The National Protected Areas System (NAPS) can now look forward to improved infrastructure through the protected areas compliments of €4.8M funding from the German Development Bank (GDB).
The monies will initiate the project ‘Guyana Protected Area System’ for the Protected Areas Commission (PAC). This project will see a new guesthouse at the Kaieteur National Park; ranger stations and outposts at the Shell Beach Protected Area, Kanuku Mountains Protected Area and the Kaieteur National Park along with offices at Lethem and in Briama-Waini (Region One).
Just recently, the PAC and the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP) signed the Project Financing Agreement for the implementation of the Guyana Protected Areas System Phase III (GPAS III).
The €4.8M project focuses on supporting the development of infrastructure in three protected areas in Guyana; community resource use (including livelihood related projects); and capacity building for effective management of the protected areas.
Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, Mrs Denise Fraser, and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Ms Abena Moore, signed the agreement on behalf of the respective agencies to formalise the channeling of the project funds to the PAC for the implementation of the project, which is a requirement under the project agreement, signed with the donor, KfW Entwicklungsbank (German Development Bank).
Administrative Director, Protected Areas Commission, Mrs Denise Bentinck and Technical Officer, Ministry of the Presidency Ms Natasha Ramdas witnessed the signing.
Guyana has already benefited from technical and financial support for the development of the NPAS under two phases of the project, which are expected to be completed by 2022.
With the continued support and cooperation between the KfW, the MoTP and the PAC, Guyana will move closer towards the Commission’s vision of a world-class protected areas system that protects nature and improves lives.
