access for timber and other forest products as well as enhancing financial sustainability and economic opportunities for forest-dependent communities.
It said the collaboration will also support the establishment of the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System (GTLAS) that underpin credible, transparent, and internationally recognised forest management systems.
The MoU reaffirms the UK’s confidence in Guyana’s forest stewardship and acknowledges Guyana’s exceptional record as one of the world’s most intact, sustainably managed tropical forest countries.
Under the programme, the UK will continue to provide technical, institutional, and implementation support, including through the European Forest Institute’s Rapid Response Programme and other collaborative mechanisms.
British High Commissioner, Jane Miller reiterated London’s strong commitment to working alongside Guyana to address global climate and biodiversity challenges.
She noted that Guyana’s leadership continues to set a powerful example for countries worldwide.
The Ministry of Natural Resources said it welcomes the renewed collaboration as a model of effective, modern climate diplomacy.
