The National Toshaos Council (NTC) and the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (Iwokrama) recently announced their collaboration in providing mentorship to indigenous villages and communities for the preparation of Village Sustainability Plans (VSPs).
VSPs provide details on the projects decided upon by the residents of each respective community. These plans are financed by revenues earned under the Forest Carbon Credits Programme of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
Last year December, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo had revealed that Amerindian communities across Guyana will be benefitting from some US$112 million under an agreement with Hess Corporation for the sale of the country’s carbon credits.
He had said this is in keeping with a commitment that 15 percent of the proceeds from any sale of forest carbon will go to Amerindian communities, in both forested and non-forested areas.
The VP had explained as well that Guyana will be receiving $187 million, as payment for what is termed the ‘legacy period’ (2016-2020). For the period 2021 to 2025, a payment of $250 million is expected; and for 2025 to 2030, $350 million, under the agreement.
Guyana Standard understands that the NTC’s executive members and technical staff are providing guidance to villages and communities at their request, in developing their village plans. Iwokrama’s support to the Council would cover expenses associated with these exercises in Deep South and South Central Rupununi., Region 9
The simple signing ceremony on an agreement to ensure the smooth flow of this mentorship programme was held at Iwokrama’s Georgetown office on Monday. It was attended by Programme Coordinator, Ms. Nandanie Jerry, who represented Toshao Derrick John, NTC Chairman. She expressed appreciation to Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dane Gobin and Director for Resource Management and Training Dr. Raquel Thomas for Iwokrama’s timely support.
Mr Gobin, in brief remarks stated his satisfaction for the opportunity to support the NTC’s important work with the villages as part of the LCDS 2030. Further, he expressed Iwokrama’s interest in strengthening ties with the NTC in areas of collaborative research, sustainable natural resources management, preserving indigenous culture among other areas.
The NTC is the representative body of all Toshaos. It engages with Government and other partners on behalf of all villages; promotes good governance practices; and advocates for sustainable management of natural resources.
