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Mid-term evaluation report outlines 36 recommendations
The GSNRMP’s Steering Committee.
A mid-term evaluation report outlined 36 recommendations to the Regional Steering
Committee of the Guianas’ Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (GSNRMP), when representatives met in Guyana on Tuesday.
Presented by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Regional Representative, Dominiek Plouvier, the report stated that while the overall management of the project was good, monitoring it needed more management. Plouvier added that the project has gained wide acceptance across the region, but the reporting does not provide all the necessary information, making it hard to keep track of developments.
The GSNRMP itself has achieved 33% of planned results, he stated, adding that there needs to be some institutional strengthening.
Positive achievements for the Guyana leg, includes the implementation of the REDD+ programme, community based programmes in the North Rupununi and the butterfly programme of Iwokrama.
Nevertheless, there are some major challenges which were pointed out. These include changes in government priorities with respect to the extension of protected areas. Plouvier explained that there has been lack of commitment to address some laws and to establish departments. He noted, too, that there has been the disturbing of relationships with some government partners, the lack of commitment of some and the retreat of others.
While changes of staff have affected and still affect the programme, additionally, with the minimum level of foreign organisations involved in the project, it is very difficult to expect meaningful development.
Another challenge, according to the mid-term report, is the fact that there is limited interest for certification and legal verification. Plouvier stated that after the fall of the certificate of Barama there has been very little interest in both.
Among the recommendations made by the Steering Committee is the extension of the project for another six months in order to accomplish the goals.
The team suggests also that a vertical framework be adapted – where activities that have not been able to be realised because of political or other reasons, are deleted from the framework, and new ones implemented, in the same way as REDD+ activities and eco-tourism stipulation projects needed to be added.
Plouvier added that while each stakeholder needs to be more involved in the project during the formulation process, there is the need to align the government strategies as well, focusing on multi-demonstration process. He advised consideration of the construction of an environment education centre, and actively involving the main government partners.
Recommendations were also made for the development of a more integrated approach to responsible mining and sustainable forest management. It was advised too that the legal verification and certification process be supported.
The senior management team of WWF Guianas will consider the entire range of recommendations, and produce a time-table of who is going to implement what and when.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud who was present at the meeting pointed out Guyana’s commitment to the project through the development of a low carbon economy.
Pointing out that the WWF Guianas project since its inception has provided much needed technical and financial support, he expressed appreciation that Guyana will not be part of any cost-cutting programme as WWF manages its difficulties resulting from the global economic slowdown.
The Minister pointed out however, that it is opportune for the WWF Guianas project
to undergo a reformulation to make it more aligned to providing support to the wider objectives of the LCDS and REDD+ initiatives. As pointed out in the review, Minister Persaud said that this is absolutely necessary and relevant.
He suggested that with the support of WWF and other like-minded entities, Guyana can be considered a model maker, and serve as a pilot.
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