The LCDS and the tourism industry

There is no doubt that Guyana’s tourism industry has taken off. And while there is much work to be done, the news is spreading and we are being talked about as one of the most attractive and unique new tourist destinations. Unlike our Caribbean counterparts that offer the typical sun, sand and sea tourism, Guyana has a different type of tourism product with our irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty; pristine Amazonian rainforests, immense waterfalls, amazing wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage.

Tourists going to other parts of the world are accustomed to seeing one set of things; and if properly packaged and marketed, Guyana has the potential to become one of the most sought after nature tourism destinations in the world. And it is clear that the Low Carbon Development Strategy that the government is currently pursuing will boost national efforts that are being made in this regard.

Our country continues to be a leader in the fight against climate change despite the limited progress being made by the international community against the phenomenon. During his most recent Independence Day address, President Bharrat Jagdeo referred to the possibility of our country becoming one of the world’s top biodiversity destinations, something that few countries in the world can boast about. He disclosed that, within the coming months, two new protected areas – Shell Beach and the Kanuku Mountains – will be finalized.

Mr Jagdeo said that once this work has been completed, Guyana will now have 12 per cent of its national territory as protected areas, this is in addition to efforts that are being made to protect the country’s rainforest. Most would agree that this is certainly an achievement that would remain unmatched by many nations in years to come; and the government, especially President Jagdeo, should be commended for helping to place such a relatively small country as Guyana on the world map with respect to the climate change fight. These efforts are noted worldwide, as, just after a few years of activism, Guyana is seen globally as a pathfinder for the world on climate change issues.

“We are leading the world in working out how to maintain the vast majority of our forest as a priceless global asset, while at the same time advancing the legitimate development aspirations of those who depend on it,” the president said.

It is our hope that Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy will continue to be advanced even after the current head of state demits office later this year, as this is necessary for continued progress in the country. Already we have collected US$40 million from Norway, and it is expected we would receive in excess of a quarter of a billion dollars in similar transactions before 2015. The authorities have promised that this money will fund investments which will go towards the continued creation of the new economy, one that is powered by clean energy, connected by digital world-class infrastructure, and built on the productive use of our human, financial and natural capitals.

Also, a significant portion of the money is expected to fund the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, which will deliver cheaper and cleaner energy for the majority of Guyanese citizens and businesses. This no doubt will transform our national competitiveness. And as the largest investment in the history of Guyana, it will demonstrate to the world that Guyana is able to attract foreign direct investment and use that investment to catalyse large scale, world class infrastructure programmes.

With the LCDS currently in its implementation stage and our tourism sector still evolving, our country is certainly on the right path towards achieving its developmental aims. If we are to underscore the importance of tourism to our country’s development, then more public awareness is needed, so that not only the government and the private sector are onboard, but hopefully ordinary Guyanese people who fully understand and support the efforts that are being made, both as they relate to the LCDS and the development of the tourism sector and the country as a whole.