By Kurt Campbell
In a pivotal announcement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali of Guyana declared the launch of a Global Biodiversity Alliance, aiming to create a scalable model for protecting the world’s biodiverse-rich areas.
This initiative builds on Guyana’s globally recognised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and highlights the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
During his address, President Ali underscored the urgent need for nations to integrate biodiversity into the global agenda.
“If we all agree on critical issues like climate, food, and energy security, what is stopping us from acting?” he stated, emphasising the moral obligation to protect the planet from escalating threats such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
The President showcased Guyana’s natural wealth, revealing that the country, covering 83,000 square miles, boasts the second-highest percentage of forest cover on Earth—86%—and has one of the lowest deforestation rates globally.
Guyana sequesters over 153 million tonnes of carbon annually, making it a vital player in global biodiversity.
Dr. Ali praised the indigenous Amerindian communities, recognising their role as stewards of the land, and told the world that that 15% of revenues from carbon sales are being allocated directly to these communities.
Dr. Ali announced plans for the inaugural Global Biodiversity Summit in 2025, where participants will focus on establishing a market for biodiversity credits, scaling conservation efforts, and promoting nature-positive actions.
He reiterated Guyana’s commitment to doubling its protected areas by December 2025 and achieving the global biodiversity target of 30% by 2030, stating, “These are real solutions that Guyana is putting forward to address the global problem of biodiversity loss.”
READ ALSO:
Guyana leading new global alliance to get payments for protecting plants, animals & forests
The President also addressed pressing global issues, highlighting that, according to the UN Food Security and Nutrition report, 28.9% of the global population—approximately 2.3 billion people—are moderately or severely food insecure.
He attributed these challenges to conflicts, climate change, and economic shocks.
“To effectively address food insecurity, we must take concerted action to tackle its root causes,” he asserted, advocating for enhanced food production and trade while prioritising the involvement of women and youth in Guyana’s agricultural policies.
In a broader context, President Ali condemned the ongoing conflicts affecting global stability, including the situation in Ukraine, Gaza and the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, urging the international community to respond with solidarity and support.
The President’s remarks culminated in a strong call for collective responsibility among nations.
“Let us act together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and the preservation of human dignity for generations to come,” he implored, reinforcing Guyana’s role as a leader in biodiversity and environmental protection on the global stage.
Leave a Reply