AGP Executive Report

Food Security: At World Food Day in Mainstay/Wayaka, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted investment in domestic food production, including corn and soya that could replace about US$40 million in annual imports. A new G$1.6 billion paddy storage and drying facility is also planned for Essequibo farmers. Climate Finance: Guyana joined Barbados and four other countries in backing a proposed US$500 million fund to provide rapid financial support to economies hit by climate shocks. Environmental Safeguards: US Ambassador Nicole Theriot said US EXIM Bank requires feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments before financing projects, as questions continue over the Wales Gas-to-Energy project’s assessments. Indigenous Lands and Conservation: The South Rupununi District Council is seeking recognition of Wapichan customary lands, saying secure land rights can go hand in hand with community-led conservation and Guyana’s goal of protecting 30 per cent of its land and waters by 2030. The Amerindian Peoples Association also warned that mining and loss of access to traditional lands threaten Indigenous food systems.

Indigenous Lands & Conservation: The South Rupununi District Council is seeking formal recognition of Wapichan customary lands, saying land rights and community-led conservation can work together toward Guyana’s 30-by-2030 target. The Amerindian Peoples Association also warns that land loss and environmental damage threaten Indigenous food systems. Forest & Wildlife: Authorities have raised alarm over a surge in fires threatening forests and wildlife. Across the Amazon in Brazil, El Niño-driven drought is fuelling fires that have blanketed Manaus in hazardous smoke. Environmental Oversight: Appeals are challenging the EPA’s decision to waive an environmental impact assessment for uranium exploration in Region Seven, citing health risks and a lack of consultation with nearby Indigenous communities. Biodiversity: Guyana is set to host the second Global Biodiversity Alliance conference and financing forum, bringing attention to conservation and funding needs.

Forest and Wildlife: Guyana’s Natural Resources Ministry and Forestry Commission warn that fires are increasing in hinterland and urban areas, threatening forests and wildlife, and say people who deliberately set fires may face penalties. Project Oversight: The EPA says plans for the next Gas-to-Energy phase will be screened separately; meanwhile, appeals continue over its decision to waive an environmental impact assessment for uranium exploration in Region Seven. Food and Farming: At World Food Day events, officials urged more local production and processing to cut food imports. New shadehouses in Region One aim to help riverine farmers grow crops in changing weather conditions. Amazon Watch: Indigenous groups are opposing Ecuador’s planned oil auction in the southern Amazon, while NASA reports drought-driven fires and heavy smoke around Manaus. CARICOM negotiators have also aligned priorities ahead of COP31. Wildlife Trade: Investigators found jaguar-part trafficking in Latin America, including a market for bone paste in Suriname.

Forest Fire Alert: Guyana’s Natural Resources Ministry and Forestry Commission warn that a surge in fires is threatening forests and wildlife, and urge people to report fires and help contain them. Climate Action: CARICOM officials are aligning regional priorities ahead of COP31, as climate-vulnerable nations call for longer-term, affordable finance for resilience. Amazon Pressure: Indigenous groups oppose Ecuador’s plan to auction 14 oil blocks in its southern rainforest, reviving a contested push for drilling. Wildlife Trade: A regional investigation found jaguar trafficking persists, including a higher-priced trade in jaguar bone paste in Suriname. Biodiversity: Guyana is set to host the second Global Biodiversity Alliance conference and financing forum. Sustainable Tourism: Guyana will host a USTOA sustainability summit in March 2027, bringing North American tour operators and local tourism businesses together. Public Space: A new recreational park at No. 63 Beach adds visitor facilities and sports areas to the coastal site.

Forest Fires: Guyana’s Natural Resources Ministry and Forestry Commission warn that fires are surging in hinterland and urban areas, threatening forests and wildlife. Deliberately setting fires can bring penalties under the Forests Act; people who spot a forest fire are urged to report it and help contain it. Wildlife Trafficking: A regional investigation found jaguar parts still traded across Latin America, with international sales of jaguar bone paste identified in Suriname. Researchers say much of the trade serves local buyers, but cross-border networks remain a concern. Climate Action: Caribbean leaders and climate negotiators met in Miami to align priorities ahead of COP31 in Türkiye, with stronger storms and climate damage posing urgent risks to the region. Sustainable Tourism: Guyana will host the USTOA Sustainability is Responsibility Summit on March 7–10, 2027, bringing North American travel operators together to discuss responsible tourism and putting the country’s natural heritage in the spotlight.

Sustainable Tourism: Guyana will host the USTOA Sustainability is Responsibility Summit on March 7–10, 2027, giving local nature- and community-based tourism businesses access to North American tour operators. Environmental Diplomacy: In an October 14 call, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney praised President Irfaan Ali’s leadership on environmental protection and biodiversity. Biodiversity: Guyana is set to host the second Global Biodiversity Alliance conference and financing forum, putting conservation funding on the agenda. Energy: An opinion piece argues that reduced gas availability for the planned LNG project is a chance to redirect investment toward solar power. Wildlife: A Guianan squirrel monkey born at San Diego Zoo is growing stronger; the species is also native to Guyana.

Sustainable Tourism: Guyana will host the USTOA Sustainability is Responsibility Summit on March 7–10, 2027, bringing North American travel companies to explore responsible tourism and local business opportunities. Environmental Oversight: The EPA says the Wales NGL facility was assessed in the Gas-to-Energy EIA, while the power plant was screened separately and did not require its own EIA. Biodiversity Finance: More than 140 government, community and finance representatives are expected in Georgetown on October 30–31 for the Global Biodiversity Alliance conference, focused on turning conservation commitments into funded action. Clean Energy: Korosima received 20 solar-powered streetlights, expanding access to renewable energy in Region One.

Public Spaces: A new call for better sanitation and public awareness highlights the pressure on Guyana’s public spaces as tourism grows. Biodiversity Finance: Guyana will host more than 140 delegates on October 30–31 for a conference focused on turning global nature commitments into funded action, including through biodiversity bonds and carbon markets. Environmental Oversight: The EPA says work at a uranium project cannot proceed until the Environmental Assessment Board rules on appeals over a decision that it needs no environmental impact assessment. Separately, a former EPA head alleges the Wales gas project breached environmental law. Climate Resilience: Caribbean partners are training officials in satellite data and reviewing access to climate finance to strengthen regional planning and resilience.

Biodiversity Finance: Guyana will host more than 140 government, community and finance representatives on Oct. 30–31 to discuss funding conservation and turning global commitments into action. Climate Resilience: Caribbean nations are mobilising $58 million as the Commonwealth backs regional climate-resilience work, including geospatial data training and efforts to improve access to climate finance. Environmental Oversight: Exploration at the Kurupung uranium project remains on hold until the Environmental Assessment Board rules on appeals against the EPA’s decision to waive a full environmental impact assessment. Renewable Energy: Guyana’s renewable energy capacity is projected to nearly double by 2031, according to Prime Minister Mark Phillips. Tourism and Waste: Community-led environmental monitoring is linking science with sustainable tourism, as Guyana’s visitor boom brings renewed attention to persistent litter and waste problems.

Uranium Project: Exploration at Kurupung cannot proceed until the Environmental Assessment Board rules on appeals against the EPA’s decision to exempt the project from an environmental impact assessment. Energy Transition: Renewable capacity is projected to nearly double to 77.14 megawatts by 2031, though that remains far below the proposed 300-megawatt gas-fired plant. Hydropower Risks: World Bank warnings about drought risks have renewed questions over whether enough water data is available to assess the Amaila Falls project. Tourism and Waste: Guyana is moving to curb littering as visitor numbers rise, but the country’s waste crisis remains a challenge. Community Monitoring: Strong Coasts is linking science and sustainable tourism through community-led environmental monitoring.

Farming and Food Security: Guyana’s agriculture sector has grown by an average 10% a year since 2022, the President says. A planned climate-controlled rice hub on the Essequibo Coast will give about 2,000 farmers space to store paddy and wait for better prices, while new food storage facilities aim to cushion global price swings. Environmental Oversight: Exploration at the Kurupung uranium project must wait for the Environmental Assessment Board to rule on appeals against the EPA’s decision to waive an environmental impact assessment. Separately, former EPA head Vincent Adams alleges the Wales gas-to-energy project proceeded without a required assessment; that claim remains disputed. Energy and Climate Risks: Guyana’s renewable capacity is projected to nearly double by 2031, but critics say the country lacks crucial climate and water data to assess the proposed Amaila Falls hydropower project. Tourism and Nature: As visitor numbers rise, Guyana is moving to curb littering, while a community-led environmental monitoring initiative aims to link science with sustainable tourism.

Renewable Energy: Guyana’s installed renewable capacity is projected to nearly double, from 38.72 megawatts in 2026 to 77.14 MW by 2031, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said. Wales Gas Project: Former EPA head Vincent Adams alleges the government breached environmental law by advancing the gas-to-energy project without an environmental impact assessment. Tourism and Waste: As visitor numbers grow, littering and weak enforcement threaten the natural assets Guyana promotes; the Tourism Authority says education and fines are among the responses. Hydropower Risks: World Bank warnings about drought risks and concerns over missing water data have renewed questions about the information behind the Amaila Falls project. Community Conservation: At a regional tourism conference in Guyana, Strong Coasts showcased community-led monitoring of Belize’s reefs, mangroves and other coastal habitats. Amazon Crime: An Interpol sweep across Latin America and the Caribbean linked forest destruction to 161 companies and recorded about 60,000 hectares of illegal clearing.

Wales Gas Project: Former EPA head Vincent Adams alleges the government breached environmental law by proceeding without an impact assessment, and says the large-scale project needs a proper study. Tourism and Waste: As visitor numbers rise, littering remains a threat to Guyana’s natural attractions; tourism officials say education and fines are among the measures being pursued. Hydropower Risks: A World Bank warning about drought risks has renewed questions over whether Guyana has enough water data to assess the Amaila Falls project. Uranium Exploration: Two challenges have been lodged against the EPA’s decision to waive an impact study for uranium exploration.

Waste and Tourism: As visitor numbers rise, Guyana’s litter problem persists. The Tourism Authority says public education, fines and EPA footage identifying offenders are part of efforts to improve enforcement. Hydropower Risk: The World Bank warns drought can sharply reduce hydropower output across northern South America, raising fresh questions about the proposed Amaila Falls project; critics say Guyana lacks crucial water data for the decision. Uranium Oversight: Forty citizens and four organisations have appealed the EPA’s decision to waive an environmental impact assessment for uranium exploration at Kurupung. Energy Planning: Prime Minister Mark Phillips urged regional planning for energy systems that are more resilient and lower-carbon, while outlining Guyana’s mix of gas, hydropower, solar and wind. Climate Watch: September was the world’s second-hottest on record, according to NOAA, NASA and Copernicus.

Tourism and Waste: As visitor numbers rise, Guyana’s litter problem persists. Tourism officials say fines, public education and EPA footage identifying offenders are part of efforts to protect the natural assets the country promotes. Energy Planning: At a regional meeting, Prime Minister Mark Phillips called for more resilient, diversified and lower-carbon energy systems to meet rising demand and climate risks. Sustainable Tourism: The Strong Coasts initiative showcased how research and local knowledge can support conservation and tourism, highlighting community-led monitoring of Belize’s reefs, mangroves and wildlife. Hydropower Risks: The World Bank warned that drought can undermine hydropower across the region, sharpening questions about water availability and data behind the proposed Amaila Falls project. Fisheries: As FAO’s seabob programme wraps up, it points to improved stock monitoring, safety and fish handling as foundations for a more sustainable fishery. Mining Oversight: Forty citizens and four organisations are challenging the EPA’s decision to waive an environmental impact assessment for uranium exploration at Kurupung.

Litter and Tourism: Guyana is stepping up public education and enforcement, including fines, to tackle littering as tourism grows. Amaila Falls: The World Bank warns drought can sharply cut hydropower output across northern South America, while critics say Guyana lacks crucial water data to judge the proposed dam’s viability. Fisheries: A FAO programme to strengthen the Atlantic seabob industry improved stock management, data collection and safety at sea; continued work will be needed to protect fish stocks. Climate Resilience: In Region One, Warao women are growing crops in climate-resilient shade houses that also collect rainwater, helping address water shortages and create income. A separate proposal calls for 100 solar-powered cold-storage hubs to reduce farm losses and support rural communities.