Georgetown, Guyana ( June 10, 2016) – A delegation led by Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Raphael Trotman heads to the Kingdom of Norway to attend the Oslo REDD Exchange 2016. The forum which is being held from June 14-15, 2016 will bring together high level representatives from around the world to exchange ideas, experiences and perspectives on how best to reduce deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries (REDD) to protect tropical forests. During the visit the team will also meet with Minister of Climate and Environment, Honourable Vidar Helgesen to discuss the Guyana/ Norway partnership, examine renewable project opportunities and explore avenues of support for the development of Guyana’s oil and gas sector. Minister Trotman will be accompanied by Chairman of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Ms. Jocelyn Dow and Head of Planning and Development Ms. Pradeepa Bholanath, Technical Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources Ms. Teresa Gaime and Head of the Project Management Office (PMO) at Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Marlon Bristol.
Since taking office, the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Natural Resources has been actively engaging the Norwegian government to advance the Guyana/Norway partnership agreement which seeks to provide Guyana with US$250M for avoided deforestation. Minister Trotman, who has responsibility for the agreement, and a team from the Ministry of Natural Resources and other coordinating agencies, have facilitated several exchanges to help finalize an agreement that would yield better outcomes for Guyana. The Kingdom of Norway has recently sent 3 teams of advisors from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), and Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative who supported local stakeholders to improve their capacity to execute the Joint Concept Note and take advantage of REDD opportunities.
This is the APNU/AFC Government’s first visit to Norway having facilitated previous visits by Norwegian representatives over the course of engagements between the two countries. Guyana’s presence at the conference will further strengthen the capacity of local coordinating agencies while other in-country meetings will move it closer to achieving its Green Economy vision. The visiting team will place much emphasis on petroleum production and renewable energy both of which Guyana believes that Norway can provide valuable support for.
Both countries are eagerly anticipating the visit and the positive outcomes that will further strengthen their relationship.
