Belmopan, March 27, 2026.
The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Belize and the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to strengthen cooperation in the conservation, sustainable management, and protection of forests.
This agreement brings together two Caribbean Community mainland states with significant tropical forest resources, both playing a vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and building resilience to climate change.
“This Memorandum of Understanding strengthens our partnership with Guyana and our capacity to conserve biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and advance sustainable development, while creating opportunities in carbon markets and climate finance,” said Minister Orlando Habet.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration, focusing on:
- Forest conservation and sustainable management
- Biodiversity protection and ecosystem integrity
- Climate change resilience and adaptation
- Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems
- Exploration of carbon market opportunities
The Government of Belize and the Co-operative Republic of Guyana face common challenges, including deforestation, illegal logging, land use change, wildfires, and the increasing impacts of climate change. Through this partnership, both countries will address these challenges through coordinated action, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
Under this Memorandum, the two countries will collaborate through:
- Joint initiatives to strengthen forest management and conservation
- Sharing of technical expertise, data, and best practices
- Strengthening monitoring, surveillance, and MRV systems
- Promoting sustainable livelihoods, including for Indigenous peoples and local communities
- Enhancing access to climate finance and international support
- Advancing research, innovation, and institutional capacity
The cooperation also emphasises inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that efforts support communities while respecting traditional knowledge and cultural practices.
The implementation of the MoU will be supported through designated national focal points and may include the establishment of a Technical Working Group.
The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management reaffirms its commitment to strengthening climate resilience, conserving Belize’s natural resources, and advancing strategic partnerships that support sustainable development and environmental integrity.
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