During March 2019, the second round of REDD+ readiness workshops and cluster meetings took place in Georgetown and hinterland communities of Regions 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. Participants were introduced to the newly-crafted REDD+ Communication & Outreach Strategy, and related communication products designed by GlobalCAD to engage key REDD+ stakeholders in the advancing REDD+ readiness process.
The outreach is part of the Consultancy for Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement on REDD+ & Readiness Activities in Guyana, being implemented by the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) Project of the Ministry of Natural Resources. GlobalCAD has been contracted by the Ministry to execute the work until November 2019.
During the past weeks, twelve (12) workshops and four (4) cluster meetings were held with 337 participants from over 75 indigenous and forest-dependent communities. Various REDD+ partners including the National Toshaos Council (NTC), North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), Amerindian People’s Association (APA), various regional officials, Toshaos and village leaders, also supported these sessions.
The REDD+ communication products, which are intended to build knowledge and encourage participation in the design of a national REDD+ programme, include three (3) radio programmes, two (2) videos, three (3) brochures, three (3) posters, a guide for teachers, as well as support materials for social media campaigns such as banners and GIFS. The radio and video programmes are available in English with translations in Akawaio, Makushi, Patamona and Wapishana. All these materials and further information can be accessed at the website www.reddplusguyana.org.
What is REDD+?
REDD is a mechanism to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and provides an opportunity to mitigate the effects of climate change. REDD has evolved into REDD+ which includes conservation, sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks. In making forests more valuable, REDD+ makes it possible to protect natural forests while fostering sustainable development.
