Guyana, UK Sign MoU to Boost Forest Governance and Advance Low-Carbon Development
December 3 2025
The Governments of Guyana and the United Kingdom on Wednesday formalised a major new chapter in their longstanding partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening forest governance and advancing sustainable development.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry, the agreement, signed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), establishes an enhanced framework for collaboration under the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate Programme (FGMC2). It reinforces Guyana’s global leadership in sustainable forest management, low-carbon development, and climate action.
Officials described the MoU as a milestone that reflects the deep trust and shared values between both nations, particularly in their commitment to protecting forests and supporting forest-dependent communities.
At the ceremony, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, said the agreement comes at a crucial time as global attention intensifies on sustainable forestry.
He reiterated Guyana’s commitment to maintaining low deforestation rates and strengthening national forest governance systems, noting that the partnership directly supports the national priorities outlined by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030).
Advancing the LCDS 2030 Vision
The LCDS 2030 charts a transformative development pathway that leverages the economic value of Guyana’s forests and biodiversity while delivering global climate benefits. The new MoU will provide targeted support to:
Strengthen Guyana’s forest governance architecture;
Expand sustainable market access for timber and other forest products;
Enhance financial sustainability and economic opportunities for forest-dependent communities.
The partnership will also bolster the establishment of the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System (GTLAS), which will help ensure internationally recognised and transparent forest management standards.
Reinforcing Guyana–UK Cooperation
The MoU affirms the UK’s confidence in Guyana’s strong forest stewardship and acknowledges the country’s outstanding record as one of the world’s most intact and sustainably managed tropical forest nations. Through the FGMC2 programme, the UK will continue to provide technical, institutional, and implementation support, including through the European Forest Institute’s Rapid Response Programme.
British High Commissioner to Guyana, Her Excellency Jane Miller OBE, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with Guyana to address global climate and biodiversity challenges. She highlighted Guyana’s leadership—from its role in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests to its pioneering work in carbon markets—as a model for the world.
Delivering Benefits for People, Nature, and the Economy
The partnership is expected to deliver tangible benefits by strengthening sustainable forest management, supporting informed cross-sectoral decision-making, and ensuring Guyana’s forests continue to generate economic value while preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The agreement also complements Guyana’s engagement in global initiatives such as the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership, the Global Biodiversity Alliance, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
A Model for Modern Climate Diplomacy
The Ministry of Natural Resources welcomed the renewed partnership as a blueprint for effective international cooperation, aligning domestic priorities with global support to achieve shared climate and development goals.
Guyana and the UK will continue to deepen their collaboration as both countries work to safeguard forests, expand sustainable development opportunities, and accelerate climate ambition.
