Transforming Guyana's Economy While Combating Climate Change DRAFT REPORT REGION 1 SUB NATIONAL CONSULTATION SANTA ROSA
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A LOW-CARBON DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY PRESIDENT JAGDEO TO LAUNCH LOW DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Transforming Guyana’s Economy While Combating Climate Change DRAFT REPORT REGION 1 SUB NATIONAL CONSULTATION SANTA ROSA 28th June, 2009 Santa Rosa Primary School 1 Introduction At the launch of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), on Monday 8th June, 2009, details of the consultation process were communicated to all stakeholders and a timeline of June to September, 2009 was outlined for this purpose. The future development of the LCDS was outlined with a clear, inclusive and transparent approach taken to sub-national consultations aimed at sensitizing the nation on the various aspects, implications and requirements of the Strategy and to receive feedback. At the outset it was outlined that the long term success of the Low Carbon Development Strategy is dependent on the broad based, inclusive domestic support. Implementing the LCDS represents a transformation of Guyana’s economy and, therefore, receiving support for the LCDS from the people of Guyana and their representatives is planned to be done at a pace which enables the commitment of Guyana’s international partners to be made visible to the people of Guyana and, in turn, to allow Guyana to demonstrate its commitment to international partners. Guyana’s Amerindians have jurisdiction over the forest in all their own titled lands. As such, the current form of the Strategy only includes Guyana’s State Forest Estate, and excludes forest lands under Amerindian jurisdiction. This is in accordance with the Government’s commitment to only include lands under Amerindian jurisdiction after communities have engaged in appropriate consultation to decide whether they wish their lands to be included. In accordance with the Amerindian Act and international norms, a series of consultations have been planned to enable the participation of communities. In the second series of consultations, the third session was held in Santa Rosa, Region 1 on 28th June, 2009 at the Santa Rosa Primary School. This session included participation of residents from communities such as: Assakata, Cabucalli, Calrora, Kumaka, Kamwatta, Ko-Ko, Kwabanna, Manawarin, Mora, Rincon, Santa Rosa, Santa Crus, Waikrebi, Waramuri Warapoka Barima-Waini (Region One) is a region of Essequiban Guyana which is located in the northwest of the country. It covers an area of 20,339 km². It borders the Atlantic Ocean to the north, the region of Pomeroon-Supenaam to the east, the region of Cuyuni-Mazaruni to the south and Venezuela to the west. Major settlements include the regional capital Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Matthew's Ridge, Morawhanna, Towakaima, Koriabo, Hosororo, Arakaka and Moruca. Barima and Waini are two rivers that flow through the densely forested and sparsely populated region. The complete list of communities and representatives is included in Appendix B and their feedback and comments are detailed in Appendix A 2 The Consultations session brought together stakeholders from a number of communities, including Toushaos, Councilors, farmers, students, teachers and residents. A key element of the session included discussions with participants to enable open interaction and feedback. This report captures the discussion of the session, the key issues identified and suggestions and recommendations emanating from the discussions. 3 Programme A LOW-CARBON DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Transforming Guyana’s Economy While Combating Climate Change Sub-National Consultations – Santa Rosa , Region 1 PROGRAMME 10:25 a.m - Call to Order by Chairman 10.30 a.m - National Pledge & Prayer 10:35 a.m - Welcome by Host Village Toushaos 10.40 a.m - Introductions (Name & Designation by Consultation Team Members. Villages named by Host Toshao & Delegation stands) 10.50 a.m Opening Remarks - Honourable Pauline Sukhai – Minister of Amerindian Affairs 10:10 a.m Presentation - Shyam Nokta, Chairman, National Climate Committee 10:40 a.m Remarks - Honourable Carolyn Rodrigues – Minister of Foreign Affairs 11:30 a.m Open Discussion 12:30 a.m Lunch 1:30 a.m Open Discussions continue Closing Remarks - Honourable Pauline Sukhai – Minister of Amerindian Affairs Close MATERIALS Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy Frequently Asked Questions Powerpoint Presentation (Printed) 4 Consultation Session The presenter for this Session was Mr.Shyam Nokta The members of the discussion panel were: Hon. Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues, Presidential Advisor – Land and Environment, Andrew Bishop Chairman of the National Climate Committee, Mr. Shyam Nokta, Attorney at Law and member of the Consultation team, Mr. David James, Representative of the National Amerindian Development Foundation, Mr. Ashton Simon Representative of TAAMOG, Mr. Peter Persaud Ms. Jocelyn Dow was the IIED representative present at this session. General 1. Persons who spoke were generally in support of the LCDS. 2. More time needed for review of LCDS Comments and Key Questions 1. Strategy is very technical ,was received late and more time needed to review it 2. Would the hydropower plant displace residents? 3. Deforestation is hard to control (illegal extraction) and laws are weak 4. Guyana needs to cut down on activities that emit green-house gases and should switch to cleaner systems such as solar panels 5. Amerindian are losing their traditional lifestyle Suggestions 1. More solar panels needed for communities and support needed in buying them. 2. Longer notice periods to be provided before consultations and more education and time to review strategy needed 3. Reforestation of lands should be done 4. LCDS should help to empower women and youth 5. Villages councils have to play a stringer role in the process 6. Young people should be employed through the LCDS 7. Critical agencies should included in the process 8. Laws and Enforcement need to be strengthened. 9. Strategy will be further discussed at a community level 10. Local/traditional farming can be done more sustainably 5 Appendix A - Minutes of the Sub National Consultations for Low Carbon Development Strategy Region: 1 Location: Santa Rosa Date: 2009/06/28 Comments/ Questions Response (Minister Sukhai, Minister Rodrigues, Shyam Nokta, 1 1. Persons are extracting forests illegally – Amerindians and 1. The LCDS will help to improve capacity and training to Foreigners better address illegal logging etc. Stronger laws and 2. GFC advises that replanting of certain species of trees be regulations need to be put in place to protect forests done- Amerindians need relevant training from the Ministry to learn how to do this. Barama should train Amerindians to 2. Point on reforestation is a good idea and will be taken manage forests forward. 3. Graduates and Scholars should be employed under the LCDS. 3. Involvement is important. LCDS will help to generate more employment opportunities. 4. Guyana is contributing to CO2 emissions and should support more solar panel systems. 4. Guyana is not a higher emitter of green-house gases .Best practices are key to reducing emissions 5. If strategy is successful more clean energy systems will be supported 6. The Amaila Falls is expected to generate 150 MW of energy. Surveying of the area where the Amaila Falls will be set-up is being done now. Government will be faced with a challenge to expand the power to inaccessible areas. Other sources of clean technology such as solar powered systems would support these areas. 2 1. If the land in Moruka is drained properly , it could be used for 1. This matter is noted and Government will further examine farming. The soils are very rich there. 6 this issue 3 1. The Village Council supports the LCDS. The village is now 1. Councils are encouraged to discuss the LCDS further beginning to understand the strategy and will continue to with community review it 2. We are on the brink of a ‘global suicide’ where industrial countries are increasing emissions and polluting the world. Developed countries should support our country. 3. Happy to note that communities that have not been demarcated will be able to participate on the LCDS 4 1. Notes that currently there is no market for forest carbon 1. Guyana is not a higher emitter of green-house gases credits .Best practices are key to reducing emissions 2. Concerned with air pollution- Guyana needs a Clean Air Act 3. Noted strategy supports expansion of agriculture – land 2. Guyana can examine what other places such as the would have to be cleared Middle East are doing to deal with the pollution issue. 5 1. Many villages use generators and high powered engines 1. Guyana is not a high emitter of green-house gases. Best which contribute to global warming practices are key to reducing emissions. 2. Fearful that Amerindians will not return to their traditional lifestyle 2. Do no throw away generators 3. The population in the area is increasing and more forests 3. Guyana is looking at ways to helping persons to access would need to be cleared to make houses 4. Are solar panel systems cheaper than generators and would solar panels. Need to move at a faster rate. communities get reduced costs to purchase systems? 4. The cost of solar panels is still high, however the 5. Would support be provided to communities to run solar technology is improving. panels all day? 5. We would need examine several options for provision of electricity. 6. Eventually costs for cleaner energy systems will reduce and we would be able to phase into using more of these systems 7 6 1. The LCDS is a novel approach 1. Involvement of youth is important 2. A spin off of the strategy should include the training of young people as environmentalists and climatologists 2. LCDS will help to generate more employment 3. Village councils need to ‘get their act together’ to deal with opportunities. LCDS will help to accelerate rate by the issues related to mining and forestry which social services are provided to Guyana 4.