Conserving ecosystems vital to sustainable development

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Robert Persaud, has reemphasised that the conservation of Guyana’s ecosystem is crucial in maintaining the country’s sustainable development.

In a message to mark International Day for Biological Diversity, Persaud reaffirmed a call to action to protect Guyana’s natural heritage for the well-being of generations to come.

This year’s observance was celebrated under the timely theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”

Guyana is fortunate to be one of the most biodiverse countries, with vast forests, abundant freshwater systems, and a wealth of unique species.

This natural wealth, Persaud noted, is not only a source of national pride but the foundation upon which sustainable livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, and cultural identity are built.

“At the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), we remain committed to ensuring that our Protected Areas serve both people and the planet. Through inclusive governance and partnerships with Indigenous communities and international allies, we are advancing a model where conservation drives sustainable development,” he noted.

Persaud added that the PAC is guided by the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which stands as a bold vision that aligns economic growth with environmental stewardship.

He noted that the LCDS recognises that Guyana’s biodiversity is a global asset and outlines how its forests can be sustainably managed for carbon storage, ecosystem services, and green jobs.

Persaud stressed that this benefit, however, is not only for the citizens of Guyana, since this strategy also contributes to global climate goals.

Through the LCDS 2030, he noted, Guyana is demonstrating how national development can proceed in harmony with nature.

“However, true harmony with nature requires more than policy. It demands a shift in how we value biodiversity not as an obstacle to development, but as its most critical asset. It is only by respecting nature’s limits and aligning our actions with ecological balance that we can build a resilient and inclusive future,” Persaud said.

He urged all to continue to work in harmony with nature for the future of Guyana and the rest of the planet.