Week Twenty Four: Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit

Last week marked a major milestone for both myself and the country—Guyana hosted its first Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit. It was my first large-scale conference here in Georgetown, and a historic one for the nation, with a focus on conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable initiatives. The event brought together stakeholders from across the Caribbean, Latin America, and the wider continent, including political leaders, indigenous representatives, and environmental organizations.

I was grateful to be part of it all, representing the Trust and connecting with partners from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and RedLAC. We also received a media pass—helpful not just for access but for capturing high-quality content from the panels and side events. It made a big difference in documenting our participation professionally.

Observations from the Ground

There was a noticeable shift in energy between the morning and afternoon sessions of Day One. Early on, the room was filled with dignitaries, including President Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the atmosphere was buzzing with media coverage. But as the day transitioned to more technical conservation topics, attendance visibly dropped. It’s clear that once the political stage ends, engagement dwindles, but I would want them to stay since all the voices are still important

The event wasn’t open to the public, and this raised questions among attendees and the broader community. While the leadership voices are critical, the people of Guyana, especially those who have limited access to protected areas—deserve inclusion and awareness. With over 85% forest cover, the country is a global leader in conservation, but that story needs to be told in a way that reaches beyond the boardroom.

The conference venue was well-structured. Panels were held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center with sessions split between the main dome and a secondary room. This gave attendees the flexibility to move between topics and engage with different speakers based on interest and relevance. Some of our panels were held in both so we found our team often going back and forth.

The exhibition hall, located just behind the main venue, featured booths from organizations like CI, PAC, and the EPA. Our booth, a collaboration with the Trust, CBF, and RedLAC, showcased fieldwork and conservation tools. Unfortunately, due to the event’s closed format, public engagement at the exhibition was minimal. Despite this, it was a great opportunity to build relationships with other conservation professionals.

Reflections on Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement

Overall, the summit was a great success in spotlighting Guyana’s biodiversity efforts. But it also highlighted a few gaps. One major takeaway: there’s a need to improve how we communicate the value of these landscapes to the general public. Initiatives like carbon credits and forest conservation can and should be linked to livelihoods and economic development, but more storytelling and education are needed.

We also heard a lot about Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. While the goals are ambitious, the five-year horizon isn’t far off. The groundwork laid today must begin delivering measurable progress now, especially if we want to sustain momentum and attract further investment.

What’s Good, What’s Challenging, What’s Next

• The Good: Networking with people in conservation who are passionate and mission-driven. There’s a lot of energy in this space, and it’s motivating to be among others working toward shared goals.
• The Challenge: Juggling photography, videography, and social media coverage solo was demanding—but rewarding. It reminded me of the importance of structure, planning, and asking for help when needed.
• What’s Next: I’m heading to Toronto for a short break to celebrate birthdays with family and friends. It’s the perfect time to reset, reflect, and come back recharged for the next quarter.