Consultations on Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) are slated to begin next week in the hinterland regions from August 16 through to September 12, 2018. Teams of experts from the Government of Guyana’s Department of Environment and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), with assistance from the World Wildlife Fund Guianas (WWF), will be carrying out meetings in Regions 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
The communities identified for sessions with residents are Charity, Anna Regina, Bartica, Linden, Kwakwani, Kimbia, Moruca, Matthew’s Ridge, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Lethem, Karasabai, Annai, Aishalton, Shulinab, Mahdia, Kamarang, Paramakatoi and Kato.( schedule attached)
The main objectives of these consultations are to raise awareness about the development of Guyana’s State Development Strategy and to ensure that the people can contribute by identifying and prioritising the needs and expectations they have for their region. The inputs from these consultations will be used to influence what is submitted as the final Strategy.
During the sessions participants will be encouraged to communicate their ideas and vision on how Guyana should be developed sustainably over the 20-year development strategy time frame.
The Green State Development Strategy will be Guyana’s 20-year economic and social plan and envisions a transition to a green economy. The Green State Development Strategy will focus on the three pillars of sustainable development: the economy, society and the environment, these will guide Guyana during the transition to a green state.
The GSDS aims to provide a strategy for Guyana’s economic, environmental and social development by diversifying the economy, reducing reliance on resource-intensive sectors and opening new and sustainable income opportunities for Guyanese citizens.
The Strategy will therefore focus on guiding Guyana down a path of development that delivers a clean and healthy environment that provides opportunities to earn a decent wage and enjoy standards of living that promote happy, healthy and wholesome individuals, families and communities.”
Residents in the identified communities are urged to attend the consultations for clarity on any issue they may have and to share their views and expectations.