Georgetown : Indigenous leaders from various regions and sectors gathered at the Sophia Exhibition Complex to discuss the role Indigenous peoples can play in crafting strategies to counter climate change.
According to Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, the government firmly believes that it is the fundamental right of every indigenous person to participate in all matters of national interest hence their involvement in discussions on such an important issue.
The forum presented a platform for ideas, suggestions, problems and solutions regarding climate change to be raised and discussed.
Minister Allicock in his presentation stressed that climate change is real. Quoting one of the famous Bob Marley’s (Robert Nestor Marley) songs, Allicock said, “When the rain falls, it doesn’t fall on one man’s house top.” He note that, “The situation with climate change and it is everybody’s business(since) it touches our food supply, energy needs, clean water, health, family and way of life. It touches our very existence.”
Calling for a nationwide approach Allicockadded, “We are at a point where we must find ways as peoples, government, nations to fight a good fight.”
According to the Minister, Amerindians are well aware of how to preserve their natural habitat and this could prove to be very vital in the fight against climate change. “Our expertise in preserving our forest and all things naturalattests to the appreciation for and our knowledge of the eco-system. It is now up to us to bring that traditional knowledge to this discussion. The government is ready to listen,” Allicock told the Indigenous leaders.
“Historically, we kept the forest, we understand its vulnerability and know its value. We can win this Fight! Let us unite around this opportunity here today,” the minister urged. He noted that work has already started in Aishalton and neighbouring villages.
Today’s forum was help with assistance from the United Nations. The Minister highlighted that that the UN has great plans for further collaboration and the government is committed to ensuring that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiatives that are aimed at guaranteeing the exercise of the right of the Amerindian people remains on track and receive full governmental support.
In addition Minister Allicock, urged the leaders to recognise their rights and responsibilities and to embrace every opportunity which allows for the responsible exercise of those rights and to do all things within the framework of the laws of Guyana, to protect those rights.
United Nation’s Guyana Representative, Kadija Musa, highlighted the UN’s position on the struggle against climate change. She pointed to the funding provided by the agency and the commitments made to join Guyana in the fight.
An international Conference with the leaders of indigenous communities, agencies and bodies on Climate Change is set for December 21 by the UN.
The Indigenous people signed onto the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2000.
The UNFCCCis the onlyinternational climate policy/ environmental treaty. This treaty was negotiated at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), which was held in Rio de Janeiro from 3 – 14 June 1992. Its objective is to "stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system".
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