GUYANA

GUYANA National Capacity Self-Assessment (PIMS 2864) PART II STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN for Synergistic Environmental Capacity Development for Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Land Degradation 2007-2011 Funded by Global Environment Facility Environmental Protection Agency Georgetown March, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................... iii ACRONYMS ........................................................................................................................... iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... I 1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... I 2. OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................. I 3. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES .......................................................................................... II 4. CAPACITY ISSUES ..................................................................................................................................... III 5. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES ......................................................................................................................... III 6. STRATEGIC VISION, MISSION AND OUTCOMES ............................................................................... IV 7. IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE .......................................................................................................... IV 8. NEXT STEPS IN IMPLEMENTING THE ACTION PLAN ........................................................................ V 1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 THE NATIONAL CAPACITY SELF ASSESSMENT ................................................................................1 1.2 GUYANA AND ITS ENVIRONMENT .......................................................................................................2 1.3 GUYANA AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................3 1.4 OBJECTIVE AND STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT .................................................................................3 2. OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN THE THEMATIC AREAS .......................................................................................................... 6 2.1 THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK ..........................................................................6 2.1.1 Millennium Development Goals ............................................................................................................6 2.1.2 Other Sustainable Development Principles ............................................................................................6 2.2 MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS (MEAS)...........................................................7 2.2.1 Obligations under the UNCBD ..............................................................................................................7 2.2.2 Cross-Cutting Issues ...............................................................................................................................8 2.2.3 Guyana‟s progress in relation to the UNCBD ........................................................................................9 2.2.4 Obligations under the UNFCCC .......................................................................................................... 10 2.2.5 Guyana‟s progress in relation to the UNFCCC .................................................................................... 11 2.2.6 Obligations under the UNCCD ............................................................................................................ 12 2.2.7 Progress in relation to the UNCCD ...................................................................................................... 14 2.3 OTHER REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLANS ................................................................................. 14 2.3.1 Barbados Programme of Action ........................................................................................................... 14 2.3.2 Mauritius Strategy for the further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States .......................................................................................... 15 3. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES .......................................................... 18 3.1 GUYANA‟S POLICY POSITION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ............................................. 18 3.2 PRIORITIES OUTLINED IN NATIONAL REPORTS ............................................................................. 19 3.2.1 National Environmental Action Plan.................................................................................................... 19 3.2.2 National Biodiversity Action Plan ....................................................................................................... 19 3.2.3 National Policy on Biodiversity ........................................................................................................... 20 3.2.4 National Forest Policy/National Forest Plan/Draft Forest Act ............................................................. 20 3.2.5 National Communication to the UNFCCC ........................................................................................... 20 3.2.6 Guyana Climate Change Action Plan ................................................................................................... 21 3.2.7 National Action Programme to the UNCCD ........................................................................................ 22 3.2.8 The Environmental Protection Act ....................................................................................................... 22 4. NATIONAL PRIORITIES FROM NCSA ASSESSMENTS ......................................... 23 i 5. SUMMARY OF CAPACITY ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FROM NCSA ASSESSMENTS ................................................................................................................ 25 6. SUMMARY OF CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES FROM NCSA ASSESSMENTS .......... 27 6.1 CROSS-CUTTING CAPACITY PRIORITIES .......................................................................................... 27 6.2 CROSS-CUTTING CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SYNERGIES ............ 29 6.2.1 Description of Key Capacity Constraints ............................................................................................. 29 6.2 SYNERGIES ............................................................................................................................................... 30 6.2.1 Opportunities for synergy ..................................................................................................................... 30 6.2.2 Institutional requirements and structures .............................................................................................. 31 6.2.3 Capacity development .......................................................................................................................... 32 7. GUYANA’S STRATEGIC VISION, MISSION AND OBJECTIVES FOR SYNERGISTIC ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT .................... 33 7.1 GUYANA‟S POLICY POSITION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT .............................................................................................................................................. 33 7.2 STRATEGIC OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES FOR CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT .......................... 34 8. ACTION PLAN .................................................................................................................. 35 8.1 PREAMBLE ................................................................................................................................................ 35 8.2 ACTION PLAN FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................................ 36 8.2.1 Outcome 1: Enhanced Conventions Management and Financing ........................................................ 36 8.2.2 Outcome 2: Improved National Environmental Management Framework .......................................... 39 8.2.3 Outcome 3: Research and Development promoted in National Priority Areas .................................... 46 8.2.4 Outcome 4: Improved Human Capacity, Public Awareness and Stakeholder Involvement ................ 48 9. IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURES AND STRATEGIES ....................................... 50 10. PROPOSED BUDGET FOR ESTABLISHING AN IMPLEMENTATION UNIT/SECRETARIAT ..................................................................................................... 51 11. MONITORING AND EVALUATION .......................................................................... 52 12. PROPOSED NEXT STEPS IN IMPLEMENTING THE ACTION PLAN ............... 53 ANNEXES.............................................................................................................................- 1 ANNEX A. LIST OF EXTERNALLY FUNDED PROJECTS ..................................................................... - 1 List of Biodiversity Projects ....................................................................................................................... - 1 List of Climate Change Projects ................................................................................................................. - 3 ANNEX B. LIST OF PIPELINE PROJECTS FOR BIODIVERSITY .......................................................... - 4 ANNEX C. LIST OF PIPELINE PROJECTS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE ................................................... - 6 ANNEX D. LIST OF PIPELINE PROJECTS FOR LAND MANAGEMENT ............................................. - 7 - LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Current National Priorities by Thematic Areas identified from NCSA Assessments. .............................24 Table 2. Capacity Issues and Opportunities at the Individual, Institutional and Systemic levels. .........................25 Table 3. Capacity Issues and Opportunities in the Legal and Regulatory Framework, Policy Framework, and Institutional Framework. ........................................................................................................................................27 Table 4. Capacity Constraints/Deficiencies experienced across the thematic areas by key stakeholder organizations. .........................................................................................................................................................29 Table 5. Proposed Budget for Coordination Unit for the Action Plan. ..................................................................51 ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The National Capacity Self Assessment team would like to thank all those who contributed to the accomplishment of this environmental capacity needs assessment. We wish to thank the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for providing funding; United Nations Development Programme, Guyana, the Implementing Agency, for providing continuous guidance; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana, the Executing Agency, for continuous support and guidance; the Focal Points for the three Conventions: the Environmental Protection Agency (UNCBD), the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (UNCCD), and the Hyrdometeorological Service (UNFCCC) for their contributions; the Project Steering Committee for guidance during the execution of the project; and other agencies (Government, Private Sector, NGOs, etc.) that contributed to the process. In addition, we wish to extend our appreciation to the Consultants: Dr. Paulette Bynoe, Mr. Sheik Khan, Mr. Shyam Nokta, Dr. Gary Clarke, Mr. Teni Housty and Ms. Sandra Jones, who have contributed expertise towards the shaping of the project. Special thanks to Mr. Doorga Persaud, Executive Director of the EPA; Dr. Indarjit Ramdass, Director of Natural Resources Management Division, EPA; Mr. Ramesh Lilwah, Biodiversity Specialist, EPA; Ms. Parmeshwarie Pitamber, Senior Environmental Officer, EPA; Ms. Carole Noble, Administrative Assistant, NCSA Guyana Project; Ms. Cydecia McClure, Environmental Officer I, EPA; Mr. Ian Kissoon, Environmental Officer II, EPA; Mr. Andrew Bishop, Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; Mr. Dilip Jaigopaul, Chief Hydrometeorological Officer of the Hydrometeorological Service; Ms. Patsy Ross, Programme Specialist, UNDP, Guyana; Ms. Juanita Mangal, Programme Assistant, UNDP, Guyana; and the Ministry of Local Government and the ten Regional Administrations, for their support and contributions. We also wish to thank Dr. I. Ramdass for editing and formatting the Strategy and Action Plan. ACRONYMS ABS CDI CHM CI-G CIDA COP CPACC CREP EPA GEA GEF GFC GGMC GINA GINRIS GLSC GoG GuySuCo IADB IAST ITCZ MACC MDGs MEA MFI MinTIC MoA MoAA MoE MoF MoFA MoLA MoLG NAP NARI NBAP NCC NCU Access and Benefit Sharing Capacity Development Initiative Clearing House Mechanism Conservation International, Guyana Canada International Development Agency Conference of Parties Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change Caribbean Regional Environment Programme Environmental Protection Agency Guyana Energy Authority Global Environment Facility Guyana Forestry Commission Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Government Information Agency (Guyana) Guyana Integrated Natural Resources Information System Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission Government of Guyana Guyana Sugar Corporation Inter-American Development Bank Institute of Applied Science and Technology Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone Mainstreaming Adaptation for Climate Change in the Caribbean Millennium Development Goals Multilateral Environmental Agreement Multilateral Financial Institutions Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commerce Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Ministry of Education Ministry of Finance Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Legal Affairs Ministry of Local Government National Action Programme National Agricultural Research Institute National Biodiversity Action Plan National Climate Committee National Climate Unit iv NCSA NDCs NDS NEAP NPAS NPC NREAC OP PMU PRSP PSC SENES SLM UN UNCBD/CBD UNCCD UNCED UNDP UNFCCC WWF National Capacity Self Assessment Neighborhood Democratic Councils National Development Strategy National Environmental Action Programme National Protected Areas System National Parks Commission Natural Resources and Environment Advisory Committee Office of the President Project Management Unit Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Private Sector Commission Specialists in Nuclear, Energy, and Environmental Sciences Sustainable Land Management United Nations United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification United Nations Conference on Environment and Development United Nations Development Programme United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change World Wildlife Fund for Nature v EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. INTRODUCTION The primary outputs of the NCSA process in Guyana were the NCSA Report, and the Strategy and Action Plan. The NCSA Report summarizes the process and outputs of assessments undertaken in earlier phases and should be regarded as the diagnostic framework and companion report to this Strategy and Action Plan. The objective of the Strategy and Action Plan is to promote and achieve synergies (amplified linkages) in overall environmental management that will enhance meeting national environmental priorities, and address the obligations of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), through synergistic capacity development. This would be done through addressing capacity development priorities, identified from earlier assessments in the NCSA process, and highlighting specific opportunities relevant to global environmental commitments and national priority issues, thereby contributing to sustainable development. 2. OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Guyana has unequivocally declared its commitment to sustainable development. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) serve as the new global framework for sustainable development by setting social equity goals and targets that aim at contributing to economic development while ensuring environmental sustainability. Other sustainable development principles enshrined in MEAs include the precautionary principle, polluter pays, user pays, inter- and intragenerational equity, free prior and informed consent and helping risk-bearers to participate in decisions as well as risk-takers, principles. The Country has also signed on to several MEAs in pursuit of sustainable development. These include the RIO Conventions: United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD); the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which are the main focus of the NCSA Project. Guyana as a Party to the RIO Conventions has a number of obligations including the development and implementation of effective policies, legislation, strategies and programmes, mobilization of information and knowledge, building consensus and partnerships among all stakeholders, systematic monitoring, and reporting on progress to the Conference of Parties. The country, although faced with limited resources (technical and financial), has been able to accomplish many positive steps in meeting these obligations. Notable among these accomplishments are the preparation and submission of National Reports, development of Action Plans, policies, and strategies in the three areas. Guyana‟s sustainable development efforts are also guided by other regional environmental plans such as the Barbados Programme of Action and the Mauritius Strategy of Action. I 3. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES Numerous national priorities are outlined in national reports. However, the NCSA Assessments have highlighted current national priorities for the thematic areas of Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Land Degradation as per the following: Biodiversity priorities:              In situ and ex situ Conservation of Biodiversity; Research and Training for Biodiversity management; Improvement of the availability, accessibility and exchange of information; Finalization of draft legislation to address biodiversity issues; Synchronization of existing pieces of legislation; Translation of knowledge and awareness of biodiversity into responsible actions at the individual and collective levels; Development of Methods, Criteria and Indicators for sustainable use of Biodiversity and natural resources (including energy); Sustainable livelihood alternatives; Developing measures to promote sustainable use of Guyana‟s Biodiversity; Identification, monitoring and evaluation of Biodiversity; Financial and technical resources for biodiversity conservation and management; Integrated ecosystems, plant conservation and protected areas management; and Integrated fresh water management. Climate Change priorities:            Inventory of GHGs: preparation and update; Adaptation Sector Plans: Coastal Zone Strategies and Plans and activities; National Communication: second update; Mitigation Sector Plans: energy and other sectors; Systematic Monitoring and Research; Planned response to the impacts of climate change effects; Education, training and public awareness; Access to information; Mitigation activities; Environmentally Sound Technologies; and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) activities. Land Degradation priorities:         Implementation of the National Action Programme (NAP); Approval of the draft Land Use Policy; Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening; National Steering Committee to be more proactive; Development of a financing strategy for implementation of the NAP; Education and Awareness; Comprehensive study and assessment of current land uses and practices and factors contributing to land degradation; Information gathering and development of a national clearing house for information regarding land uses, UNCCD and land degradation; II     Development of early and forecasting warning systems for droughts and floods; Harmonization of legislation and institutional framework for sustainable land management and land use planning; Improved institutional cooperation and collaboration for sustainable land management; and Better linkage between the National Focal Point, Government Agencies, and NGOs and Civil Society regarding UNCCD and sustainable land management. 4. CAPACITY ISSUES The NCSA assessed the country‟s capacity to achieve its current national priorities at the Individual, Institutional and Systemic levels. Key findings showed that capacity weaknesses at the Individual level included insufficient knowledge, information and skills of the Conventions, and limited alternative livelihood opportunities. At the Institutional level, there were duplication of responsibilities, need for streamlining of vision, mission and strategic planning, need for improved monitoring and enforcement, limited financial resources, limited human resources, lack of equipment and other resources, and limited stakeholder involvement. At the systemic level, there was a clear need for an improved policy and legal framework, improvement in coordination of implementation of Conventions, increased national budgetary allocations for the environment, and the need to improve processes and relationships with Agencies and civil society as a whole. 5. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES The assessment of the issues revealed the following cross-cutting priorities for Guyana:                Human resources; Inter-agency collaboration and coordination; Information gathering, management, storage, and exchange; National and international funding; Land use and planning; Community-based natural resource management; Monitoring; Training and education; Research; Public awareness and participation; Development and enforcement of policy and laws; Poverty reduction; Sub-regional and regional international cooperation; Traditional knowledge; and Technology development and transfer. The Cross-Cutting issues were further examined in the Legal and Regulatory framework, the Policy framework, and the Institutional Framework, for capacity weakness and opportunities. The assessment of the Legal and Regulatory framework showed that there was limited and not clearly defined or coherent foundation for implementation of mandates which cut across Conventions: fragmentation of laws exists; there were gaps in Convention coverage; there was need for a stable and predictable legal and regulatory environment by way of development and enforcement of policies and laws; there was need for ensuring compliance with environmental laws; there was need to develop a III robust detailed harmonized framework of liability and redress; planned laws on integrated ecosystems, biodiversity conservation and protected areas management to be informed by policy considerations and institutional responsibilities; and the need for streamlining land-use laws, and integrating environmental concerns into the current reform process. The assessment of the Policy framework showed that there was need to revise outdated policy instruments; link poverty reduction with environmental concerns; develop policies on integrated ecosystems, biodiversity conservation and protected areas management; review and develop clear mandates on information gathering, management, storage and exchange; need to examine Convention mechanisms which are geared to addressing national and international funding; and the need to integrate environmental concerns into trade policies. The assessment of the Institutional and Policy framework showed that there was a clear need for streamlining of institutions to ensure optimal use of limited resources, and streamlining of Conventions management. 6. STRATEGIC VISION, MISSION AND OUTCOMES Guyana‟s Strategic Vision for Capacity Development for Environmental Management should be in synchrony with Guyana‟s Policy position on Sustainable Development, that which is expressed in the EP Act, and in the National Development Strategy. The Vision of this Capacity Development Action Plan is: By the year 2027, Guyana will have an efficient harmonized system of environmental management which will enhance the country‟s ability in meeting the obligations of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements. This will incorporate economic, environment and social values, and protect and maintain environmental integrity during planning and implementation. It will also allow for participation at all levels of society and the distribution of benefits equitably across socio-economic strata and gender. The Mission of this Action Plan is: To develop Guyana‟s capacity to address national priorities in meeting the obligations of Multilateral Environmental Agreements in the thematic areas of Biodiversity, Climate Change and Desertification/Land Degradation, through synergistic capacity development actions. The Expected Outcomes of this Action Plan are: Outcome 1: Outcome 2: Outcome 3: Outcome 4: Enhanced Multilateral Environmental Agreements Management and Financing. Improved National Environmental Management Framework. Research and Development promoted in National Priority Areas. Improved Human Capacity, Public Awareness and Stakeholder Involvement for National and Global Priorities. 7. IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE The following are possible implementation structures for the Action Plan: IV Option A: Option B: Option C: Option D: Establishment of a National Coordinating Secretariat for implementation of the Action Plan and Conventions responsible to an Environmental Capacity Working Group given the responsibility for oversight of the Action Plan, with overall reporting responsibilities to the Natural Resources and Environment Advisory Committee (NREAC). The Capacity Working Group should have representation from the key stakeholders Agencies, NGOs, Private Sector, the Scientific Community and Civil Society. The Environmental Protection Agency to be responsible for coordinating the Action Plan, establishing a Steering Committee for oversight and monitoring of the progress of activities. Establishment of a National Coordinating Secretariat for implementation of the Action Plan and Conventions activities within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A combination of any of the above options. 8. NEXT STEPS IN IMPLEMENTING THE ACTION PLAN The following steps have been identified for implementation of the Action Plan: 1. Secure high-level political support by way of Cabinet approval of the Strategy and Action Plan. 2. Decide on an implementation structure. 3. Develop Terms of References for chosen implementation structure, including requirements for staffing, reporting, monitoring and evaluation. 4. Establish a financing strategy for funding the implementation structure. 5. Put in place the institutional arrangements for the implementation of the Action Plan and recruit staff. 6. Develop an Annual Work Programme and seek funding for recommended actions. 7. Place priority on implementing short-term actions which require little or no funding. 8. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Action Plan. V 1. INTRODUCTION This report, “Strategy and Action Plan for Synergistic Environmental Capacity Development for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Land Degradation”, is the result of a process of research and wide consultations from the National Capacity Self Assessment (NCSA) conducted in Guyana during the period July, 2005 to March, 2007. 1.1 THE NATIONAL CAPACITY SELF ASSESSMENT In the 1990s, the international community reached unprecedented agreements to protect and sustainably manage the environment. Chief among these were the three RIO Conventions: the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Having signaled their commitment by signing on to these Conventions, many countries lack the capacity to fully implement them. Recognizing the constraints faced by country Parties, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) made funds available for funding of Enabling Activities in the three thematic areas of Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Desertification/Land Degradation. The NCSA, funded by the GEF, is the first step in implementing the UNDP-GEF Capacity Development Initiative (CDI) which will assess common capacity needs among countries for implementing the RIO Conventions. The primary role of a NCSA is to determine national priority areas for capacity development to better address national and global environmental priority issues. It is a country driven process of analysis and planning. Today, more than 150 developing countries and economies in transition are engaged in the NCSA programme. Each is assessing its needs, and planning for capacity development towards improved management of environmental issues and sustainable development in relation to the RIO Conventions. The NCSA is unique in that it promotes synergies among the three Conventions. Through the selfassessment, countries will identify capacity gaps and then come up with their own solutions to rectify these gaps. In Guyana, the NCSA was implemented through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and executed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specific objectives of the Guyana NCSA included: 1. To identify, review and confirm priority issues for action within the thematic areas of Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Desertification, and related international instruments, e.g. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), Biosafety Protocol, and the Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depletion. 2. To explore capacity needs within and across the three thematic areas. 3. To elaborate a national strategy and action plan that outlines capacity building priorities and specific opportunities relevant to global environmental commitments. 4. To provide a solid basis for coordination and preparation of requests for future external assistance. 1 5. To link country action under international Conventions with the broader national environmental management and sustainable development framework. 6. To monitor, evaluate and adjust implementation of the strategy and action plan as part of a process of continuous improvements. The primary outputs of the NCSA process in Guyana were the NCSA Report and the Strategy and Action Plan. The NCSA Report summarizes the process and outputs of assessments undertaken in earlier phases and should be regarded as the diagnostic framework and companion report to this Strategy and Action Plan. 1.2 GUYANA AND ITS ENVIRONMENT Guyana is a small English speaking, developing country located on the northeastern edge of South America between latitudes 1-9o North and longitudes 56-62o West and has an area of about 215,000 km2. The country is bounded on the north by the Atlantic Ocean, on the east by Suriname, on the south and southwest by Brazil, and on the west and northwest by Venezuela. Guyana is also a part of the Guiana Shield which, together with the Brazilian and West African Shields, forms one of the oldest surfaces on the earth. Guyana lies within the equatorial trough zone and the climate is influenced primarily by the seasonal shifts of the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)1. There are two rainy seasons which occur from May to July and from November to January, and two dry seasons which occur from August to October and from February to April, for the majority of the country. The average annual rainfall is in excess of 1500 mm and the average daily temperature is 26.7o Celsius. The country is characterized by the mainland with a low-lying coastline extending some 432 km. It is 77 km wide in the east and 26 km wide in the west, where 90% of its population resides. The mainland is divided by three major river systems: Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice Rivers, all of which flow into the Atlantic Ocean. There are also 365 small islands located in the river systems. Further inland are savannahs, mountain ranges, and a vast tropical rainforest which covers 75% of the total land area. Guyana is well endowed with natural resources, fertile agricultural land, and diversified mineral deposits. The economy is primarily natural resource-based, with agriculture (mainly sugar and rice), bauxite, gold, and timber accounting for most of the output in the productive sectors2. Guyana‟s geographic location and topographic features also make it particularly vulnerable to natural hazards associated with climate change, including hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding and landslides. Land degradation issues, particularly associated with coastal zone management, natural resources management, and mining and waste management, are also of very high importance in Guyana. In the coastal zone, erosion and flooding are major issues as most of the coast lies below sea level and must be protected against sea water intrusion in order to support extensive human settlement and Guyana‟s intensely concentrated economic base. Guyana‟s system of sea defenses requires continuous maintenance, and sea level rise, destruction of mangroves, and coastal subsidence add to the pressures of maintaining this protection. Drainage and irrigation infrastructure on the coastal plain, which also require regular maintenance, also cause periodic fresh water flooding. In addition, deforestation contributes to reducing the infiltration of rainwater into the ground and 1 2 Guyana Initial Communication in Response to its Commitments to the UNFCCC (June, 2001). The Guyana Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (November, 2001). 2 increasing flash flooding and erosion. Mining activities have caused some land degradation, as well as producing high levels of acidity in waste dumps, residual lakes, and tailings ponds. It is therefore important for Guyana to plan and manage its natural resources in an efficient and sustainable manner. 1.3 GUYANA AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The Government of Guyana (GoG) is committed to pursuing development in a sustainable manner, and various coordinating bodies are in place to achieve this goal. The responsibilities for environment and natural resource management have been entrusted to a number of Agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Forestry Commission, Fisheries Department, Wildlife Division, etc. Demonstrating its commitment to Sustainable Development, Guyana ratified the RIO Conventions: United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on August 29, 1994; and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) on June 26, 1997. The Country has established National Focal Points (national contact person) for each of the Conventions and participates regularly at meetings of the Conference of Parties (COP). However, Guyana, like many other developing countries, faces many challenges in being able to pursue sustainable development vigorously to implement effectively, the obligations of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Among these challenges include the availability of resources technical, physical and financial, to put in place adequate systems, etc. 1.4 OBJECTIVE AND STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT The objective of this Strategy and Action Plan is to promote and achieve synergies (amplified linkages) in overall environmental management that will enhance meeting national environmental priorities, and address the obligations of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), through synergistic capacity development. This would be done through addressing capacity development priorities, identified from earlier assessments in the NCSA process, and highlighting specific opportunities relevant to global environmental commitments and national priority issues, thereby contributing to sustainable development. By signing and ratifying global agreements, such as MEAs, country Parties have made a political commitment to adhere to and promote standards of behavior, which all governments, organization and individuals expect. In order to meet the obligations of MEAs, each country will need the capacity to manage the following functions3: 1. Mobilize information and knowledge. 2. Build consensus and partnerships among all stakeholders. 3 Extracted from the National Capacity Self-Assessment Resource Kit, September, 2005. A model system developed from the UNDP/GEF 2004, Capacity Development Indicators, UNDP/GEF Resource Kit (no. 4.). 3 3. Formulate effective policies, legislation, strategies and programmes. 4. Implement policies, legislation, strategies, programmes and projects, including, mobilizing and managing human, material and financial resources. 5. Monitor, evaluate, report and improve implementation of programmes. However, despite their good faith participation in MEAs processes, many Parties to these agreements have somewhat limited capacity to fully implement the Conventions and to benefit from involvement in them. The primary role of an NCSA is to determine national priority areas for capacity development to better address national and global environmental issues, in the face of that limited capacity. The NCSA Resource Kit, September, 2005, has provided guidance in relation to levels at which capacity development can be achieved, as shown in Box 1. The structure of this Strategy and Action Plan is as follows: 1. Introduction 2. Overview of the Global Framework for Sustainable Development and Environmental Management in the Thematic Areas. 3. National Environmental Priorities. 4. National Priorities from NCSA Assessments. 5. Summary of Capacity Issues and Opportunities from NCSA Assessment. 6. Summary of Cross-cutting Issues from NCSA Assessments. 7. Guyana‟s Strategic Vision, Mission and Objectives for Synergistic Environmental Capacity Development. 8. Action Plan. 9. Implementation Structure and Strategies. 10. Proposed Budget for Establishing an Implementation Unit/Secretariat. 11. Monitoring and Evaluation. 12. Proposed Next Steps. 4 Box1. Levels of Capacity Development. At the individual level, capacity development aims to:  improve the ability of individuals to manage and protect the environment, working as individuals, within organizations and within the larger society;  change individual attitudes, knowledge, behavior and actions, through increasing their awareness, understanding and skills on relevant topics; this is often done through awareness-raising, education, training, learning-by-doing and peer learning;  improve individual performance through promoting greater participation, ownership, motivation, incentives and morale; and  improve individual performance through better human resources development, performance management and accountability systems. At the institutional level, capacity development aims to:  clarify and improve organizational structures and processes, such as mandate, mission, responsibilities, accountabilities, communications, and deployment of human resources;  improve an organization‟s performance and functioning to make it more effective, efficient and responsive to change; this includes management, strategic planning, and implementation of programmes and projects;  increase coordination and collaboration among groups or departments within the organization;  build better relationships with the “outside environment” (other organizations within or outside the country); and  provide better information systems, infrastructure and equipment to support the organization‟s work. Note: This level is sometimes called the “organizational level”, as it includes government institutions, e.g. ministry, department, state company, as well as civil society and private organisations, e.g. NGO, association, private company. At the systemic level, capacity development aims to:  create “enabling environments”, i.e. societal support, for better environmental management in all sectors of society;  improve the overall political, economic, legislative, policy, regulatory, incentive and accountability frameworks within which organizations and individuals operate;  improve formal and informal communication and collaboration among organizations and individuals; and  promote the participation of all sectors of society in reaching environmental goals, through improved awareness, education and involvement and increased government transparency and accountability. 5 2. OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN THE THEMATIC AREAS 2.1 THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 2.1.1 Millennium Development Goals The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) serve as the new global framework for sustainable development by setting social equity goals and targets that aim at contributing to economic development while ensuring environmental sustainability. The MDGs are set out in the Millennium Declaration, signed by 187 world leaders at the UN General Assembly on September 8, 2000, agreeing to collective commitments to overcome poverty through a set of eight mutually reinforcing interrelated time-bound goals (MDGs) with related targets. The eight goals are: MDG 1 - Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. MDG 2 - Achieve universal primary education. MDG 3 - Promote gender equality and empower women. MDG 4 - Reduce child mortality. MDG 5 - Improve maternal health. MDG 6 - Combat HIV-AIDS, malaria and other diseases. MDG 7 - Ensure environmental sustainability. MDG 8 - Develop a global partnership for development. Integrating sustainable development principles into national policies is critical to successful implementation and promotion of environmental sustainability and achieving the MDGs. MDG Goal 7 which is to ensure environmental sustainability includes three targets: 1. Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programmes; and reverse loss of environmental resources. 2. Reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water. 3. Achieve significant improvement in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers, by 2020. By signing the Millennium Development Goals, Guyana has reinforced its commitments to pursuing Sustainable Development. 2.1.2 Other Sustainable Development Principles4 Other sustainable development principles are becoming established in international law, principally through the framework of MEAs, and act as guidance in practical applications. 4 Extracted from Sustainable Development Strategies, OECD, 2002 6 These include:        The precautionary principle – if there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation. Polluter pays – those who generate pollution and waste should bear the cost of avoidance, containment and/or abatement. User pays – the user of goods and services should pay the prices based on the full life cycle of costs, including the „externalities‟ connected with use of non-marketed natural resources and assets and the ultimate disposal of wastes. Inter-generational equity – the present generation should maintain or enhance capital and keep development options open for future generations. Intra-generational equity – the lessening of inequality in the current generation as a primary goal of development. Free, prior and informed consent of groups to changes such as development plans. This has been given legal standing in the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and in Conventions 107 and 169 of the ILO. Helping (involuntary) risk-bearers to participate in decisions as well as the risk-takers (government, investors) – precedents in this area are just starting to emerge through the work of the World Conservation of Dams. The Environmental Protection Act of 1996 requires that the EPA use five principles to guide its work in environmental management. These are: 1. 2. 3. 4. Avoidance Principle – to avoid environmental damage rather than fix it. Precautionary Principle. Polluter Pays Principle. Strict Liability Principle – the Agency shall pursue the prescribed penalties for all contraventions and it is the responsibility of alleged polluter to show cause as to why prescribed penalties should not be pursued. 5. State of Technology Principle – requirement that the best available technology be used. 2.2 MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS (MEAS) Guyana as a Party to the RIO Conventions has a number of obligations. These are outlined below. 2.2.1 Obligations under the UNCBD The UNCBD has three primary objectives: 1. Conservation of Biological Diversity. 2. Sustainable use of its components. 3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources, including by appropriate access to genetic resources, and by appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights to those resources and to technologies, and by appropriate funding. The Conference of the Parties (COP) has established seven thematic programmes of work which correspond to some of the major biomes on the planet. Each programme establishes a vision for, and basic principles to guide, future work. They also set out key issues for consideration, identify potential 7 outputs, and suggest a timetable and means for achieving these. Implementation of the work programmes depends on contributions from Parties, the Secretariat, relevant intergovernmental and other organizations. Periodically, the COP and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) review the state of implementation of the work programmes. The thematic programmes are:        Agricultural Biodiversity. Dry and Sub-humid Lands Biodiversity. Forest Biodiversity. Inland Waters Biodiversity. Island Biodiversity. Marine and Coastal Biodiversity. Mountain Biodiversity. 2.2.2 Cross-Cutting Issues The COP has also initiated work on key matters of relevance to all thematic areas. These cross-cutting issues correspond to the issues addressed in the Convention's substantive provisions in Articles 6-20, and provide bridges and links between the thematic programmes. Some cross-cutting initiatives directly support work under thematic programmes, for example, the work on indicators provides information on the status and trends of biodiversity for all biomes. Others develop discrete products quite separate from the thematic programmes. The work done for these cross-cutting issues has led to a number of principles, guidelines, and other tools to facilitate the implementation of the CBD. Some cross-cutting issues include: 2010 Biodiversity Target Access to Genetic Resources and Benefitsharing Traditional Knowledge, Innovations and Practices Biological Diversity and Tourism Climate Change and Biological Diversity Economics, Trade and Incentive Measures Ecosystem Approach Global Strategy for Plant Conservation Global Taxonomy Initiative Impact Assessment Indicators Invasive Alien Species Liability and Redress - Article 14(2) Protected Areas Public Education and Awareness Sustainable Use of Biodiversity Technology Transfer and Cooperation As prescribed by the COP, the ecosystem approach is the primary framework for action under the Convention. Based on the Articles of the Convention, Guyana‟s main obligations to the Convention include:        Development of national strategies, plans and programmes for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity; Identification and Monitoring of biological diversity; In-situ conservation; Ex-situ conservation; Sustainable Use of Components of Biological Diversity; Incentive Measures (economically and socially sound measures that act as incentives for conservation and sustainable use of component of Biological Diversity); Research and Training; 8         Public Education and Awareness; Impact Assessment and Minimizing Adverse Impacts; Access to Genetic Resources (for environmentally sound uses); Access to and Transfer of Technology; Exchange of information; Technical and Scientific Cooperation; Handling of Biotechnology and Distribution of its Benefits; and Provision of Financial Resources (to undertake, in accordance with capabilities, the objectives of the Convention with its national plans, priorities and programmes). 2.2.3 Guyana’s progress in relation to the UNCBD In relation to the UNCBD, Guyana has submitted its first national report dated November 11, 1999, developed legislation and a number of national action plans, strategies and programmes, which together have assisted the country to meet the UNCBD obligations. Other efforts include the Draft Policy on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their Utilisation and its accompanying draft regulations, and the development of a National Biosafety Framework, which are positive steps toward meeting specific obligations of the UNCBD. In addition, attempts are currently being been made to establish a National Protected Areas System. The establishment of two legally established Protected Areas: The Kaieteur National Park established in 1929 and expanded in 1999, and the Iwokrama Rainforest (1996) demonstrates national efforts towards in-situ conservation. Guyana has also been making significant efforts to facilitate ex-situ conservation, through field gene banks, seed banks and in vitro collection by the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB); as well as field gene banks and germplasm collection by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). The country has also implemented GEF-funded projects related to the UNCBD, the Biodiversity enabling activity which resulted in the preparation of the National Biodiversity Action Plan and the first report to the UNCBD. Outstanding obligations include the second and third national reports to the Convention. The following are main plans, strategies, legislation and other measures undertaken by Guyana that address the Convention Obligations:          The National Biodiversity Action Plan (1999), which is currently being updated focusing on the thematic areas of Agricultural Biodiversity, Forest Biodiversity, Coastal Biodiversity, and Marine and Fresh Water Biodiversity. Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (2000). National Mangrove Management Action Plan (2001). National Environmental Action Plan (2001-2005). Environmental Protection Agency, Strategic Plan (2006-2010). National Forestry Plan (1998). National Forestry Action Plan (2001). Code of Practice for Forest Operations. Code of Practice for Timber Harvesting. 9              Draft Policy on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing Benefits arising from their Utilisation, and its accompanying draft regulations. National Biosafety Framework which meets specific obligations of the Biosafety Protocol. National Forestry Policy (1997). Forestry Act (1969). Wild Birds Protection Act (1919). Draft Wildlife Trade Legislation (1987). Draft Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations (2000). Fisheries Regulations (1959). Fisheries Act (2003). Species Protection Regulation (1999). Environmental Protection Act (1996) and Draft Protected Areas Regulations under this Act. Regulations on Hazardous Waste Management, Water Quality, Air Quality and Noise Management under the Environmental Protection Act (2002). Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Act (2000) and accompanying Pesticides Regulations (2001). 2.2.4 Obligations under the UNFCCC The UNFCCC has, as its ultimate objective: To achieve, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Convention, stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level should be achieved within a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. The Guiding Principles of the Convention include: 1. Protection of the climate system for the benefit of present and future generations of humankind, on the basis of equity and in accordance with their common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. 2. Taking precautionary measures to anticipate, prevent, or minimize the causes of climate change and mitigate its adverse effects. 3. Promotion of sustainable development. The Convention divides countries into two main groups: Developed countries and countries undergoing a process of transition to a market economy, known as Annex I Parties, and Developing Countries known as Non-Annex I Parties. Guyana is classified as a Non-Annex I Party. In 1997, Governments adopted the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC. The objective of the Kyoto Protocol is to achieve agreed quantified emission limitation and reduction commitments of greenhouse gases (ghgs), in order to promote sustainable development. Guyana, a Non-Annex I country of the UNFCCC and a Party to this Protocol, must take actions under Articles 10 and 11 which do not introduce additional obligations to those called for under the UNFCCC but seek to have the country improve emission factors and activity data which are to be used in preparation of inventory of ghg emissions and removals from the atmosphere. 10 Guyana‟s main obligations under the UNFCCC include:             Develop, periodically update, publish and make available to the COP, in accordance with Article 12, national inventories of anthropogenic emissions by sources and by removal by sinks of all greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol; Formulate, implement, publish and regularly update national and, where appropriate, regional programmes containing measures to mitigate climate change by addressing anthropogenic emissions by sources and removal by sinks of all greenhouse gases; Promote and cooperate in the development, application and diffusion, including transfer, of technologies, practices that control, reduce or prevent anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol; Promote sustainable management, and promote and cooperate in the conservation and enhancement, as appropriate of sinks and reservoirs of all greenhouse gases not controlled by the Montreal Protocol; Cooperate in preparing for adaptation to the impacts of climate change; develop and elaborate appropriate plans for coastal zone management, water resources and agriculture, and for protection and rehabilitation of areas; Take climate change considerations into account, to the extent feasible, in their relevant social, economic and environmental policies and actions; Promote and cooperate in scientific, technological, technological, technical, socio-economic and other research, systematic observation and development of data archives related to climate system; Promote and cooperate in the full, open and prompt exchange of relevant scientific, technological, socio-economic and legal information related to the climate system and climate change; Promote and cooperate in education, training and public awareness related to climate change and encourage the widest participation in the process, including that of non-governmental organizations; Communicate to the COP information related to implementation; Participate in Research and Systematic Observation; and Promote Education, Training and Public Awareness. 2.2.5 Guyana’s progress in relation to the UNFCCC In relation to the UNFCCC, Guyana has submitted its Climate Change Action Plan dated June, 2001, and its Initial National Communication dated April, 2002 to the COP. Guyana has also started to implement measures to adapt to and mitigate human-induced climate change as best as its resources can permit in the face of other pressing socio-economic activities. The country has been primarily involved in adaptation work under the GEF CPACC and the MACC projects, which are regional (Caribbean) projects and are geared towards addressing the training aspects related to the Convention and in promoting public awareness of the tasks which have to be undertaken by CARICOM countries. Other efforts in addressing Climate Change in the country include an Institutional Capacity Building Programme by the River and Sea Defence Board which focused on relevant skills enhancement and training in Climate Change monitoring and evaluation, especially of sea-level rise and wave intensity on the coast; a mitigation study undertaken by the EPA in association with CIDA/SENES to monitor the rice and wood sectors resulting in recommendations on technological changes that can assist in 11 reducing the amounts of ghgs emissions into the atmosphere; work by the Office of the Prime Minister to demonstrate the benefits of renewable energy use in the hinterland; research and promotion of alternative energy (bio-fuels) technologies by the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST); and the focus of Guyana Energy Authority (GEA) on renewable hydropower and wind energy systems. Outstanding obligations include the submission of the second National Communication to the COP, and progress on implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan. The following are main plans, and studies that address these obligations in Guyana:     Guyana Climate Change Action Plan, April 2001. Guyana Initial National Communication to the COP, April 2002. Integrated Coastal Zone Management Action Plan, December 2000. A mitigation exercise by the EPA and CIDA/SENES to monitor the rice and wood sectors resulting in recommendations on technological changes which can reduce the amounts of ghgs emissions into the atmosphere. 2.2.6 Obligations under the UNCCD The objective of the UNCCD is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with Agenda 21 with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas. Achieving this objective will involve long-term integrated strategies that focus simultaneously, in affected areas, on improved productivity of land, and the rehabilitation, conservation and sustainable management of land and water resources, leading to improved living conditions, in particular at the Community level. The Convention defines Desertification as land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. Land Degradation is defined as the reduction or loss, in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, of biological or economic productivity and complexity of rainfed cropland, irrigated cropland, or range, pasture, forest and woodlands resulting from land uses or from a process or combination of processes, including processes arising from human activities and habitation patterns, such as: i. ii. iii. soil erosion caused by wind and/or water; deterioration of the physical, chemical and biological or economic properties of soil; and long-term loss of natural vegetation. Further, the Convention defines Combating Desertification to include activities which are part of integrated development of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas for sustainable development, which are aimed at: i. ii. prevention and/or reduction of land degradation; rehabilitation of partly degraded land; and 12 iii. reclamation of desertified land. Land degradation in Guyana, while not very visible at this stage, has been increasingly occurring and the potential exists for it to expand at an increasing rate corresponding to an increase in the exploitation of natural resources and coastal erosion5. Guyana‟s main obligations under the UNCCD are: 1. General Obligations: a. b. adopt an integrated approach addressing the physical, biological and socio-economic aspects of the processes of desertification and drought; give due attention, within the relevant international and regional bodies, to the situation of affected developing country Parties with regard to international trade, marketing arrangements and debt with a view to establishing an enabling international economic environment conducive to the promotion of sustainable development; integrate strategies for poverty eradication into efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought; strengthen subregional, regional and international cooperation; cooperate with relevant intergovernmental organizations; determine institutional mechanisms, if appropriate, keeping in mind the need to avoid duplication; and promote the use of existing bilateral and multilateral financial mechanisms and arrangements that mobilize and channel substantial financial resources to affected developing country Parties in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought. c. d. e. f. g. 2. Obligations of affected country Parties: a. give due priority to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought, and allocate resources in accordance with their circumstances and capabilities; b. establish strategies and priorities, within the framework of sustainable development plans and/or policies, to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought; c. address the underlying causes of desertification and pay special attention to the socioeconomic factors contributing to desertification processes; d. promote awareness and facilitate the participation of local populations, particularly women and youth, with support of non-governmental organizations, in efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought; and e. provide an enabling environment by strengthening, as appropriate, relevant legislation and, where they do not exist, enacting new laws and establishing long-term policies and action programmes. 3. Coordinate with other relevant Convention. 4. Prepare, make public and implement National Action Programmes. 5. Consult and cooperate to prepare sub-regional and/or regional action programmes. 6. International cooperation. 7. Support for the elaboration and implementation of action programmes 8. Coordination in the elaboration and implementation of action programmes. 9. Information collection, analysis and exchange. 5 Guyana’s National Action Programme to the UNCCD, April 2006 13 10. Research and Development. 11. Transfer, acquisition, adaptation and development of technology. 12. Capacity building, education and public awareness. 13. Mobilize of adequate financial resources. 2.2.7 Progress in relation to the UNCCD In relation to the UNCCD, Guyana is on-track in meeting its Convention obligations. Three national reports (April 2000, April 2002, and May 2006) were submitted; a National Awareness Seminar was held on September 2, 2005, and a National Action Programme (NAP) was completed in April, 2006. The NAP provides the framework for Guyana to meet its UNCCD obligations and to streamline efforts towards sustainable land management. The following are plans, policies, and legislation that address Guyana‟s obligations to the UNCCD:             The first, second, and third National Communication to the UNCCD; Guyana National Action Programme to Combat Land Degradation; The National Development Strategy; The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper; National Biodiversity Action Plan, 1999; National Environmental Action Plan (2001-2005); National Mangrove Management Action Plan, 2001; Integrated Coastal Zone Management Action Plan, 2001; National Forest Plan, April 2000; National Forest Policy, 1997; Draft Land Use Policy; and Environmental Protection Act (1996). 2.3 OTHER REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLANS Other regional environmental plans which also guide Guyana in its sustainable development efforts are the Barbados Programme of Action, and the Mauritius Strategy for the further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. These are outlined below. 2.3.1 Barbados Programme of Action The idea of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA) emerged at the 1992 United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development (UNCED) – the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 3-14 June, 1992. At this Summit, a call was made to the United Nations to convene a Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). This Conference was held in Barbados in May 1994 and produced a Programme of Action designed to assist these environmentally and economically vulnerable countries. At the 1994 Global Conference in Barbados, the BPOA for SIDS was adopted which presented fourteen agreed priority areas and defined a number of actions and policies related to environment and development planning that should be undertaken by SIDS with the cooperation of the international community. The fourteen priority areas include: 14               climate change and sea level rise; natural and environmental disasters; management of wastes; coastal and marine resources; freshwater resources; land resources; energy resources; tourism resources; biodiversity resources; national institutions and administrative capacity; regional institutions and technical cooperation; transport and communication; science and technology; and human resource development. In 1999, a comprehensive review of the BPOA was conducted after five years of Barbados at the Twenty–second Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (September 27-28, 1999). The Session adopted a declaration and endorsed the BPOA. Recognition and commitments to the BPOA were expressed at other international meetings such as the 2000 Millennium Summit, New York, the 2002 International Conference on Financing for Development, Monterrey, Mexico, the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI). Guyana, like other SIDS, was required to provide information on respective national circumstances for the review. Guyana‟s Assessment Report on Barbados Programme of Action Plus 10, dated October, 2003, was prepared and submitted. 2.3.2 Mauritius Strategy for the further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States The Strategy states that SIDS acknowledge that sustainable development is primarily a national responsibility, but that for SIDS to succeed, the Rio Principles, including, inter alia, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, as set out in Principle 7 of the Rio Declaration, must be given specific expression for SIDS. The Strategy notes that SIDS have implemented the BPOA principally through utilization of their own resources, and that efforts have been pursued within limited financial constraints, including an overall decline in Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) to SIDS. It also underscores the need to, inter alia, mobilize domestic resources, attract international flows, and promote international trade as an engine for development. The Strategy stresses the need to enhance coherence and governance of the international monetary, financial and trading systems in order to complement SIDS‟ development plans. On security issues, the text describes the security challenges to SIDS, acknowledges the increased financial and administrative obligations placed on SIDS, and reaffirms the importance of international cooperation and support to SIDS where necessary. The Strategy includes the following:   climate change and sea level rise; natural and environmental disasters; 15              management of wastes; coastal and marine resources; freshwater resources; land resources; energy resources; tourism resources; biodiversity resources; science and technology; sustainable capacity development and education for sustainable development; sustainable production and consumption; national and regional enabling environments; knowledge management and information for decision making; and culture. It also considers:        access to and provision of financial resources; science and development and technology transfer; capacity development; national and international governance; monitoring and evaluation; role of the UN in further implementation of the programme of action; and role of SIDS‟ regional institutions for monitoring and implementation. The Strategy states that good governance within each country and at the international level is essential for sustainable development. At the domestic level, sound environmental, social and economic policies, democratic institutions responsive to the needs of the people, the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, gender equality and an enabling environment for investment are the basis for sustainable development. Specific challenges to SIDS include, inter alia, environmental degradation, natural disasters, food security and water scarcity. The adverse effects of climate change and sea-level rise present significant risks to the sustainable development of SIDS and the long-term effects of climate change may threaten the very existence of some SIDS. Based on the Secretary-General‟s report and other available data, SIDS believe that they are already experiencing major adverse effects of climate change. Adaptation to adverse impacts of climate change and sea-level rise remains a major priority for SIDS. Parties that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol strongly urged all States that have not done so to ratify it in a timely manner. The international community should:   fully implement the UNFCCC and further promote international cooperation on climate change; continue to take, in accordance with the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol as applicable, steps to address climate change, including adaptation and mitigation in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities; and the effective implementation of the Kyoto Protocol by those countries that have ratified it; promote increased energy efficiency and development and use of renewable energy as a matter of priority, as well as advanced and cleaner fossil fuel technologies, inter alia, through public and/or private partnerships, market-oriented approaches, as well as supportive public policies  16     and international cooperation and support their use in SIDS, where appropriate, and in accordance with their national policies; implement the Buenos Aires Programme of Action on Adaptation and Response Measures, in particular those elements that are relevant to SIDS; work to facilitate and promote the development, transfer and dissemination to SIDS of appropriate technologies and practices to address climate change; build and enhance scientific and technological capabilities, including in SIDS, inter alia through continuing support to the IPCC for the exchange of scientific information and data, including where relevant to SIDS; and enhance the implementation of national, regional and international strategies to monitor the Earth‟s atmosphere, including as appropriate, strategies for integrated observations, inter alia with the cooperation of relevant international organisations; and work with SIDS to strengthen their involvement in monitoring and observing systems, and enhance their access to and use of information. SIDS are located among the most vulnerable regions in the world in relation to the intensity and frequency of natural and environmental disasters and their increasing impact, and face disproportionately high economic, social and environmental consequences. The pressures on land resources that existed 10 years ago have only been exacerbated by competing uses, increased demands, and land degradation. National strategies have to be elaborated on sustainable land use, which tackle such issues as land tenure and management systems, combating desertification and protecting biodiversity. Many SIDS have ratified the CBD and its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and have initiated national biodiversity strategic action plans and developed national nature reserves and protected areas. The World Summit on Sustainable Development confirmed the essential links between biodiversity and livelihoods. 17 3. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES This section summarizes national priorities related to the thematic areas of Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Desertification/Land Degradation. 3.1 GUYANA’S POLICY POSITION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Guyana unequivocally declares commitment to Sustainable Development including Sustainable Human Development as the major pillars of the country‟s socio-economic programme. This policy position is re-inforced within the National Development Strategy (NDS) that promotes an accelerated process of growth involving the participation of all social partners. While the NDS‟s main focus is on harmonizing development with the need to protect and maintain environmental integrity, biodiversity and climate are not among the subject areas specifically addressed. The plan does address the forestry and fisheries sector with the aim of achieving sustainable production levels and includes measures for environmental monitoring and surveillance. It also clearly defines the need for Environmental Protection to be treated as a cross-sectoral matter in all aspects of the developmental process. The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) notes that to achieve its objectives, “Government‟s strategy will be to (i) enforce rigorously the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act; (ii) promote public awareness of the benefits of sound environmental policy; and (iii) involve local communities in developing programs to manage vulnerable ecosystems and conserve the resources of protected areas. In addition, the EPA will monitor and enforce standards for air emissions, effluent discharge, and noise levels of industries; ensure stricter compliance with environmental management plans, conduct regular environmental audits; and promote the training of adequate numbers of technicians to monitor adherence to legal environmental standards”. Biodiversity is seen as a vehicle to reduce poverty: “Finally, Guyana’s bio-diversity provides the country with a unique tourism product whose full potential remains to be realized. Government strategy in these sectors will be to support the private sector by removing constraints that impede progress and provide the infrastructure that stimulates production.” The Policy and Performance Matrix 2002–2005 also provides a useful area in which Convention obligations could be linked. In the area of regulatory framework, an improved framework for land development is identified as a strategic measure. This is closely linked to the cross-cutting issue of land use and planning. An important action is the computerization of land information and transparent mechanisms for land distribution. The actions identified for modification of the economic base are also important as they relate to the restructuring of the sugar industry and modernisation of agricultural practices. Critical actions include: “Develop standard formats for data collection, especially social sector data; strengthen management information systems; assign statisticians and MIS personnel in regions to collect economic and social data; co-ordinate data work and institutional strengthening with donors define more clearly the role of the Thematic/Working Groups”. 18 The 2005 progress report on the PRSP has raised the profile of the environment with the specific inclusion of a section on this issue. 3.2 PRIORITIES OUTLINED IN NATIONAL REPORTS 3.2.1 National Environmental Action Plan Although Guyana is committed to Sustainable Development including Sustainable Human Development, the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) 2001-2005, explicitly stated that the Plan was not a Sustainable Development Plan. It defines the main goals of environmental protection as:    the prevention or control of pollution in order to maintain the integrity of the land and the natural purity of the air and water resources; the general preservation and conservation of ecological integrity and the protection of natural habitats and fragile ecosystems; and in particular ensuring sustainability through best practice of the management and use of natural resources for economic development. 3.2.2 National Biodiversity Action Plan The National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) dated November 1999, is intended to be consistent with the general direction of the NDS so that both documents will harmonise in respect of matters relating to place and use of biological resources for development activities. The NBAP is based on the principles of: (a) biodiversity considerations are to become integrated into the agenda at the local, regional, sectoral, and national levels, and (b) all planning and management efforts that either use or impinge on biological diversity should, as far as possible be participatory, adaptive, ecosystem and precautionary in its approach. The Plan lays out the necessary national actions/programmes that need to be implemented in order to comply with the UNCBD. These include: (a) mobilization of financial and technical resources, (b) human resource and institutional capacity building, (c) research and information on biodiversity, (d) consolidation on policy, legal and administrative framework, (e) public awareness and education, (f) in-situ and ex-situ conservation of biodiversity, (g) incentive measures and economic alternatives, (h) measures for the sustainable use of biodiversity, and (i) monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The overall goal of the NBAP is “to promote and achieve the conservation and of Guyana‟s biodiversity, to use its components in a sustainable way and to encourage the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of Guyana‟s biodiversity”. The specific objectives are to:        evaluate the state of capacity nationally to achieve the above goal; identify gaps and needs relating to achieving the above goal; propose actions to achieve this goal and close the gaps; develop activities in a number of priority areas relating to the overall goal; identify the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholder groups in the implementation of the plan; obtain and harness stakeholder involvement and support for the development and implementation of the plan; and increase public awareness of biodiversity. 19 3.2.3 National Policy on Biodiversity The general objectives of the National Policy on Biodiversity are6:      to sustainably use Guyana‟s renewable natural resources, including biodiversity; to develop institutional capacity and capability to execute all aspects of environmental management, especially the management of biological resources; to integrate the conservation agenda into the national development agenda; to equitably share benefits which will arise from research, conservation and sustainable use of components of biological diversity; and to take all necessary actions to achieve these goals. 3.2.4 National Forest Policy/National Forest Plan/Draft Forest Act Central policies adumbrated in these documents, as they relate to the environment, are:      creation of inviolate reserves of representative samples of the various forest ecosystems which occur in the country, on a scale which is adequate to ensure their indefinite reproduction and continuation, having regard to their biodiversity; initiate a level of control over all harvesting activities, sufficient to provide adequate protection of biodiversity and to ensure sustainable production; achieve improved sustainable forest resource yields while ensuring the conservation of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the environment; (specific objective) maintain a national and global responsibility for the sustainable management of Guyana‟s tropical rain forests and recognise its vital role in maintaining the earth‟s climate and ecosystems; and The Draft Forest Act includes the following provision relating to biodiversity: “the conservation of the forests of Guyana, including measures to conserve biodiversity, special species and habitats, soil and water resources, and to protect forests against pollution, fires, pests and diseases”. 3.2.5 National Communication to the UNFCCC In Guyana‟s initial national communication in response to its commitments to the UNFCCC (2002), the following areas were highlighted as priority:       an inventory of greenhouse gases following the guidelines decided by the COP; an assessment of potential impacts of climate change in Guyana (impacts and vulnerability assessment); an analysis of potential measures to abate the increase in GHG emissions and to adapt to climate change; identification of adaptation measures and mitigation analysis on climate change; preparation of a National Action Plan to address climate change and its adverse impacts; and additionally, the government identified the need for financial assistance, capacity building and transfer of technology; systematic conservation and research; education, public awareness and training; to meets the objectives for the UNFCCC. 6 From the National Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Guyana’s Biodiversity (1997). 20 3.2.6 Guyana Climate Change Action Plan The ultimate objective of Guyana‟s Climate Change Action Plan of 2001 corresponds to that of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system - Article 2. The Plan focuses on achieving the following goals:       Develop the capacity to undertake sectoral and national inventories of anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of all greenhouse gases using comparable methodologies agreed upon by the Conference of Parties (COP); Develop the capacity to conduct vulnerability assessment of sectors and communities and to identify adaptation measures required to address the impacts of climate change; Implement measures to facilitate adequate adaptation to climate change; Implement programmes containing measures to mitigate climate change; Identify and implement sustainable development measures which are compatible with the objectives of the Convention; and Identify and implement capacity building and other programmes, which seek to promote the objectives of the UNFCCC as well as other Conventions and Protocols. The Action Plan also highlights a National Vision for responses to Climate Change which states that “Guyana‟s efforts to respond to the commitments under the Convention will necessarily have to be in the form of adaptation and the mitigation measures. However, these will not be achieved unless public awareness, capacity building, information sharing, and the right policy, legislation and financial measures are put in place”. In order to achieve this international objective, Guyana must implement certain actions, which will result in the country honoring its commitments to the Convention either on its own or in cooperation through regional and/or international programmes. It is to be noted that Guyana‟s coastal zone is most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. On the other hand it is a net sink country. It will therefore be necessary for Guyana to focus on adaptation as a priority in the short-term. While the NDS makes no direct mention of global warming, climate change and impacts in Guyana, the general theme of environmental problems, especially in the coastal zone, addresses some of the problems associated with global warming. The important connection between the objectives of the Strategy and the Climate Change issue can be examined as follows:  The impacts of climate change will definitely delay the realization of the objectives since resources will have to be set aside for emergency operations with regards to floods, droughts, etc. The coastal zone will be expected to come under further “stress” as the impacts become evident. Economic development will depend on a reliable energy supply. The transfer of technology to the energy, industry and local community sectors, with developed country financing, can certainly assist in promoting economic development and poverty alleviation. The Strategy recognizes institutional weaknesses as a major hindrance to integrated planning and effective execution of programmes and activities. The Climate Change National Communication also identifies capacity building as a necessary programme to address adaptation and mitigation activities.   21 It is therefore necessary for the Climate Change Action Plan to be seen as an important supplement to the Strategy and for socio-economic development programmes to take into consideration the activities which have been included in the Action Plan. 3.2.7 National Action Programme to the UNCCD The National Action Programme (NAP) to the UNCCD, finalised in April 2006, proposed the following actions to address the key land degradation issues of flooding, droughts, salt water intrusion along the coast and natural resource utilisation in the mining, forestry and agriculture sectors:             Rationalization of the planning and management of land resources; Rationalization of legislative overlaps; Promotion of effective coordination and information exchange; Establishment of institutional synergies; Securing of financial resources and establishing financial mechanisms; Promotion of public education and awareness; Undertaking of training and capacity building; Addressing issues of food security, management of agriculture and sustainable development; Sustainable management of drainage basins and watersheds; Development of early warning systems and emergency plans to mitigate drought; Utilization of traditional knowledge; and Promotion of regional aspects of preventing land degradation. 3.2.8 The Environmental Protection Act The promulgation of the Environmental Protection Act No/II, 1996 and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency were significant steps taken by Guyana to ensure that environmental protection was an integral part of its development. The mandate of the EPA, include:       Implementing steps and systems for the effective management of the natural environment ensuring conservation, protection and sustainable natural resources use; Coordinating the environmental management activities of all persons, organizations and agencies; Preventing or controlling environmental pollution; Playing a coordinating role in the preparation and implementation of cross-sectoral programmes of environmental contents; Promoting public participation in the process of integrating environmental concerns in development planning ensuring sustainability; and Coordinating a national environmental education and public awareness programme. 22 4. NATIONAL PRIORITIES FROM NCSA ASSESSMENTS Table 1 summarizes national priority areas in relation to meeting Guyana‟s obligations to Multilateral Environmental Agreements, in the thematic areas of Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Land Degradation, based on the NCSA research. 23 Table 1. Current National Priorities by Thematic Areas identified from NCSA Assessments. Biodiversity In situ and ex situ Conservation of Biodiversity. Research and Training for Biodiversity management. Improvement of the availability, accessibility and exchange of information. Finalization of draft legislation to address biodiversity issues. Synchronization of existing pieces of Legislation. Planned response to the impacts of climate change effects. Translation of knowledge and awareness of biodiversity into responsible actions at the individual and collective levels. Development of Methods, Criteria and Indicators for sustainable use of Biodiversity and natural resources (including energy). Sustainable livelihood alternatives. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) activities. Developing measures to promote sustainable use of Guyana‟s Biodiversity. Identification, Monitoring and Evaluation of Biodiversity. Financial and technical resources for biodiversity conservation and management. Integrated ecosystems, plant conservation, and protected areas management. Integrated fresh water management. Improved institutional cooperation and collaboration for sustainable land management. Better linkage between the National Focal Point, Government Agencies, and NGOs and Civil Society regarding UNCCD and sustainable land management. Education, training and public awareness. Access to information. Mitigation Activities. Environmentally Sound Technologies. Develop early and forecasting warning systems for droughts and floods. Harmonization of legislation and institutional framework for sustainable land management and land use planning. Information gathering and development of a national clearing house for information regarding land uses, UNCCD and land degradation. Education and Awareness. Comprehensive study and assessment of current land uses and practices and factors contributing to land degradation. Climate Change Inventory of GHGs: preparation and update. Adaptation Sector Plans: Coastal Zone Strategies and Plans and activities. National Communication: second and updates. Desertification/Land Degradation Implementation of the National Action Programme (NAP). Approval of the draft Land Use Policy. Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening. National Steering Committee to be more proactive. Mitigation Sector Plans: Energy and other sectors. Systematic Monitoring and Research. Development of a financing strategy for implementation of the NAP. 24 5. SUMMARY OF CAPACITY ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES FROM NCSA ASSESSMENTS This section summarizes capacity issues or constraints and opportunities, in relation to meeting national priorities, resulting from the Thematic Assessments. Table 2 summarizes capacity issues and opportunities at the individual, institutional and systemic levels. Table 2. Capacity Issues and Opportunities at the Individual, Institutional and Systemic levels. Capacity Issues Individual Level Insufficient knowledge, information and skills for implementation of the Conventions. Opportunities        Limited Alternative Livelihood Opportunities.  Conduct skills assessment in relation to National priorities in the Thematic Areas. Develop and implement a Strategy and Action Plan for Awareness, Education, and Training at all levels, in line with National priorities in the thematic areas. Regular dissemination of information to stakeholders and the establishment of a mechanism(s) to allow easy access to and sharing of information. Increase budgetary allocation for training. Explore training opportunities offered by International Agencies. Explore linkages with Education Institutions, i.e. Ministry of Education, University of Guyana, etc, to incorporate focus areas in curriculum. Review of Job Descriptions and Work Plans in key Agencies with aim to incorporate work pertaining to the relevant MEAs. Collaboration between Government Agencies, Private Sector and NGOs to explore and promote alternative sustainable livelihood activities for individuals, households and communities, whose livelihoods currently depend largely on the utilization of biodiversity. Institutional Level Duplication of Responsibilities. Need for incorporation of focus in the thematic areas in Mission and strategic planning of key stakeholder agencies. Need for improved monitoring and enforcement.  Limited Financial Resources. Limited Human Resources. Lack of equipment and other resources. Limited research capacity and fragmentation of data. Capacity Issues Institutional Level Limited Stakeholder Involvement. This constraint must be addressed at the system level through a review of the regulatory framework.  Review of Missions, Strategies and Plans with the aim to incorporate national thematic priorities into relevant Agencies planning framework.  Restructure department/agencies/committees based on planning and implementation needs with the aim of strengthening their roles.  Implementation of decentralization mechanism to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.  Promotion of community management of natural resources.  Promotion of an environment of self-regulation by way of an Incentive Scheme.  Creation of a fund for programmes identified as National priorities.  Increase national subvention for the environment.  Establishment of a financial mechanism and funding strategy.  Pursue funding from Multilateral and Bilateral partners.  Review of remuneration package, and other incentive measures to retain skilled staff.  Networking among institution to share resources.  Conduct assessment of equipment and other resources need pertaining to requirements of meeting national priorities in the thematic areas.  Research priorities should be determined and coordinated by the Focal Points, and undertaken jointly with key institutions. Opportunities  Promotion of public participation in consultations, monitoring and enforcement, awareness and education, and general issues pertaining to sustainable development. 25 Systemic level Need for improved Policy Framework.    Need for improved Legal and Regulatory Framework.        Resources/National budgetary restrictions and dependence on donor funds. Need to improve processes and relationships.    Lack in synergy in implementation of the Conventions. To review the Policy Framework with the aim to incorporate explicit policy guidance in all thematic areas. Approval of the draft Land Use Policy. Review the legislative framework of all institutions with responsibility for the thematic areas, with a view of restructuring Departments and Agencies to clearly define responsibilities to increase efficiency, effectiveness and harmonization of work. Finalize incomplete legislation such as that for National Protected Areas System. Enact new legislation, where needed, in the thematic areas, e.g., climatefriendly measures to be taken by businesses. Improve legislative instruments by periodically reviewing and updating with the aim of harmonization of instruments and addressing current threats. Finalize Land Use Policy. Establish a Secretariat with the responsibility for implementation of the three Conventions (UNCBD, UNFCCC and UNCCD). Strengthen inter-Agency collaboration. Incorporation/integration of environmental issues and national priorities into the national development planning framework. Increase national subvention for work in the thematic areas. Promotion of private sector and civil society representation on national committees. Annual Work-Plans to be shared among institutions, with regular updates shared during the period. 26 6. SUMMARY OF CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES FROM NCSA ASSESSMENTS This section focuses on issues that are cross-cutting in nature to environmental priorities. The assessment examined the Legal and Regulatory Framework, the Institutional and Policy Framework and other priority issues that are cross-cutting in nature for capacity weaknesses and possible opportunities for synergistic actions. 6.1 CROSS-CUTTING CAPACITY PRIORITIES The important Cross-cutting priorities identified for Guyana were:                Human resources; Inter-agency collaboration and coordination; Information gathering, management, storage and exchange; National and international funding; Land use and planning; Community-based natural resource management; Monitoring; Training and education; Research; Public awareness and participation; Development and enforcement of policy and laws; Poverty reduction; Sub-regional and regional international cooperation; Traditional knowledge; and Technology development and transfer. Table 3 provides an overview of the capacity issues and opportunities identified in the different frameworks. Table 3. Capacity Issues and Opportunities in the Legal and Regulatory Framework, Policy Framework, and Institutional Framework. Capacity Issues Legal and Regulatory Framework Limited and not clearly defined or coherent legal and regulatory foundation for the implementation of mandates which cut across the Conventions. Fragmentation of laws exists. Opportunities The Environmental Protection (EP) Act and the Amerindian Act provide a basis for working across the Conventions. The EP Act identifies the EPA as playing a coordinating role in the preparation and implementation of cross-sectoral programmes. The overall opportunity for linkages within the current legal and regulatory framework lies in the regulation making power of the EPA. Opportunities exist for:  Integrating cross-cutting issues within the regulations which are to be passed by the EPA.  Participatory period leading up to drafting ensuring regulations are informed by views of all relevant stakeholders.  Streamlining and harmonization of sector specific environmental regulations, for example, mining environmental regulations developed by Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, with environmental regulations developed by EPA. Developing strong collaborative relationships between EPA and other 27 stakeholders‟ regulation making structure, with that of Amerindian Village Council. Capacity Issues Legal and Regulatory Framework Gaps in Convention coverage in the Legal and Regulatory Framework. Opportunities Review and if necessary amend, or repeal out-dated laws. Enact new laws to address issues that have emerged as a result of signing the Conventions. A stable and predictable legal and regulatory environment (development and enforcement of policies and laws). Develop appropriate laws regarding environmental issues through the regulation-making power of the EPA. Development of Codes and Practices to address particular prioritized Convention issues, harmonized with those developed by the Amerindian Village Councils. Ensuring compliance with Environmental Laws as well as supporting obligations under the Conventions (monitoring). Liability and redress. Effective collaboration among the officers and other personnel empowered to enforce various laws. This includes information sharing, clear jurisdictional boundaries and streamlining of enforcement opportunities. A robust detailed harmonized framework for liability and redress to be developed informed by international best practices, to address environmental related offences. Planned laws to be informed by relevant Policy consideration and institutional responsibilities. Integrated ecosystems, biodiversity conservation and protected areas management. Land-use and Planning. Overlaps and gaps in land-use and planning to be addressed and streamlined. Integration of environmental concerns into the current reform process. Policy Framework Outdated Policy Instruments. Review and revise policy instruments to reflect policy issues related to the Conventions. Current process of developing Policy Instruments, e.g. the Draft Land Use Policy and the National Water Use Policy, to integrate cross-cutting concerns. Consideration of the country‟s two main Policy instruments, i.e. the NDS and the PRSP, in the revision and development of policy. Linking Poverty Reduction with Environmental Concerns. Refine the manner in which environmental concerns are integrated into the PRSP. Recognition of developing access and benefit-sharing legislation and community-based by-laws. Integrated ecosystems, biodiversity conservation and protected areas management. Information gathering, management, storage and exchange. Develop policies and legislative support form policy initiatives with due consideration for decisions, strategies and reports at the international level. Review and develop clear mandates and mechanisms for information gathering, management, storage and exchange that will produce relevant, reliable, timely, standardize and inter-operable information to inform policy decisions. Examine Convention mechanisms which are geared to addressing this issue. Integrate environmental considerations into trade policies. National and international funding. Economic, trade and incentive systems and instruments. 28 Institutional Framework Apart from Focal Point Institutions, Convention aims, objectives and provisions do not directly influence the strategies and policies of stakeholder organizations. Streamline key institutions to ensure the optimal use of limited resources in Convention implementation. Streamline Conventions management. 6.2 CROSS-CUTTING CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SYNERGIES 6.2.1 Description of Key Capacity Constraints Here, the focus is on identifying cross-cutting capacity constraints that are applicable to all three Conventions and which are commonly expressed by key stakeholder organizations. Table 4 summarizes capacity constraints/deficiencies among the nine questionnaire-respondent stakeholders. Table 4. Capacity Constraints/Deficiencies experienced across the thematic areas by key stakeholder organizations. Constraints/Deficiencies Lack of skilled manpower. Inadequate financial resources. Inadequate capacity to execute coordinated actions. Barriers faced at systemic level during project implementation. Lack of clarity on Convention specific requirements. Inadequacies in legal and regulatory mechanisms. Inadequate network with stakeholders. Barriers faced at institutional level during project implementation. H 2 2 1 M 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 L 3 2 1 3 1 3 3 4 Total Score 13 12 8 7 7 5 5 4 (Legend: H – High; M – Medium; L – Low. Count is number of institutions, and Total Score is the total after allocation to each capacity constraint of 1 point for low, 2 for medium and 3 for high according to stakeholders‟ responses.) Clearly, the two most serious constraints faced were lack of skilled manpower and inadequate financial resources (which when combined can exacerbate an inadequate capacity to execute coordinated actions). The issue of skilled manpower was raised repeatedly and is a rather complex issue. In many cases, the constraint is not so much in recruiting skilled manpower, as there is a relatively good pool of trained young persons in the country, but a problem of retention of key staff. This is linked to a range of causal factors that includes high rates of emigration, relatively low salaries, the perception that some organizations are slow to adopt new ideas and procedures, and the feeling that opportunities for career development and advancement in the public sector, especially, are comparatively few. The net result is a generally rapid turnover of employees leading to a stratum of rather young and inexperienced professional staff with a short institutional memory. 29 Barriers at the systemic level were felt by some to hinder their Convention-related activities which were related in a general sense to regulatory and policy frameworks but were also linked to the coordination at a national level of Convention activities and the sub-optimal recognition and capitalization of potential synergies. Few specific capacity-building exercises directed to addressing Convention activities had been undertaken, though some training in environmental and planning fields had been conducted by most stakeholders. Competencies required by stakeholders in order to discharge their current responsibilities ranged from the general (such as land-use planning, environmental management, resource evaluation, IT skills, project management and community participation) to the specific (such as water quality monitoring, soil management, ecosystem health measurement and reclamation of disturbed sites). In most cases, it was felt that not all competencies required were fully established in respective organizations. Furthermore, even existing competencies were not effectively directed towards Convention activities, though it was felt that with adequate resources and guidance, this could be relatively easily achieved. 6.2 SYNERGIES In the context of the Conventions, synergies are the amplified positive impacts resulting from coordinating or linking the implementation of two or more MEAs7. For a developing country like Guyana with limited capacity and resources, synergy must be seen as an important priority in fulfilling its obligations under the Conventions and achieving the goals associated with sustainable development. Further, synergy is a useful concept in addressing the cross-cutting issues which have been identified. Synergy can be explored at different levels when addressing cross-cutting issues:    Synergy in general – the decisions and recommendations which have been taken at the international level to promote and advance synergy; Textual synergy – this is synergy among the texts of the Conventions; and Issue-specific synergy – synergies which have been suggested with respect to the cross-cutting issues identified. 6.2.1 Opportunities for synergy There are a number of opportunities for promoting synergy among the activities addressing Convention obligations. These operate at the community, national, sub-regional and international levels. At the national levels, several factors affect synergy and present challenges which must be overcome. These include institutional requirements and structures, capacity requirements, national planning requirements, and information and reporting requirements. The elements of each of these areas are examined in an effort to highlight the opportunities and tools which may best assist Guyana. 7 NCSA Resource Kit (September, 2005). 30 At the international level, these include:      encouraging collaboration among national focal points, as a key to fostering synergy at the national level through formal networks; collaboration at the level of the Convention bodies and Secretariats, to promote policy coherence, enhance the provision of technical expertise, and to enhance cooperation in achieving complementary objectives; capacity-building at the national level, as one of the essential elements for implementation; technology transfer at both the secretariat and national levels, through sharing of experiences, information, and identification of technologies of joint interest and relevance; and research and monitoring, including sharing of data. 6.2.2 Institutional requirements and structures The important lessons which emerge under institutional requirements and structures are:    Institutional structures must be goal oriented and goal specific. National Priorities must be supported by the institutional arrangements. Specific activities, such as the following, promote synergy among institutions: o awareness raising; o education; o public participation; o research; o training; and o data gathering and inventories. Creation of the enabling environment, including appropriate framework legislation, delegation of authority, and leadership at the highest levels. Institutional options for implementation at the national level include: o Cross-cutting national committee with a policy-making function. It will comprise all relevant government departments and other relevant stakeholders. The Natural Resources and Environment Advisory Committee (NREAC) meets this requirement. o Separate institutions with a coordinating mechanism. The present legislative structure of the EPA may meet this requirement. o A single institution responsible for all instruments. In Guyana, it will be necessary to adjust legislative instruments which currently place respective Convention responsibilities with different agencies. Due to the importance of information flows, it will also be necessary to ensure adequate human capacity and institutional structures at the Regional and Community Levels. This may involve Regional Administrations and Amerindian Village Councils. The Councils are an important institution having regard to the scope of functions conferred by the Amerindian Act. Support at the community level must be premised on adequate resources, both human and financial, as well as legislative authority.     Institutional linkages currently emerging in Guyana cover many areas of collaboration and/or cooperation and mostly these were described by the organizations as highly or moderately effective. Nevertheless, there were some specific areas of poor interaction which were often the result of unclear or overlapping mandates and regulations. The need for a review of this with a view to harmonization is thus emphasized. In addition, most linkages were not formalized, which can limit the impact of synergies on the ground. 31 6.2.3 Capacity development Capacity development is an important objective of the NCSA project and should include relevant partners and stakeholders. This will ensure effectiveness in the participation in policies, plans and processes by which they are affected. One of the first steps which must be undertaken is an assessment of the Guyana‟s existing capacities (including skills and other resources) to execute the requirements of the Conventions. This assessment could be guided by relevant indicators which will determine, inter alia, the level of knowledge of the Conventions as well as responsibilities among different parties. Experience suggests, and Guyana has not varied from these experiences, and that insufficient capacity exists to conduct activities related to:      inventories, monitoring, and systematic observation; planning, policy development, and reform of legal frameworks; impact assessment and research, including participatory assessment; information and data management, including reporting; and education, training and public awareness. The capacities which are needed for the implementation of the Conventions tend to be in the areas of Human Resources, Infrastructure Development, and Coordination and Cooperation. 32 7. GUYANA’S STRATEGIC VISION, MISSION AND OBJECTIVES FOR SYNERGISTIC ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT 7.1 GUYANA’S POLICY POSITION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Guyana has declared its commitment to Sustainable Development including Sustainable Human Development as one of the major pillars of the country‟s socio-economic programme. This integrates economic, environment, and social values during planning, and distributes benefits equitably across socio-economic strata and gender upon implementation. It also ensures that the opportunity for continuous development remains undiminished for future generations. The National Development Strategy also focuses on harmonizing economic development with the need to protect and maintain environmental integrity. It states that “the success of a development strategy will depend on the extent to which it integrates, conceptually and operationally, environmental and developmental imperatives”. The importance of sustainably utilizing all of the country‟s resources is, also, carefully outlined. Guyana‟s Strategic Vision for Capacity Development for Environmental Management therefore should be in synchrony with Guyana‟s Policy position on Sustainable Development, that which is expressed in the EP Act, and in the NDS. Environmental considerations should therefore underpin all aspects of development whether physical or social and thus it is imperative that an effective environmental strategy be formulated. The vision of this Capacity Development Action Plan therefore is: By the year 2027, Guyana will have an efficient harmonized system of environmental management which will enhance the country‟s ability in meeting the obligations of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements. This will incorporate economic, environment and social values, and protect and maintain environmental integrity during planning and implementation. It will also allow for participation at all levels of society and the distribution of benefits equitably across socio-economic strata and gender. The Mission of this Action Plan is: To develop Guyana‟s capacity to address national priorities in meeting the obligations of Multilateral Environmental Agreements in the thematic areas of Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Desertification/Land Degradation, through synergistic capacity development actions. 33 7.2 STRATEGIC OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES FOR CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT The Strategic Outcomes and Objectives for Capacity Development are: Outcome 1: Enhanced Multilateral Environmental Agreements Management and Financing. Objectives: 1.1 To strengthen and establish effective institutional arrangements for implementing MEAs. 1.2 To enhance national planning in meeting Convention obligations. 1.3 To participate efficiently and effectively in Conventions negotiations and meetings. 1.4 To establish a financing mechanism and strategy for funding national priorities and Conventions activities. Outcome 2: Improved National Environmental Management Framework. Objectives: 2.1 To create an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment for addressing national environmental priorities. 2.2 To streamline and strengthen the institutions (and individuals within institutions) to address national environmental priorities. 2.3 To establish an integrated planning framework addressing priority environmental issues. 2.4 To continuously monitor and evaluate activities in relation to achieving national priorities. Outcome 3: Research and Development promoted in National Priority Areas. Objectives: To promote research in national priority areas. To promote technology transfer and adaptation. Outcome 4: Improved Human Capacity, Public Awareness and Stakeholder Involvement for National and Global Priorities. Objectives: 4.1 To build capacity (human and other resources), consensus and partnerships at all levels for addressing national environmental priorities. 34 8. ACTION PLAN 8.1 PREAMBLE This Action Plan is developed as an integral part of the NCSA process. It is intended to provide a basis for action on the cross-cutting priority actions identified in the assessments. It is anticipated that its implementation and execution will lead to improvements in the management of cross-cutting issues in general and therefore an overall improvement in progress towards accomplishing priority environmental targets. It must be noted that any cross-cutting action plan must take into consideration the plans which already exist within relevant sectors; in other words, that the plan should be synergised and harmonised with existing action plans. This will provide the best opportunity to utilise resources, avoid duplication of action as well as provide opportunities to streamline the cross-cutting action plan. The action plan is also intended to be a vehicle to mobilise support for the issues covered under the Conventions at national, regional and international levels. It is to provide the basis for action on Convention issues among all stakeholders and, in particular, to secure the highest political commitment for its implementation and execution. Principles which have guided the crafting of the action plan include the participatory approach, the ecosystem approach, the cyclical/adaptive approach, and the precautionary principle. The Plan is structured to address the four strategic themes and related objectives outlined in Section 7 of this report. The Action Plan is for a period of five years following its approval by Government. The recommended actions are also allotted into Short-term (ST) which is within a period of 1-2 years, Medium-term (MT) within 2-3 yrs, and Long-term (LT) within a period of 4-5 years, in which these actions should be accomplished. 35 8.2 ACTION PLAN FRAMEWORK 8.2.1 Outcome 1: Enhanced Conventions Management and Financing OBJECTIVE 1.1: TO STRENGTHEN AND ESTABLISH EFFECTIVE INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE UNCBD, UNFCCC, AND UNCCD RECOMMENDED ACTIONS LEAD AGENCY EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC COLLABOR ATING AGENCIES Natural Resources Agencies, NGOs, Scientific Community TIMEFRAME ST POSSIBLE FUNDING GoG INDICATORS 1.1.1 Strengthen the current institutional arrangement for implementing the MEAs, e.g.:  The National Climate Committee.  The National Biodiversity Advisory Committee.  The National Steering Committee for the UNCCD. Capacity building activities undertaken at the Committee level. Committees are functioning with regular meetings. Representation of stakeholders including the Scientific community, NGOs, Private Sector and Civil Society, on the committees. Secretariat established and staffed. 1.1.2 Establish a National Coordinating Secretariat for overseeing the implementation of the three Conventions. MoFA/ NREAC ST/MT GoG OBJECTIVE 1.2: TO ENHANCE NATIONAL PLANNING IN ADDRESSING CONVENTION OBLIGATIONS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS LEAD AGENCY EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC COLLABOR ATING AGENCIES Natural Resources Agencies TIMEFRAME ST POSSIBLE FUNDING GoG INDICATORS 1.2.1 Improve Inter-Agency Collaboration  Ensure that Convention items are on the agenda of the Natural Resources and Environment Advisory Committee (NREAC) and that all relevant agencies and ministries are represented in discussions.  Promote awareness-building among organizations of Convention obligations, responsibilities and Minutes of the NREAC. EPA, Hydromet All Agencies MT Brochures, In-house Seminars, Newsletters. 36 activities.  Service, GLSC EPA Hydromet Service, GLSC MT Meeting of Agencies to discuss and agree on priority areas to be addressed in work plans and tasks in work plans. Harmonize, monitor and evaluate work plans among relevant organizations which will create better enabling environments for collaboration and synergies. Establish mechanism for Inter-sectoral sharing of information on COP decisions.  MoFA, EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC MoFA, EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC MT Information on COP Decisions utilized widely by stakeholder agencies. Information shared in the established timeframes. Report on strategy, funding secured. Outstanding reports prepared, approved and delivered in a timely manner to the Secretariats. 1.2.2 Convention Reporting Requirements  Establish a strategy for meeting outstanding Conventions reporting obligations, including funding and report preparation.  Implement strategy and prepare outstanding reports. Key outstanding reports to be addressed are: o Second and Third Reports for UNCBD. o Update of the NBAP. o Second Report for UNFCCC. ST GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partners GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partners ST OBJECTIVE 1.3: TO PARTICIPATE EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY IN CONVENTIONS NEGOTIATIONS AND MEETINGS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS LEAD AGENCY MoFA, EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC COLLABOR ATING AGENCIES TIMEFRAM E ST/MT POSSIBLE FUNDING GoG INDICATORS 1.3.1 Review the current system of dissemination of information on meetings, approval for representation, and preparation for Conventions meetings, with a view to improve Guyana’s representation and negotiation skills at Conventions meetings. Report on the current system with recommendations for improving adequate representation from Guyana. Participants given adequate notice of meetings for proper preparation and representation. Report on training conducted. 1.3.2 Train delegations representing Guyana at international meetings (e.g. COP) in negotiation and “business” skills. MoFA ST/MT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner 37 OBJECTIVE 1.4: TO ESTABLISH A FINANCING MECHANISM AND STRATEGY FOR FUNDING NATIONAL PRIORITIES AND CONVENTIONS ACTIVITIES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS LEAD AGENCY EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC NREAC, National Coordinating Secretariat, Focal Points COLLABOR ATING ACENCEIS MoFA TIMEFRAM E ST/MT POSSIBLE FUNDING GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner GoG, GTZ, GEF, MFI and Other Bilateral Partners INDICATORS 1.4.1 Investigate means of providing incentives for compliance with Conventions. Report on Incentives for Compliance with Conventions. 1.4.2 Develop a financing strategy to draw on regional and international financing mechanisms. 1.4.3 Improve portfolio of national project development and applications under the guidance of a central authority/secretariat and embark on fund-raising to obtain international financial support. Annex A to this report provides a list of related projects that were executed, and Annex B, C and D are lists of pipeline projects. MoFA ST Finance Strategy Report approved. All Natural Resource Agencies ST An approved list of national priority projects for funding. 1.4.4 Establish and develop a National Environmental Trust Fund through:  Contribution from productive sectors such as forestry and mining, to financial and material resources for environmental management.  Contribution from environmental enforcement activities, i.e. charges to polluters, etc. GoG, EPA ST/MT GFC, GGMC, EPA, CI-G. National Environmental Trust Fund established and functioning. Use of fund to be specified. Contribution from productive sectors reported. EPA ST EPA, Sector Agencies, MoLA Increased revenue from fines. 38 8.2.2 Outcome 2: Improved National Environmental Management Framework OBJECTIVE 2.1: TO CREATE AN ENABLING POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT FOR ADDRESSING NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS LEAD AGENCY COLLABORATING AGENCIES TIMEFRAME POSSIBLE FUNDING INDICATORS 2.1.1 Review, upgrade, develop, and approve critical policies:  Finalize and approve Draft Land Use Policy.  Develop a National Land Use Plan, taking into account, inter alia, in situ conservation opportunities and freshwater management. Develop Climate Change Policy which should include: o sectors to be targeted; o roles of Government, private sector and others; o approaches to promote cooperation in the development, application and diffusion, including transfer of technologies, and practices that control, reduce or prevent anthropogenic emissions of Greenhouse Gases; and o climate change impact assessment. Include environmental concerns in trade policies and other national policies. Develop new policies to make Strategic Environmental Assessments mandatory for all natural resource sectors. GLSC GLSC, EPA, MoA GGMC, MinTIC ST ST GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner Approved Land Use Policy Document. Approved National Land Use Plan.  Hydromet Service, NCC, NCU EPA MT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner, Regional Programmes Climate Change Policy approved.   MoF, MinTIC, EPA EPA GGMC, GFC, MoA MT/LT GoG Environmental concerns are included in all revisions of trade and other national polices. Policy on SEA. MT GoG 2.1.2 Review, Upgrade, Develop and Finalize Critical Legislation and Regulations to ensure harmonization:  Review and upgrade critical legislation, i.e. the EP MoLA, EPA, 39 Act, and Iwokrama Act.   Implement new regulations under the EP Act. Iwokrama MoLA, EPA AG Chambers EPA, GGMC, GFC, MoAA MT/LT ST MT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partners GoG GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partners GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partners Legislation upgraded. New regulations implemented. Consolidate and harmonize land use laws so as to avoid jurisdictional conflicts. MoLA, GLSC Revised land use legislation.  Finalize legislation still in draft: o Draft Forestry Act; o Proposed new Mining Regulations; and o Draft regulations on Access and Benefit Sharing. Harmonize existing pieces of legislation, for example: o Species Protection Regulation (1999), Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations Wild Birds Protection Act of 1987 and the Fisheries regulation; o EP Act and the Forestry Act Strengthen laws regarding the conduct of EIAs to address issues regarding biodiversity conservation and sustainable uses. Integrate Climate Change into existing and proposed laws. MoLA, GFC MoLA, GGMC, EPA MT Legislation passed.  EPA Wildlife Division, Fisheries Division, GFC MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partners Revised legislation taking into account harmonization, passed.  EPA GFC, GGMC, MoA MT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partners GoG Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable use incorporated in EIAs.  Hydromet Service, NCC EPA MT/LT Climate Change is taken into account in revised and proposed laws. 2.1.3 Protected Areas System  Coordinate and compile all laws which potentially allow for the creation and may govern protected areas.   Implement new legislation and or regulations regarding protected areas. Make provision for traditional knowledge to be included in protected area planning and management. EPA, Ministry of Legal Affairs EPA ST/MT GoG, KfW, CI-G, MFI, Other Bilateral Partners Report on laws that potentially allow for the creation and governance of Protected Areas. New laws and Regulations on PAS. MT/LT GoG EPA MoAA MT/LT Traditional knowledge is capture in PA planning and management GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner MOUs Incentive Scheme developed. 2.1.4 Stakeholder Participation  Develop agreements and other instruments to increase joint stakeholder participation, i.e. o MOUs; and EPA, HYDROMET SERVICE, GLSC MT/LT 40 o  2.1.5 incentive measures. MinTIC, MoLA Relevant Agencies EPA, MoLA, MoAA MoAA, MoLA EPA MT/LT MT/LT GoG GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner Codes of practice for Stakeholder Activities developed. Improved Intellectual Property Laws approved. Appropriate rules and guidelines for activities in Amerindian communities developed. 2.1.6 Develop, if feasible, codes of practice for stakeholder activities in relation to the thematic areas. Revise and improved intellectual property laws with emphasis on traditional knowledge and technology transfer. Amerindian Act, rules and guidelines:  Review and explore the scope of rule-making contained in the Amerindian Act.  Develop appropriate rules and guidelines for activities in Amerindian Communities relevant to environmental management. MT/LT OBJECTIVE 2.2: TO STREAMLINE AND STRENGTHEN THE INSTITUTIONS (AND INDIVIDUALS WITHIN INSTITUTIONS) TO ADDRESS NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS LEAD AGENCY All Stakeholder Agencies COLLABOR ATING AGENCIES TIMEFRAM E ST/MT/LT POSSIBLE FUNDING GoG INDICATORS 2.2.1 2.2.2 Institutional Structures and Mandates  Streamline institutions structures and mandates to address Conventions.  Integrate Convention activities into annual work programmes of Agencies. Human Resources  Conduct a skills needs assessment in relation to national priorities for Convention activities across key agencies to identify requirements and gaps A preliminary assessment of the priority skills needed include: o Natural Resource Economists; o Ecologists; and o Skills in CDM processes and identifying projects for submission to CDM Board.  Investigate the causes of rapid turnover of key staff in agencies and develop and implement a scheme of incentives, to enhance staff retention. Mandates and structures reviewed and include Convention focus. Annual Work Plans include priority work in relation to Conventions. Report on Skills Assessment. All Stakeholder Agencies ST/MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner All Agencies ST/MT/LT GoG Report on causes for rapid staff turnover, scheme of incentives developed, approved and implemented. 41  Conduct assessment of priority areas for Convention related training, among sector agencies and national focal points and conduct shared training programmes among Agencies, in these areas. Some preliminary areas identified are: o Ecosystems and corridor approaches to biodiversity management; o New approaches to Sustainable Land management; and o Clean Development Mechanism. Review of job descriptions. EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC MT GoG Report on priority areas for training. Report on shared training programmes conducted.  All stakeholder Agencies EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC All Agencies ST GoG Job descriptions reviewed and included Convention related responsibilities.  2.2.3 Explore, document and proactively pursue opportunities for training offered by international agencies and donor institutions such as EU, ODA, IADB, UNDP and CIDA. Technology  Improve the availability and use of relevant technology across all relevant organizations such as - Computers; - GPS/GIS; and - remote sensing application to assist in monitoring and analysis. ST/MT/LT GoG Report on training opportunities. MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner Assessment of equipment needs documented, approved and provided to Organizations. Equipment utilized in national priority activities. OBJECTIVE 2.3: TO ESTABLISH AN INTEGRATED PLANNING FRAMEWORK ADDRESSING PRIORITY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 2.3.1 Information gathering, management, storage and use  Analyze data and information needs across Conventions (especially high priority areas for Guyana including updating GHG inventory, water management, response to climate change). LEAD AGENCY COLLABORATING AGENCIES TIMEFRAME POSSIBLE FUNDING INDICATORS Needs Assessement, protocols, a clearing house mechanism, and webbased information storage established, developed, utilized, and managed. EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC MoFA ST/MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner 42  Review and identify gaps in existing databases such as GINRIS for adequacy of providing data and information. Develop protocols for information gathering, sharing and promote user-friendly data Establishing a Convention(s) “clearing house” in Guyana (based on existing Convention mechanisms elsewhere) and establish funding and support mechanisms. Establish a web-based information storage and sharing mechanism. EPA, Hydroment, GLSC MoFA, EPA Hydromet, GLSC MoFA EPA    2.3.2 Integrated ecosystems, biodiversity conservation and protected areas management  Continued national efforts to identify priority conservation landscape.  Promote collaborative management initiatives for existing and potential protected areas. Integrated Land Use Planning  Improve and strengthen initiatives among regulatory agencies.  Extend pilot integrated land-use plans into other Regions.  Undertake a comprehensive assessment of current land use practices and factors contributing to degradation, environmental degradation and resource depletion.  Implementation of the National Land Use Policy once approved.  Implementation of the National Land Use Plan once developed and approved. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation  Coordinate and strengthen national efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation.   Develop a national strategy for Climate Change mitigation and adaptation. Develop an early and forecasting warning EPA, Hydromet, GLSC EPA Iwokrama, NPC MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner Report on the identification of priority areas Collaborative Management Plans 2.3.3 GLSC All relevant regulatory Agencies ST/MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner MOUs Assessment report Land Use Policy implemented. Land Use Plan implemented. Hydroment Service, NCC, CDC ST/MT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner 2.3.4 Projects related to adaptation and mitigation implemented with oversight of the NCC. Climate Change Strategy approved and implemented. 43 system for droughts and floods. System functional, improved prediction. EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC, CARICOM, MoFA MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner 2.3.5 Regional and Sub-regional Cooperation  Develop forum for exchange of experiences in implementation of Conventions.  Review role of CARICOM in supporting environmental policy development and facilitating cooperation and national implementation of MEAs. Integration of Poverty Reduction/Community based activities in Planning  Review the interface between poverty and environmental change – particularly land degradation, climate change and biodiversity.  Integrate environmental issues further in the PRSP of Guyana and ensure that poverty reduction strategies are convergent with Convention obligations. Research livelihood options and incomegenerating activities that are appropriate and environmentally sustainable. Promote opportunities for community-based activities and actions to contribute to the implementation of Convention obligations. Report on experiences shared Review report. 2.3.6 EPA, MoAA, Amerindian NGOs, MTTC MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner Report on the interface between Poverty and Environmental change prepared. OP, EPA ST/MT/LT PRSP updated, integrating priority environmental issues.  EPA CI, WWF, IWOKRAMA MT Research paper on livelihood options prepared.  EPA, Hydromet, GLSC GGMC, GFC, IWOKRAMA, WWF, CIG MT/LT Record of community-based activities.  Assess the impact of disasters on poverty (National and Local) and make recommendations for reduction and mitigation actions. Address Poverty as a cross-cutting issue in all project proposals for international funding. Hydromet, NCU OP ST/MT/LT Report on the impact of disasters on poverty.  All Agencies ST/MT/LT Poverty issues incorporated into project documents. 44 OBJECTIVE 2.4: TO CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR AND EVALUATE ACTIVITIES IN RELATION TO ACHIEVING NATIONAL PRIORITIES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 2.4.1 Strengthen collaborating efforts among monitoring agencies, established agreements, in response to already established information sharing platform, and provision of adequate tools for sharing of information. Establishment of a decentralization mechanism to strengthen monitoring  Improve the current system of enforcement for inadequacies.  Empower the Regional Democratic Council and the Neighborhood Democratic Council to carry out monitoring and enforcement roles.  Promote greater community management of resources.  Create an environment for greater self regulation, for example, through the introduction of incentives. Increase use of relevant technology for monitoring activities. LEAD AGENCY EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC COLLABORATING AGENCIES All Natural Resource Agencies responsible for monitoring TIMEFRAME ST/MT POSSIBLE FUNDING GoG INDICATORS MOUs 2.4.2 EPA, Hydromet Service, GLSC, MoLG, MoLA ST/MT GoG Number of cases for EPA intervention at the community level reduced. 2.4.3 2.4.4 Develop relevant sector indicators and tools for monitoring. EPA, GFC, GGMC, GLSC, Hydromet EPA, GFC, GGMC, GLSC, Hydromet MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner Computers, GPS, etc used in monitoring activities. MT/LT Sector Specific Indicators developed. 45 8.2.3 Outcome 3: Research and Development promoted in National Priority Areas OBJECTIVE 3.1: TO PROMOTE RESEARCH IN NATIONAL PRIORITY AREAS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 3.1.1 Develop a comprehensive list of baseline data required and implement and/or streamline studies to obtain data and information, for example:  full identification of flora and fauna;  alien invasive species;  Clean Development Mechanism baseline data;  update of national inventory of Greenhouse Gases;  water sources;  list of pollutants and sources; and  land use activities. Strengthen scientific/research departments or units in sector agencies to collect and analyze of baseline data. Develop a comprehensive and cross-cutting schedule of research. LEAD AGENCY EPA, Hydromet Service, IAST, NARI COLLABORATING AGENCIES TIMEFRAME ST POSSIBLE FUNDING GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner INDICATORS Database established. 3.1.2 All relevant Agencies UG, NARI, CARDI, IICA, IAST, GFC, CIG, WWF EPA, NARI, IAST, UG, GLSC, NARI ST/MT/LT GoG Scientific/research department established on all Agencies. Cross-cutting areas for research identified. 3.1.3 MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner 3.1.4 Implement studies and assessments of the impact of activities that affect Convention related areas (including ex situ conservation, criteria and indicators for sustainable use of biodiversity, land degradation, freshwater management) and the sustainability of various intensities of use  timber harvesting;  non-timber harvesting;  tourism;  wildlife extraction;  sustainable livelihoods alternatives;  investigate potential for ex-situ conservation of endangered plants; MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner Research Papers published and implemented (if possible). 46   3.1.5 3.1.6 3.1.7 impact of Climate Change on all communities; measures to facilitate adaptation to climate change (in inland and interior communities);  identification and assessment of available technologies, practices and processes that control, reduce or prevent anthropogenic emissions of Greenhouse Gases for all sectors;  conservation and enhancement of sinks or reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases;  assessment of Environmentally Sound Technologies;  assessment of endogenous capacities and Technologies;  assessment of current land uses and factors contributing to land degradation;  fisheries; and  agricultural resources. Foster greater cooperation between Government Agencies and private sector in developing methods for sustainable use of biological resources. Share and coordinate research among relevant agencies and stakeholders. Traditional Knowledge  Research the role of traditional knowledge in environmental management and conservation.  Develop means for traditional knowledge to be recognized and rewarded in prevention of land degradation and biodiversity conservation. EPA MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner GoG GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner MoUs implemented and managed. All stakeholders EPA, MoAA ST/MT/LT MT Research coordinated. Research Papers published and implemented (if possible). Traditional knowledge needs documented. OBJECTIVE 3.2: TO PROMOTE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSFER RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 3.2.1 Develop strategy for use of appropriate technology in land and resource management. Seek viable sources of funding and support for technological development. Provide mechanisms for appropriate support at LEAD AGENCY GLSC, MoH&W EPA, IAST COLLABORATING AGENCIES TIMEFRAME MT/LT POSSIBLE FUNDING GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner GoG, MFI, INDICATORS Strategy Paper implemented. 3.2.2 MT/LT Funding received and projects implemented. Mechanisms established. 3.2.3 EPA, IAST MT/LT 47 the national and local level for technology transfer and use. Bilateral Partner 8.2.4 Outcome 4: Improved Human Capacity, Public Awareness and Stakeholder Involvement OBJECTIVE 4.1: TO BUILD HUMAN CAPACITY, CONSENSUS, AND PARTNERSHIPS AT ALL LEVELS FOR ADDRESSING NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES RECOMMENDED ACTIONS LEAD AGENCY COLLABORATING AGENCIES TIMEFRAME POSSIBL E FUNDIN G GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner INDICATORS 4.1.1 4.2.2 Education and Training  Review curricula of relevant subjects and courses at UG, GSA, and schools with the aim of focusing on developing skills in national priority areas.  Prepare a comprehensive strategy and action plan for environmental education at all levels incorporating formal, informal and non-formal approaches to education.  Incorporate environmental studies, related to the thematic areas, into the curricula of schools and the University of Guyana.  Train trainers to deliver environmental related courses and information.  Introduce and continue student awareness and youth environmental participation initiatives.  Develop knowledge and capacity of Amerindian Village Councils and communities. Public Awareness and Participation  Develop a detailed and integrated programme of public awareness.  Develop a strong public awareness campaign to inform all relevant stakeholders of Convention obligations.  Disseminate reports publicly regarding the state of the environment in Guyana and impacts of development.  Regular dissemination of information on the MoE, UG, MoAA, EPA, Hydromet, GL&SC, NEEPAS ST/MT/LT Revised curricula implemented. EPA, Hydromet, GLSC, MoLG, GINA, PSC ST/MT/LT GoG, MFI, Bilateral Partner Number of radio programmes, etc. Campaign developed and implemented. Agreements. Behavioral changes in public. 48     Conventions to Administrative Regions and Communities, through the Neighborhood Democratic Councils. Increase linkages with the private sector, media and NGOs to increase education and awareness efforts. Translation of knowledge and awareness in responsible actions at the individual and collective levels. Develop and implement a feedback mechanism from communities to Focal Points on concerns at the community level. Ensure adequate representation of civil society, NGOs and private sector on all related National Committees. Reporting mechanisms in place. Membership of National Committees. 49 9. IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURES AND STRATEGIES A major concern of stakeholders is that often times Plans and Strategies when developed, are not followed up or implemented thereafter. The following are possible implementation structures for the Action Plan: Option A: Establishment of a National Coordinating Secretariat for implementation of the Action Plan and Conventions responsible to an Environmental Capacity Working Group given the responsibility for oversight of the Action Plan, with overall reporting responsibilities to the Natural Resources and Environment Advisory Committee (NREAC). The Capacity Working Group should have representation from the key stakeholders Agencies, NGOs, Private Sector, the Scientific Community and Civil Society. The Environmental Protection Agency to be responsible for coordinating the Action Plan, establishing a Steering Committee for oversight and monitoring of the progress of activities. Establishment of a National Coordinating Secretariat for implementation of the Action Plan and Conventions activities within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A combination of any of the above options. Option B: Option C: Option D: Despite the implementation structure chosen, the following strategies will be important for the success of the Plan: 1. High level political support and commitment to environmental capacity development through endorsement of the Action Plan and provision of resources, and continued support for implementation. 2. Establishment of an effective financing strategy. 3. The process should continue to be country driven and owned, with wide participation from Government, Private Sector, NGOs, the scientific community, and civil society. 4. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of implementation. 5. Continuous evaluation of capacity development needs based on changes in priorities, etc. 50 10. PROPOSED BUDGET FOR ESTABLISHING AN IMPLEMENTATION UNIT/SECRETARIAT Outlined below is an estimated budget for establishing a Unit or Secretariat for implementation of the Action Plan over a 5-years period. This Budget is based on the assumption of 2 full time staff, and that funding for this Unit or Secretariat could be obtained from Government, and donor support. This budget does not include the costs of recommended actions, as these will be further elaborated in project documents and financed through national and donor supported initiatives. Table 5. Proposed Budget for Coordination Unit for the Action Plan. Budget Description 1. Contractual Services - Technical Coordinator - Support Staff 2. 3. 4. 5. Office Equipment Supplies Communication Miscellaneous Expenses TOTAL 14,311.74 6,522.48 6,000.00 6,000.00 1,000.00 1,691.71 35,525.93 71,558.70 32,612.40 0.00 30,000.00 5,000.00 8,458.56 147,629.66 Annual Budget (US$) Cumulated 5-years Budget (US$) 51 11. MONITORING AND EVALUATION Monitoring and evaluation provide stakeholders with better means for learning from past experience, improving service delivery, planning and allocating resources, and demonstrating results as part of accountability for key stakeholders. The Guyana NCSA Project Document proposed that monitoring and evaluation in the first six months of implementation be undertaken by the GEF Operational Focal Point (the Executive Director of the EPA) and a representative from the Environmental Protection Agency. A third party consultant will complete the evaluation at the end of the six months period. Continuous monitoring and evaluation is also an important tool for the effective implementation of the Action Plan. It is proposed that a system for continuous monitoring, through the establishment of an Oversight Committee, with representation from the key stakeholders Agencies, NGOs, Private Sector and the Scientific Community, be agreed and implemented for the period following the initial sixmonths of monitoring and evaluation. The contribution towards monitoring and evaluation by the key stakeholders will enhance ownership of the activities under the Action Plan and result in amplified effectiveness in the implementation stage. Based on the implementation structure chosen, the lead organization or entity that is responsible for implementation of the Action Plan should also be responsible for undertaking systematic monitoring and evaluation of activities pertaining to the Action Plan and resultant Annual Work-Plans. Attention should also be placed on refining the verifiable indicators outlined in the Plan. It is recommended that a systematic monitoring framework for monitoring the implementation of the Action Plan, be developed. This framework should include monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports, assessment of achievements against indicators, as well as analysis of stakeholder participation and financial performance. A mid-term review should also take place in year 3, to guide adjustments based on changes in priorities, if there are any. In addition, it is recommended that an ex-post evaluation be conducted six months after the conclusion of five year period to verify the impact of capacity development activities on improving the current system of environmental management. 52 12. PROPOSED NEXT STEPS IN IMPLEMENTING THE ACTION PLAN It is proposed that this Action Plan be used as a strategic document to guide Guyana‟s capacity development efforts and in accessing funding from bi-lateral partners and Multilateral Funding Agencies. The following are recommended next steps in implementation of the Action Plan: 1. Review and approval of the Strategy and Action Plan by all key Stakeholders. 2. Secure high-level political support by way of Cabinet approval of the Strategy and Action Plan. 3. Decide on an implementation structure. 4. Develop Terms of References for chosen implementation structure, including requirements for staffing, reporting, monitoring and evaluation. 5. Establish a financing strategy for funding the implementation structure. 6. Put in place the institutional arrangements for the implementation of the Action Plan and recruit staff. 7. Develop an Annual Work Programme and seek funding for recommended actions. The following are possible funding sources which can be explored:       National subvention; UNDP country programme funds; Medium-sized GEF Capacity Development Projects; National Environment Trust Fund; IADB; and KfW. 8. Place priority on implementing short-term actions which require little or no funding. 9. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Action Plan. 53 ANNEXES ANNEX A. LIST OF EXTERNALLY FUNDED PROJECTS List of Biodiversity Projects Project Title Environmental Management Programme Phase I Duration 1998-2001 Budget US$1.5 million Description The programme provided technical and financial assistance to cover the costs of implementing priority actions and operation costs of the Agency for its first eighteen months. To consolidate a sustainable environmental management system and to develop sector-wide capacity for the implementation of environmental programmes. The establishment of a coastal zone management system for Guyana including a review of the ICZM Action Plan and an integrated spatial database. To support in-country training for protected areas planning and management, to develop public awareness, to generate alternative livelihood skills, and to provide a case study for Protected Areas Management. To provide seed money for community-based initiatives aimed at environmental enhancement and protection, and to continue to spread the principle of „learning by doing‟. An inventory of the sawmill and rice milling industrial sectors in Guyana including review of technology, measurement of emissions, assessment of social and economic benefits, and recommendations for reducing Greenhouse Gases. To produce an educational video on mining practices and techniques that are necessary for healthy and environmentally-sound mining in Guyana. Support Basic Infrastructure and implementation of incomegenerating activities in Kanuku, Shell Beach, and Kaiteur National Park areas. To identify and characterise critical capacity constraints relevant to effective management in Guyana related to the UNCBD, UNFCCC and UNCCD. Funding Agency IDB Environmental Management Programme Phase II January 2003 to November 2006 US$1.28 million IDB Coastal Zone Management System July 2006 to January 2008 US$336,000 CDB Institutional strengthening and capacity building for Guyana‟s Protected Area System August 2002 to August 2005 FFI £259,465 DEMTOCO: G$1,477,000 FFI and DEMTOCO Green Fund January 2003 to Present US$30,000 UNDP Greenhouses Gases Emission Reduction Related to the Rice and Wood Industries in Guyana September 2002 to September 2003 CDN$18,525 CIDA Guyana Environmental Capacity Development in the Mining Sector April 2003 to 2004 CDN $35,000 CIDA Guyana Protected Areas System – Small Grants Component February 2006 to February 2008 €2.93million KfW National Capacity SelfAssessment July 2005 to December 2006 US$235,000 GEF-UNDP -1- Project Title Implementation of National Biosafety Framework Guyana Marine Turtle Project Public Awareness and Capacity Building Programme Duration April 2004 to September 2006 Budget US $223,850 Description The preparation and implementation of a National Biosafety Framework including procedures for the safe application of biotechnology. The project provided bridge financing to the GMTCS for the conduction of wildlife surveying. The raising of public awareness of environmental issues focusing on topics including Media Institutions, Environmental Management and Biodiversity. The Project Development Objective was to facilitate an enabling environment for climate change adaptation in the small island and low-lying developing states of CARICOM. Funding Agency GEF-UNEP 2003 US $20,000 UNDP 1999-2001 US $700,000 UNDP Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change 1997-2001 US $5.6 Million total project across Caribbean. GEF-OAS Strategic Plan 2006-2010 January 2005 to September 2006 As these two projects are part of the wider UNDP project, accurate financial details are not available. The development of a Strategic Plan for the Environmental Protection Agency for 2006-2010, developed through a consultative planning process. The drafting of a national policy on Access to Genetic Resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of their use, the drafting of instructions for the regulations and the design, development and implementation of a National Biodiversity Research Information System. The project sought to develop management plans for selected species in order to protect the country‟s biological diversity while sustaining wildlife trade. To continue the planning process started by NBAP I, and develop a NBAP II. To undertake a Biological Assessment and a Human-Resource Response Study on the Mt Roraima Environment in Guyana To develop a system of microindicators to monitor forest biodiversity for the effective management of forest resources in Guyana. Access to Genetic Resources and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Project March 2005 to present UNDP – Through Capacity Building for Environmental Management in the Sustainable Utilisation for Natural Resources project UNDP – Through Capacity Building for Environmental Management in the Sustainable Utilisation for Natural Resources project Development of Species Management Plan for Wildlife Trade in Guyana April 2000 to July 2002 G $18.9 million budgeted, G $12.8 million spent. WWF Development of the National Biodiversity Action Plan II (2007-2011) Mount Roraima Situation Analysis and Rapid Biodiversity Assessment Micro- level Forest Biological Diversity Indicators in Guyana September 2006 – May 2007 September 2006 – May 2007 US $55,000 WWF US $25,000 WWF September 2006May 2007 US $25,000 WWF -2- List of Climate Change Projects Project Title/Funding Agency Institutional Strengthening Project Multilateral Funds Enabling Activity Project for Initial National Communication GEF Preparation of Project Proposal for 2nd National Communication GEF Mainstreaming Adaptation to Climate Change GEF, World Bank Caribbean Planning for Adaptation to Climate Change GEF, World Bank Adaptation to Climate Change in the Caribbean CIDA Caribbean Water Initiative Project CIDA Duration 1998- 2007 Budget Approx US $150,00 Description Montreal Protocol/Vienna Convention. Ongoing and to be renewed. UNFCCC Country report GHG, etc. Executing Agency Hydromet Service 3 years 1998-2002 US $197,600 Hydromet Service 3 months 2006 US $25,000 UNFCCC country report on GHG, etc. Hydromet Service 5 years 1997- US $3,000,000 CARICOM Project to mainstream adaptation to climate change in the Caribbean. Hydromet Service 3 yrs Hydromet Service Ministry of Agriculture 3 years 2007-2011 Cdn $1,000,000 To undertake a study of Integrated Water Resources Management. Hydromet Service -3- ANNEX B. LIST OF PIPELINE PROJECTS FOR BIODIVERSITY8 Project Title: Capacity Building for Management of Natural Resources and the Environment to Finalize the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations. UNDP Environmental Protection Agency Nine Months US $ 29,150 Funding Agency: Executing Agency: Duration: Indicative Budget: Project Title: Funding Agency: Executing Agency: Duration: Indicative Budget: Concept for „Guyana‟s System for Protected Areas‟ Project Global Environment Facility (GEF) Environmental Protection Agency Three Years US $1.5 Million Note: The project will cost an estimated US$1.5 Million with financing from GEF (US $725,000) and other funding agencies (US $775,000). Project Title: Funding Agency: Executing Agency: Duration: Indicative Budget: Sub- Project Title: Mainstreaming Biodiversity into Forestry and Mining Practices and Strengthening Biodiversity Management in Guyana Global Environment Facility (GEF) Environmental Protection Agency Four Years US $1.5 Million A National Biodiversity Management Service (NBMS) and a National Natural Resource Information Database established, as a basis for inter-sectoral management of the natural resource base An enabling policy and regulatory framework formulated that builds upon the inter-sectoral training programmes, and parallel development of an intersectoral incentive scheme. Inter-Sectoral Training Programme developed. Models for reclamation and rehabilitation of mined-out areas that support poverty alleviation objectives of rural and Amerindian communities, establishment and validated. A robust public education and awareness strategy developed and tailored to relevant stakeholder groups that will seek to develop a national sense of ownership and pride in the country‟s natural resources, by building upon the wide participation in the development of the national biodiversity database. Sub- Project Title: Sub- Project Title: Sub- Project Title: Sub- Project Title: Project Title: Funding Agency: Executing Agency: 8 Biodiversity Enabling Activity Project Global Environment Facility (GEF) Environmental Protection Agency Note that EPA as the Focal Point is the Executing Agency for all Biodiversity Projects. -4- Duration: Indicative Budget: Two Years US $275,000 This project has four sub-projects: 1. Assessing capacity building needs and defining country specific priorities.  Access to genetic resources and benefit sharing and in particular the assessment of existing policy measures and capacity, and formulation of benefit sharing mechanisms.  Preservation and maintenance of biodiversity related knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous, and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles  Initial Assessment and monitoring programmes, including taxonomy.  Design and approaches relevant to the implementation of incentive measures. 2. Preparation of the Second National Report to CBD 3. Preparation of the Third National Report to the CBD 4. Country driven Clearing House Mechanism  Development of protocols, database and website for accessing and sharing information.  Linkage of Guyana‟s National CHM to existing regional and international CHMs. Project Title: Funding Agency: Executing Agency: Duration: Indicative Budget: Biosafety Clearing House Global Environment Facility (GEF) Environmental Protection Agency Twelve Months US $40,000 -5- ANNEX C. LIST OF PIPELINE PROJECTS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE Project Title: Funding Agency: Executing Agency: Duration: Indicative Budget: Enabling Activities for the Preparation of Guyana’s Second National Communication to the UNFCCC Global Environment Facility (GEF) Ministry of Agriculture Three Years US $455,000 This project will allow Guyana to prepare its Second National Communication to the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The activities within the second national communication are a continuation of work which was started in the initial national communication. The main components of the project are: (a) an inventory of greenhouse gases, (b) programmes containing measures to facilitate adequate adaptation and mitigation to climate change (c) an analysis of measures for greenhouse gas abatement, and (d) information related to the implementation of the UNFCCC. The project will aid in building capacity related to climate change in Guyana as well as enhancing public awareness with regards to climate change. It will also facilitate placing climate change issues higher on the national agenda and increase the involvement of all stakeholders on issues related to climate change. Project Title: Funding Agency: Executing Agency: Duration: Indicative Budget: Adaptation Project for EDWC – submitted to GEF – for funding under the Adaptation Fund Global Environment Facility (GEF) Hydromet Service, Ministry of Agriculture Three Years US $1,000,000 The project aims to improve infrastructure in the face of climate change. Project Title: Funding Agency: Executing Agency: Duration: Indicative Budget: Guyana Water Inc. Energy Efficiency Project Global Environment Facility (GEF) Guyana Water Inc. Two Years US $1,000,000 The project aims to improve energy efficiency in the Water Sector. -6- ANNEX D. LIST OF PIPELINE PROJECTS FOR LAND MANAGEMENT Project Title: Capacity Development and Mainstreaming for Sustainable Land Management Funding Agency: Global Environment Facility (GEF) Executing Agency: Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission Duration: Three Years Indicative Budget: US $475,000 Total Project Budget: US $1,005,000 (US $505,000 co-financing from GoG and Others and US $25,000 for PDF-A from GEF) The overall goal of this project is to contribute to maintaining and enhancing of ecosystem health, integrity, stability, and functions by strengthening the enabling environment for SLM at the institutional and systemic levels through increased and enhanced national capacity to respond to issues related to SLM; mainstreaming of and investment planning for the NAP; enhanced public awareness and knowledge about SLM and its relevance to national development and enhanced technical support at the local, regional and national level in order to strengthen support for mainstreaming SLM approaches. -7-