The Amerindian People’s Association (APA) is under more criticism for its recent claims that the public consultations on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) were cosmetic and the strategy should be put on hold until some issues are clarified.
Ms. Jocelyn Dow, one of two independent monitors for the
Ms. Jocelyn Dow, one of two independent monitors for the
Jocelyn Dow
London-based International Institute for Environmental Development (IIED) for the widespread national consultations last year, said she does not share the view that the LCDS process was a farce or that it failed to take account of FPIC (Free Prior and Informed Consent) as claimed by the APA.
In a letter published in the Stabroek News yesterday, she said the limitations of this initial consultation period were anticipated, many were addressed and improved over time and there is still work to be done.
Dow added: “The LCDS is not a harbour; it is a voyage as are all current initiatives at national scale to maintain low carbon emissions and to be compensated for same at national and or global levels. Our forests are cleaning the greenhouse gases even as we speak. Should we not ensure that we receive payment as negotiated for this global good while we work to sort out our issues?”
The criticisms of the LCDS consultations and related aspects of the strategy came in a statement from a workshop for select indigenous leaders held in Georgetown last week and organised mainly by the APA, which stayed away from the consultations process.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas and Conservation International (CI) Guyana, in a joint statement Tuesday, noted the “substantial and unprecedented effort put in to garner support and input into the LCDS from hinterland communities in particular”.
They added, “we have been encouraged by the depth and range of responses received to date. We share the principle of free, prior and informed consent in decision-making that has been stated in the LCDS.”
The LCDS is based on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) and REDD+ is REDD as well as sustainable forest management, forest conservation and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
Dow noted that the preliminary consultations engaged village council representatives and other leaders of 222 communities in the period since the launch of the first draft of the LCDS in June 2009.
She said these initial consultations were chaired by Toshaos and/or local representatives and led by government ministers, including on occasion the Prime Minister and the President and each included members of the Multi Stakeholder Steering Committee (MSSC) and at least one of the monitors. (The other independent monitor was Ms. Vanda Radzik.) Read more..........
In a letter published in the Stabroek News yesterday, she said the limitations of this initial consultation period were anticipated, many were addressed and improved over time and there is still work to be done.
Dow added: “The LCDS is not a harbour; it is a voyage as are all current initiatives at national scale to maintain low carbon emissions and to be compensated for same at national and or global levels. Our forests are cleaning the greenhouse gases even as we speak. Should we not ensure that we receive payment as negotiated for this global good while we work to sort out our issues?”
The criticisms of the LCDS consultations and related aspects of the strategy came in a statement from a workshop for select indigenous leaders held in Georgetown last week and organised mainly by the APA, which stayed away from the consultations process.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas and Conservation International (CI) Guyana, in a joint statement Tuesday, noted the “substantial and unprecedented effort put in to garner support and input into the LCDS from hinterland communities in particular”.
They added, “we have been encouraged by the depth and range of responses received to date. We share the principle of free, prior and informed consent in decision-making that has been stated in the LCDS.”
The LCDS is based on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) and REDD+ is REDD as well as sustainable forest management, forest conservation and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
Dow noted that the preliminary consultations engaged village council representatives and other leaders of 222 communities in the period since the launch of the first draft of the LCDS in June 2009.
She said these initial consultations were chaired by Toshaos and/or local representatives and led by government ministers, including on occasion the Prime Minister and the President and each included members of the Multi Stakeholder Steering Committee (MSSC) and at least one of the monitors. (The other independent monitor was Ms. Vanda Radzik.) Read more..........
And this is coming from a non PPP analyst. How come the APA or Trotman didn't make a big fuss when the WB commended GOG on the consultations?
ReplyDeleteWorld Bank Country Representative for Guyana, Mr. Giorgio Valentini said"The process is very well managed, well designed, very open and transparent”. Over 5000 citizens participated in these consultations why wait till now to trump up this story?