The Government of Guyana inked a historic agreement with Yale University Centre for Biodiversity and Global Change, marking the beginning of a strategic long-term collaboration that brings together science and technology to advance the protection of the world’s biodiversity.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on Wednesday at the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Miss Abena Moore, signed on behalf of Guyana and Dr Alexander Quillian, Managing Director for the Centre of Biodiversity on Global Change, signed on behalf of Yale University.
The agreement will support Guyana’s work on the establishment of the global biodiversity alliance, which includes establishing an International Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity Research and creating a National Biodiversity Information System (NBIS) to help advance Guyana’s leadership in climate conservation.
When he announced the MOU earlier today, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the National Biodiversity Information System will track and visualise biodiversity using maps and data, guide how science can support smart decision-making and assist Guyana in protecting 30 per cent of its land and sea by 2030.
Under this agreement, Guyana will have access to leading experts in global biodiversity, including E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Map of Life (MoL), and the broader Group on Earth Observations (GEO) community.
The first people of Guyana (Amerindians) will play an integral role in this development, with President Ali recognising the important role of the South Rupununi Conservation Society.
“No biodiversity strategy can succeed without the full involvement of those who live closest to nature, our indigenous peoples and local communities,” said the head of state. “In the Rupununi, the discovery of the critically endangered Red Siskin (Spinus cucullatus) led to the formation of the South Rupununi Conservation Society…They have not only helped restore the species, but have built pride, income, and identity through ecotourism, education, and conservation.”
With almost 50 per cent of the world’s biodiversity lost, President Ali stressed that strong, resilient, sustainable partnerships are key to formulating a sustainable agenda for action.
