Guyana was hailed for its leading role in fighting climate change as the 13th Annual Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development opens at the Guyana International Conference Centre. Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Chairman and St Kitts and Nevis Tourism and International Transport Minister Richard Skerritt said the fact that Guyana is the first country to host the conference twice, shows that it remains committed to the protection and sustainable use of its natural resources.
“Guyana has emerged as a leader on the world stage in the battle to reduce global carbon emissions. I believe it was the result of a deliberate decision by this ‘proud country’ to stand up and be counted in the global fight against the vast extremes of climate change, and to lead by example,” the CTO chairman stated.
Skerritt pointed out that despite urgent critical fiscal challenges confronting the region, Georgetown did not succumb to the temptation to expand the extraction of timber and other resources.
According to him, in recognising the long-term negative impact of deforestation, Guyana has been convinced that it ought not to be forced to choose between short-term development priorities and climate change. Even with recession still hovering in the region, and calls to get economic houses in order quickly, the Guyana government still chose to protect its entire 40 million acres of rainforests.
Skerritt said: “It is therefore my pleasure to add to the global applause for the Guyana government and people, for placing such high value on your biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management and climate change adaptation efforts. Guyana’s initiatives in this regard are yet another example that the Caribbean is not hamstrung by its size, and can lead the world.”
The CTO chairman also believes that Guyana’s choice to manage its forest is attracting attention from the world travel and tourism industries.
Pointing his direction to the sustainability of tourism in the region, Skerritt said with this industry being the leading currency earner for most Caribbean countries, the conference should help to address economic growth and poverty alleviation, and adopt development strategies for sustained growth.
CTO, he said, has a message to the region: “Our message is that it is vital that the Caribbean becomes truly dedicated to sustainable tourism practices in order to maximise the economic benefits for all stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, consumers, and governments.”
He urged the delegates of the conference to appreciate and manage their countries coastlines and show more respect for the value of their rich diversity of their marine ecosystems.
“I implore you to take full advantage of the numerous opportunities that this conference presents, and to help make this the most successful and satisfying STC ever, through your own active participation.” CTO, he emphasised, has been playing a leading role in promoting tourism awareness amongst people, and for establishing standards for delivering its natural products.
