At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Guyana was lauded for its global leadership in climate action, cementing its position as a trailblazer in sustainable development and forest conservation.
The highlight of Guyana’s participation at the conference was the prestigious Transparency Award presented to the country for its exceptional commitment to transparent climate reporting. The award was delivered at the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) event by Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC. Guyana was one of the first countries globally to undergo an in-country review of its BTR, setting an important precedent for improving the quality and transparency of climate data.
Pradeepa Bholanath, Senior Director of Climate and REDD+ at Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources, accepted the award on behalf of the government, underscoring the nation’s commitment to climate action and its role as a model for others to follow.
“This recognition underscores Guyana’s dedication to ensuring that climate data is not only accurate but accessible and transparent,” said Bholanath. “As one of the first nations to undergo this review, we hope to inspire others to follow suit in their climate reporting efforts.”
Co-Chairing the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership
Guyana’s role in global climate leadership continued to shine with the announcement that it would co-chair the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) alongside the United Kingdom. The FCLP, established at COP26 in Glasgow, is a coalition of over 30 countries committed to halting and reversing deforestation and land degradation by 2030.
This new position builds on Guyana’s previous success in chairing the Carbon Markets Working Group, highlighting its growing influence in global efforts to combat climate change. During the event, it was noted that Guyana had received US$227 million in results-based payments from the Guyana-Norway Agreement and US$237.5 million from a groundbreaking deal with Hess for the sale of ART-TREES carbon credits. These payments represent one of the largest flows of forest carbon finance globally and have played a crucial role in advancing forest conservation efforts.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, expressed pride in Guyana’s new leadership role within the FCLP. “We are pleased to work alongside the United Kingdom as co-chairs of this important partnership. The next year is critical for advancing global forest conservation efforts, especially as Brazil prepares to host COP30,” Bharrat remarked. “Our experience shows that results-based payments and carbon credits can combine to drive both environmental and economic benefits. It is time for action, not theory.”
The FCLP aims to integrate forest conservation with sustainable development, providing practical solutions to forest-rich countries looking to advance climate action while fostering economic growth. Bharrat stressed that global cooperation in this area is vital for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.
**Indigenous Communities at the Forefront of Climate Action**
Guyana’s commitment to climate action also includes prioritizing the role of indigenous peoples and local communities in forest conservation. At COP29, Pradeepa Bholanath, alongside Sonia Latchman, Deputy of the National Toshaos Council, shared Guyana’s experiences and highlighted the invaluable contributions of indigenous communities to climate solutions.
“We know that indigenous communities are the true stewards of our forests,” Bholanath said. “Their involvement in climate solutions is essential to ensuring that our forests are not only preserved but thrive in the face of climate change.”
Guyana has been a strong advocate for incorporating indigenous knowledge and leadership into global climate discussions, recognizing that successful climate solutions must be inclusive and community-driven.
**Participation in Critical Climate Negotiations**
In addition to receiving international recognition, Guyana has been an active participant in high-level climate negotiations, particularly in areas such as climate finance, REDD+, and adaptation under the Paris Agreement. These discussions are central to establishing effective frameworks for the implementation of market and non-market mechanisms aimed at tackling climate change.
Guyana has been a vocal advocate for practical, results-based approaches that integrate ambitious climate goals with sustainable development. The country’s involvement in these negotiations reflects its ongoing commitment to playing an active role in shaping the global climate agenda.
Vanessa Benn, Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator for the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), participated in an event hosted by Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, which showcased Guyana’s pioneering work in carbon markets. This event also highlighted the work of the Commonwealth Finance Hub, an initiative spearheaded by former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, which has enabled developing Commonwealth countries to access critical climate finance.
Global Recognition of Guyana’s Climate Leadership
International leaders have praised Guyana’s proactive approach to climate action. The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net-Zero, Ed Miliband, commended Guyana’s leadership within the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership and its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which he called a model for other nations seeking to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Similarly, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, the outgoing chair of the FCLP, applauded Guyana’s efforts in sustainable forest management and its continued contributions to the global climate agenda. “Guyana’s approach serves as a shining example for other nations, showing that it is possible to take bold climate action while ensuring the well-being of local communities and economies.”
**A Bright Future for Guyana’s Climate Leadership**
As COP29 continues in Baku, Guyana’s achievements in climate action have set a high standard for other countries. With its leadership in the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership, its commitment to transparency in climate reporting, and its focus on indigenous and community involvement, Guyana is not only meeting its own climate goals but also helping to drive global progress.
The recognition at COP29 underscores the critical role Guyana is playing in the global fight against climate change. As the country continues to build on its successes, it remains committed to fostering a sustainable future for both its people and the planet.
