In 2021, the Guyana Forestry Commission showcased exceptional stewardship of the nation’s forest resources, maintaining an impressively low deforestation rate of 0.042%. This is according to the 2021 Guyana Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) report.
This marked a decrease from the previous year’s rate of 0.057%. The primary driver of deforestation in 2021 was alluvial gold mining, accounting for 89% of the observed deforestation, predominantly occurring in the State Forest Area.
The report said Guyana’s commitment to environmental conservation was evident through the establishment of a National Protected Areas System, encompassing approximately 8.4% of the country’s landmass. This system included notable areas like Kaieteur National Park, Kanashen Community Owned Conservation Area, Kanuku Mountains Protected Area, Shell Beach Protected Area, and various urban parks and botanical gardens. These protected areas served dual purposes as scientific research sites and eco-tourism destinations, contributing to revenue generation and local livelihoods, while also acting as carbon sinks.
Moreover, the Guyana Forestry Commission affirmed its dedication to climate change mitigation by leveraging its forests. The implementation of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and annual assessments aligned with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 reflected a strategic approach. LCDS 2030 aims to establish a new low-carbon economy, valuing ecosystem services and promoting sustainability as a fundamental aspect of global development.
With historically low deforestation rates over the past 30 years (0.02% to 0.070% yr-1), the country designated approximately 12.6 million hectares as State Forests under the Guyana Forestry Commission’s management. Indigenous communities managed around 15.6% of the forest surface, while the remaining areas were designated as protected and research zones, including Kaieteur National Park, Iwokrama forest, Kanuku Mountains Protected Area, Konashen Community Conservation Area, and Shell Beach Protected Area, encompassing mangrove forests.
