THE STATE OF GUYANA’S BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE › 3 › CA3472EN ›...
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COUNTRY REPORTS
THE STATE OF GUYANA’S BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
This country report has been prepared by the national authorities as a contribution to the FAO publication, The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture. The report is being made available by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as requested by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. The information in this report has not been verified by FAO, and the content of this document is entirely the responsibility of the authors, and does not necessarily represent the views of FAO, or its Members. The designations employed and the presentation of material do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of FAO concerning legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.
The State of Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture in Guyana
August, 2016
Ministry of Agriculture,
Republic of Guyana
i
FORWARD
The Guyana Country Report has been produced as part of the multi-year program of work for the
strategic plan for the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. It will be used
to prepare the report on State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture (SoWBFA)
which will be presented at the Commission of Genetic Resources Sixteenth Regular Session in
2017. The SoWBFA report will provide a global assessment on biodiversity for food and
agriculture and will be based on information from the compilation of country reports.
The Country Report for Guyana targeted the specific sectors related to genetic resources for food
and agriculture. It utilized available information from research and studies of key agricultural
institutions, other governmental agencies, international bodies, learning institutions, and other
relevant stakeholders.
At a national level, this report will act as a tool to improve policies and strengthen corporation
across and within sectors. It will also provide a starting point to identify: gaps in data; limitations
of existing agricultural practices; and future actions required to maintain and improve food
security and sustainable livelihoods of producers through the conservation and sustainable
management of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD...................................................................................................................................... i
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................................................... v
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................ vii
LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................... ix
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTRY AND TO THE ROLE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ....................................................................................................... 1
1.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTRY ................................................................... 3
1.2 ROLE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ...................................... 6
1.3 PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN GUYANA .......................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2 DRIVERS OF CHANGE .............................................................................................................. 27
2.1 EFFECTS OF DRIVERS OF CHANGE ON ASSOCIATED BIODIVERSITY............... 28
2.2 EFFECTS OF DRIVERS OF CHANGE ON BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE ....................................................................................................................... 35
2.3 EFFECTS OF DRIVERS OF CHANGE ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ......................... 47
2.4 EFFECTS OF DRIVERS OF CHANGE ON WILD FOODS ............................................ 61
2.5 EFFECTS OF DRIVERS OF CHANGE ON TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, GENDER
AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS ................................................................................................ 62
2.6 COUNTERMEASURES ADDRESSING CURRENT AND EMERGING DRIVERS OF
CHANGE, BEST PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNED ................................................ 65
CHAPTER 3 THE STATE AND TRENDS OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ........ 68
3.1 OVERALL SYNTHESIZED ASSESSMENT OF FOREST, AQUATIC, ANIMAL OR
PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES ............................................................................................ 69
3.2 STATE AND TRENDS OF ASSOCIATED BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM
SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 71
iii
3.3 SPECIES OF ASSOCIATED BIODIVERSITY AT RISK OF LOSS ............................... 92
3.4 CONSERVATION OF ASSOCIATED BIODIVERSITY ................................................. 93
3.5 STATE AND TRENDS OF WILD RESOURCES USED FOR FOOD ............................ 97
3.6 WILD FOOD RESOURCES AT RISK .............................................................................. 97
3.7 CONSERVATION OF WILD RESOURCES USED FOR FOOD .................................... 98
3.8 NATURAL OR HUMAN-MADE DISASTERS AND BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE ....................................................................................................................... 99
3.9 INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES AND BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE ..................................................................................................................... 104
3.10 SIMILARITIES, DIFFERENCES AND INTERACTIONS .......................................... 106
3.11 GAPS AND PRIORITIES .............................................................................................. 106
CHAPTER 4 THE STATE OF USE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE .................. 111
4.2 THE USE OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OR ACTIONS THAT FAVOR OR
INVOLVE THE USE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ............... 112
4.2 SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ........ 138
4.3 THE CONTRIBUTION OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE IN
IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY, FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION, LIVELIHOODS,
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES, SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE
INTENSIFICATION. .............................................................................................................. 143
4.4 THE ADOPTION OF ECOSYSTEM APPROACHES .................................................... 145
4.5 GAPS AND PRIORITIES ................................................................................................ 148
CHAPTER 5 THE STATE OF INTERVENTIONS ON CONSERVATION AND USE OF BIODIVERSITY
FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE .......................................................................................... 152
5.1 NATIONAL POLICIES, PROGRAMMES AND ENABLING FRAMEWORKS THAT
SUPPORT OR INFLUENCE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF
BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE AND THE PROVISION OF
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES ..................................................................................................... 153
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5.2 POLICIES, PROGRAMMES AND ENABLING FRAMEWORKS GOVERNING
EXCHANGE, ACCESS AND BENEFITS ............................................................................ 161
5.3 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ................................................................................. 163
5.4 STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION AND ONGOING ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT
MAINTENANCE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ..................... 164
5.5 COLLABORATION BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS ............. 170
5.6 CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................ 176
5.7 KNOWLEDGE GENERATION AND SCIENCE FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND
SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE .............. 177
5.8 GAPS AND PRIORITIES ................................................................................................ 178
CHAPTER 6 FUTURE AGENDAS FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF
BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ............................................................. 182
6.1 ENHANCING THE CONTRIBUTION OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE ..................................................................................................................... 183
6.2 STRENGTHENING THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ASSOCIATED
BIODIVERSITY AND WILD FOODS .................................................................................. 183
6.3 IMPROVING STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT AND AWARENESS ..................... 184
v
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ABS Access and Benefit Sharing
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CWR Crop Wild Relatives
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
GATOSP Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors
GAWU Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union
GPA Global Action Plan
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GFC Guyana Forestry Commission
GLDA Guyana Livestock Development Authority
GL&SC Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission
GMC New Guyana Marketing Corporation
GMTCS Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society
GRDB Guyana Rice Development Board
GRPA Guyana Rice Producers Association
GuySuCo Guyana Sugar Corporation
IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development
IICA Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture
IWOKRAMA International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development
LCDS Low Carbon Development Strategy
MOA Ministry of Agriculture
NAREI National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute
NBAP National Biodiversity Action Plan, Actions for Biodiversity
NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
NISM National Information Sharing Mechanism
PGRFA Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
PTCCB Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board
READ Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development
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TED Turtle Excluder Devices
UG University of Guyana
UNFCC United Nations Framework on Climate Change
WWF World Wildlife Fund
vii
LIST OF TABLES Table 1: The National Committee................................................................................................... 2
Table 2: The Working Group .......................................................................................................... 2
Table 3: Production systems present in the Guyana ....................................................................... 7
Table 4: Description or characterization of production systems within the country ...................... 9
Table 5: Area under production, production quantity and contribution to the agricultural sector
economy of production systems in the country ............................................................................ 21
Table 6: Fisheries Department Export Data Collection Sheet - January - December 2015 ......... 24
Table 7: Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity within production systems in the country, by
animal (AnGR), plant (PGR), aquatic (AqGR) and forest (FGR) genetic resources. .................. 36
Table 8: Major drivers and their effect on ecosystem services in production systems................. 47
Table 9: Drivers affecting availability, knowledge and diversity of wild foods .......................... 61
Table 10: Trends in the state of components of associated biodiversity within production systems
....................................................................................................................................................... 71
Table 11: Trends in the state of regulating and supporting ecosystem services within production
systems. ......................................................................................................................................... 73
Table 12: Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services. ... 77
Table 13: Associated biodiversity species that are in some way actively managed in your country
to help provide regulating or supporting ecosystem services. ...................................................... 90
Table 14: Main threats to associated biodiversity identified as at risk. ........................................ 92
Table 15: Ex situ conservation or management activities or programmes for associated
biodiversity for food and agriculture. ........................................................................................... 94
Table 16: In situ conservation or management activities or programmes for associated
biodiversity for food and agriculture. ........................................................................................... 95
Table 17: Wild species used for food in the country. ................................................................... 97
Table 18: Main threats to wild food species identified as at risk................................................. 98
Table 19: Ex situ conservation or management activities or programmes for wild food species. 98
Table 20: In situ conservation or management activities or programmes for wild food species. . 99
Table 21: Natural or human-made disasters that has had a significant effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture in the past 10 years in the country. ............................................................ 100
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Table 22: Flood and Drought Events in Guyana 1990 – 2015 (International Disaster Database,
2016) ........................................................................................................................................... 102
Table 23: Invasive alien species that have had a significant effect on biodiversity for food and
agriculture in the past 10 years. .................................................................................................. 104
Table 24: Management practices that are considered to favor the maintenance and use of
biodiversity for food and agriculture .......................................................................................... 112
Table 25: Diversity based practices that involve the enhanced use of biodiversity for food and
agriculture ................................................................................................................................... 126
Table 26: Major practices that negatively impact associated biodiversity and/or wild foods in the
country ........................................................................................................................................ 138
Table 27: Effect of the lack of biodiversity for food and agriculture on production, food security
and nutrition and livelihood. ....................................................................................................... 143
Table 28: Adoption of and importance assigned to ecosystem approaches in production systems
in the Country ............................................................................................................................. 145
Table 29: Obstacles to developing and implementing legislation that would protect associated
biodiversity identified in the country. ......................................................................................... 160
Table 30: Strategic Objectives, Priority Actions, Targets and Contribution to Aichi Goals and
Targets......................................................................................................................................... 171
Table 31: Higher education programmes specifically targeting the conservation and sustainable
use of associated biodiversity genetic resources in the country. ................................................ 176
Table 32: The Research Institutions in Guyana that are involved in Research on Associated
Biodiversity ................................................................................................................................. 177
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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Map of Guyana Showing the Natural Regions ................................................................ 4
Figure 2: The Ten Administrative Regions in Guyana ................................................................... 5
Figure 3: Map of Guyana Showing the Rice Growing Areas ....................................................... 18
Figure 4: Map of Guyana Showing the Natural Regenerated Forests .......................................... 19
Figure 5: Map of Guyana Showing the Sugar Estates .................................................................. 19
Figure 6: Map of Guyana Showing the EEZ and zoning of the Fishing Areas ............................ 20
Figure 7: Map of Guyana Showing Livestock Production Areas ................................................. 21
Figure 8: Agriculture’s Contribution to the Total GDP – 2000-2005 (UNDP and ECLAC 2006).
..................................................................................................................................................... 103
Figure 9: The Schematic of the Rice Breeding Program at the Rice Research Station. ............. 137
1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTRY AND TO THE ROLE OF
BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
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Question 1. Provide a description of the process that was followed in preparing the Country
Report, preferably providing the names (with affiliations and addresses) of the participants,
including all stakeholders consulted.
Appointment of the National Focal Point was done by the Government of Guyana in December
2015. The National Committee was formed in April, 2016. Agencies from across the Ministry of
Agriculture was ask to participate in the preparation of the country report; agriculture agencies
included: the Guyana Rice Development Board, the National Agriculture Research and
Extension Institute, The Guyana Sugar Corporation, The Guyana Forestry Commission. There
was also support from other ministries as well as nongovernmental organizations which
included: The Environmental Protection Agency, The World Wildlife Fund, and The United
Nation Food and Agricultural Organization.
Table 1: The National Committee
Representative Agencies M. Persaud - National Focal Point Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) G. Jervis - Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) R. Robertson - Country Representative FAO Guyana N. Hassan - General Manager Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Ida S. Adams - General Manager New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) O. Homenauth - GEO National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) G. Ramnarine - Head, Sugar Cane Research
Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)
N. Cumberbatch - CEO Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) E. Clarles - Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Guyana Denzil Roberts - Chief Fisheries Officer Fisheries Department Justin McKenzie - Permanent Secretary Natural Resource Department Indarjit Ramdass - CEO Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) J. Singh - Commissioner Forestry Commission
The working group was selected from the agencies listed in table 1 in May 2016, to commence
the preparation of the report. The first session of the working group was held on May 11, 2016.
Discussions of this session were led by the National Focal Point who provided an overview of
the country report and its objectives. Agencies / organizations were asked to complete the
section/s of the report that pertains to their respective agency / organization. Additional
assistance was provided by the National Focal Point and National Committee to the working
group as the need arises.
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Table 2: The Working Group
Representative Agencies M. Persaud - National Focal Point Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) N. Singh - Research Scientist Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) C. Paul - Research Scientist National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) M. Cummings - Plant Breeder Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) M. Welch - Animal Scientist Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) L. Chester - Lecturer Faculty of Agriculture, University of Guyana (FFA, UG) Seion Robertson - Fisheries Officer Fisheries Department S. M. Singh - Forest Resources Manager
Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC)
After completion of the sector reports, members of the working group submitted a draft to their
respective agency heads for review. Sector reports were then submitted to the National Focal
Point for compilation.
1.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE COUNTRY
Question 2. In a few paragraphs, provide a synthetic overview of your country, including the
size, location, main physiographic and climatic features. Include a section on human population,
providing disaggregated data on women and men contribution and involvement in agriculture.
Briefly discuss as well the overall nature and characteristics of the economy, including the
contribution of the different sectors. You may wish to draw upon the country overviews provided
in the first chapters of previous and ongoing Country Reports on Forest, Aquatic, Animal or
Plant Genetic Resources.
The Cooperative Republic of Guyana is located on the north-eastern coast of South America,
bordered by Suriname to the east, Brazil to the South, and Venezuela to the west. Guyana lies
between latitudes 1° and 9°N, and longitudes 56° and 62°W. It has a total size of 215 000 km2
with a coastline of approximately 434 km in length (EPA, 2010). Guyana is part of the Guiana
Highlands; along with Suriname and French Guiana, which is characterized by lowland tropical
rainforest. Approximately 85% of the total area of land in Guyana is covered by forest (EPA,
2010).
4
Guyana is divided into four natural regions based on its geography:
i. The Coastal Plain which is approximately 1.37 m below sea level, consists of majority of
Guyana's population, and is host to majority of the agricultural activities;
ii. The Highland Region which includes the Pakaraima Formation and Mount Roraima,
Guyana’s highest peak;
iii. The Hilly Sand and Clay Region which is found just inland of the coastal region and is
covered mostly with vegetation; and
iv. The Interior Savannahs, which accounts for almost 11% of the country’s area and is
covered mainly by grasses, shrub and low trees (EPA, 2010).
Figure 1: Map of Guyana Showing the Natural Regions
5
These natural regions are further divided into ten (10) administrative regions, each managed by a
Regional Democratic Council.
Figure 2: The Ten Administrative Regions in Guyana
Guyana has a population of approximately 746,995 with more than 75% residing on the coast
lands (Bureau of Statistics, 2012). Guyana population is one of mixed heritage, chiefly made up
of six people viz. Indians, Africans, Portuguese, Native Amerindians, Europeans and Chinese.
These groups of diverse nationality backgrounds have been fused together by a common
language, that is, English.
Rainfall in Guyana is spatially and temporally very variable and is influenced by the seasonal
movements of the Equatorial Trough and the El-Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) (Bovolo et
al, 2009). The coast lands of Guyana experience two wet and two dry seasons annually. Months
with the highest rainfall are usually June and December and relatively dry periods occur in the
6
months of March and September. This trend in rainfall pattern is observed throughout Regions 1
to 6 (Bovolo et al, 2009). A similar pattern of rainfall is observed in Regions 7 and 10 which are
located parallel to the coastal areas (Bovolo et al, 2009). Region 8 recorded the highest rainfall
while Region 9, the savannah region, experiences the least (Bovolo et al, 2009). The mean air
temperature is 25‐27.5˚ throughout the year in most regions except the upland regions in the west
of the country, where mean temperatures are a cooler 20‐23˚C (McSweeney et al, 2012).
According to the UNDP Climate Change Country Profiles, the mean annual rainfall along the
coast has increased at an average rate of 4.8 mm/month per decade and the temperature has
increased by 0.3°C since 1960 at an average rate of 0.07°C per decade (McSweeney et al, 2012).
Guyana has an estimated floral diversity of over 8000 species; including ferns, mosses, etc.
Approximately 6500 of the 8000 species have being identified (EPA, 2010). There are
approximately 1,815 known species of fishes, amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals (EPA,
2010).
1.2 ROLE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Question 3. Provide a summary of the role of biodiversity for food and agriculture in improving
food security and nutrition, the livelihoods of farmers, pastoralists, forest dwellers and fisher
folk, ecosystem health and sustainability of production systems in your country. Specific
attention should be given to associated biodiversity, ecosystem services and to wild foods. The
summary should also draw attention to the ex situ and in situ conservation of biodiversity for
food and agriculture, the most significant aspects of use to improve food security and nutrition in
the country, major changes observed in the last 10 years and the main factors causing changes.
Significant risks or dangers to the conservation and use of biodiversity for food and agriculture
may also be highlighted.
Guyana’s richness of land and water resources and its unique rainfall patterns strategically
position the agriculture sector to optimize production and harvesting opportunities (Ministry of
Agriculture, 2013). The agriculture industry comprises of five principle sub-sectors: rice, sugar,
fruits and vegetables, livestock and fisheries (Ministry of Agriculture, 2013). The sugar and rice
sector are the most dominant and contributes significantly in creating sustainable livelihoods for
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Guyanese residing in Regions 2 to 6 (Ministry of Agriculture, 2013). Arable land in Guyana is
more than 400,000 hectares, with the agriculture sector occupying approximately 161,874
hectares of irrigated land which is a host to major crops such as sugarcane and rice; a range of
non-traditional crops such as coconut, vegetables; and fishery and livestock (Paul, 2012).
Guyana is self-sufficient in all basic food requirements of its population but relies heavily on the
importation of wheat, split peas and potatoes (Paul, 2012).
Agriculture is vital to economic growth and development of the country as it creates employment
for thirty-three percent (33%) of the population. It has also guaranteed that Guyana remains a net
exporter of food and accounts for forty percent (40%) of the total export earnings (Paul, 2012).
The industry contributes to approximately twenty one percent (21%) of Guyana’s gross domestic
product (Paul, 2012).
1.3 PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN GUYANA
Question 4. Indicate, for each of the production systems listed in Table 3 below, whether it is
found in your country or not, regardless of its importance
Table 3: Production systems present in the Guyana
Sector Code Name of Production System Present
(Y/N)
Live
stoc
k
L1 Livestock grassland-based systems: Tropics Y
L2 Livestock grassland-based systems: Subtropics N
L3 Livestock grassland-based systems: Temperate N
L4 Livestock grassland-based systems: Boreal and/or highlands N
L5 Livestock landless systems: Tropics Y
L6 Livestock landless systems: Subtropics N
L7 Livestock landless systems: Temperate N
L8 Livestock landless systems: Boreal and/or highlands N
Fore
st
s
F1 Naturally regenerated forests: Tropics Y
F2 Naturally regenerated forests: Subtropics N
8
Sector Code Name of Production System Present
(Y/N)
F3 Naturally regenerated forests: Temperate N
F4 Naturally regenerated forests: Boreal and/or highlands N
F5 Planted forests: Tropics N
F6 Planted forests: Subtropics N
F7 Planted forests: Temperate N
F8 Planted forests: Boreal and/or highlands N
Aqu
acul
ture
and
Fis
herie
s
A1 Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Tropics Y
A2 Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Subtropics N
A3 Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Temperate N
A4 Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Boreal and/or highlands N
A5 Culture-based fisheries: Tropics N
A6 Culture-based fisheries: Subtropics N
A7 Culture-based fisheries: Temperate N
A8 Culture-based fisheries: Boreal and/or highlands N
A9 Fed aquaculture: Tropics Y
A10 Fed aquaculture: Subtropics N
A11 Fed aquaculture: Temperate N
A12 Fed aquaculture: Boreal and/or highlands N
A13 Non-feed aquaculture: Tropics Y
A14 Non-feed aquaculture: Subtropics N
A15 Non-feed aquaculture: Temperate N
A16 Non-feed aquaculture: Boreal and/or highlands N
Cro
ps
C1 Irrigated crops (rice): Tropics Y
C2 Irrigated crops (rice): Subtropics N
C3 Irrigated crops (rice): Temperate N
C4 Irrigated crops (rice): Boreal and/or highlands N
C5 Irrigated crops (other): Tropics Y
C6 Irrigated crops (other): Subtropics N
9
Sector Code Name of Production System Present
(Y/N)
C7 Irrigated crops (other): Temperate N
C8 Irrigated crops (other): Boreal and/or highlands N
C9 Rainfed crops: Tropics Y
C10 Rainfed crops: Subtropics N
C11 Rainfed crops: Temperate N
C12 Rainfed crops: Boreal and/or highlands N
Mix
ed
M1 Mixed systems (livestock, crop, forest and/or aquatic and
fisheries): Tropics Y
M2 Mixed systems (livestock, crop, forest and/or aquatic and fisheries):
Subtropics N
M3 Mixed systems (livestock, crop, forest and/or aquatic and fisheries):
Temperate N
M4 Mixed systems (livestock, crop, forest and/or aquatic and fisheries):
Boreal and/or highlands N
Others O1 Crops: Swamp Systems (Aroids): Tropics Y
Question 5. List in Table 4 the production systems that have been identified as occurring in your
country in Table 3, indicating the codes and/or the names of the production systems as provided.
Provide a description for each production system.
Table 4: Description or characterization of production systems within the country
Production Systems Description
Irrigated crops (rice)
: Tropics (C1)
Irrigated rice covers approximately 189,491 acres of land. Rice is
cultivated mainly on the lowlands of the coast which is characterized by
environmental homogeneity with seldom droughts and floods damaging
the rice crop. A small amount of land in the savannas (Region 9, Santa Fe
and Moco Moco) is recently being cultivated for upland rice production.
Modern technology and research has contributed tremendously to rice
10
Production Systems Description
production and consequently there has been increases in yields over the
past decades (from 3.8 t/ha in 1994 to 5.3 in 2014). To date, the new high
yielding varieties have occupied about 61% of the total rice land
cultivated in Guyana.
Naturally regenerated forests:
Tropics (F1)
Guyana is situated on the northern coast of South America, between 0 45'
and 8 38' north latitude and 56 32' and 61 22' west longitude. The forest
is found on well drained sites from the flat plain to broken country and on
rocky hills. The soils are brown sands, loams or red earths. The trees are
of different stages, the canopy is from 70-130ft. high, the emergent up to
170ft high and understory between 40 to 70 ft high. The maximum tree
diameter of Guyana's rainforest is between 30-40inches and stocking
density is 120-210 trees per acre over 4 inches diameter. Lianas and
epiphytes are common in this forest.
Irrigated crops (other) : Tropics
(C5)
Sugarcane. The production of sugar accounts for approximately 20% of
the Gross Domestic Product and 40% of agricultural production.
Sugarcane is grown in several areas near the coast. Temperatures are high
all year round and the area receives about 2000 mm of rain each year.
Sugarcane and rice production apart, coconut cultivation is the only other
major crop in Guyana that benefits from applied irrigation practices
(Pomeroon River Plantations, and large Coastal commercial plantations)
All commercial scale garden vegetable production (mainly in coastal
ecologies) require some form of applied irrigation. Holdings range from
smaller than quarter of a hectare to perhaps not larger than one 3/4 of a
hectare (as per irrigated vegetables). Irrigated coconut plantations range
from 5 hectares to about 100 hectares per holding; the average in the
riparian communities averages about 20 hectares. Except for sporadic
incidences of insect pests that are controlled with agrochemicals,
synthetic fertilization of coconut is not customary. However, garden
vegetable production is difficult without synthetic agro-chemical inputs.
11
Production Systems Description
Irrigated coconut production is thinly spread along rural coastal Guyana,
but the most intensive production in the Country is found in the low lying
riparian community of the Lower Pomeroon River; hence the ready
availability irrigation water. These two groups of irrigated other crops
consume the full time of about 20% of commercial farming families in
the country, with about an equal spread between the genders. Youths are
also active for this group of crops, but their participation is so transient
that an accurate proportion is not readily estimable. Farmers in the main
riparian community in the Lower Pomeroon River exclusively depend on
this group of crops for their livelihood. While coastal farming
communities for this group of crops would usually have diversified
portfolio of earning sources.
Self-recruiting capture
fisheries: Tropics (A1)
The marine fisheries sector in Guyana can be divided into three main
fisheries, these are:
• Industrial fishery – shrimp trawlers targeting seabob shrimp
(Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) and penaeid shrimp (Farfantepenaeus
brasiliensis, F. subtilis and F. notialis) ;
• Semi-industrial fishery – targeting red snapper (Lutjanus
purpureus) and associated species (mainly beeliner or vermilion
snapper Rhomboplites aurorubens) by line or trap;
• Artisanal fishery – targeting a wide range of finfish species,
mainly sciaenids, using five main gear types: polyethylene
gillnets (of various mesh sizes), nylon gillnets, cadell line
(demersal or mid-water longline), Chinese seine (fyke nets) and
pin seine (small-mesh seines).
The marine ecosystem in Guyanese waters is dominated by inputs of
freshwater, not only from local rainfall but also from inputs from the
Amazon River plume, as well as from the Orinoco and the many other
large rivers in the Guianas. This freshwater is laden with silt and
nutrients. Coastal waters are therefore highly turbid, nutrient-rich, and
12
Production Systems Description
somewhat brackish – this is the ‘brown water’ zone. The influence of the
Amazon and Orinoco plumes on coastal waters around Guyana appear to
be variable seasonally, but regardless of the inshore/offshore movements
of the main part of the freshwater plume, coastal waters in the Guianas
are usually covered with a layer of this turbid water (which is both warm
and low salinity and therefore very buoyant) down to a depth of at least
10m – and sometimes 50m or more (Lambert 2012).
As would be expected, inshore marine habitats are made-up of fluid or
consolidated mud and silt. The natural coastal vegetation is mangrove,
which has, however, been lost from many areas due to land reclamation
during the colonial period. Nonetheless, significant areas of mangrove
still exist and are protected, with some restoration work also underway.
Coastal and nearshore mudflats are highly mobile, with strong natural
processes of erosion and deposition. On a regional scale, there is a
general movement of sediment northwards along the coast away from the
mouth of the Amazon, but this varies on a smaller scale depending on
local inputs of sediment, tidal flows and local geomorphology (Lampert
2012).
Tides are relatively significant, with the height difference between high
and low tide being ~1-3m, depending on time, season and location. Tidal
currents and amplitude are important to the artisanal fishermen, since
they affect how easily they can launch and land their vessels, as well as
the ease and effectiveness of the fishing itself. Some gears, such as the
seines, rely directly on tides to direct the catch into the net.
The key species in the food web at lower trophic levels on the continental
shelf are shrimp (various species as above), while the inshore finfish
community is dominated by species in the family Sciaenidae (drums and
13
Production Systems Description
croakers) and Ariidae (marine catfish). Both shrimp and finfish groups
rely on inshore areas, including mangroves, as nursery areas for
juveniles, and most of the key commercial species include shrimp as a
component of their diet, usually alongside smaller fish. Overall, benthic
diversity and biomass is reported to be low in nearshore coastal waters,
probably because of rapid silt deposition and erosion rates and habitats
largely made up of unconsolidated mud (Lambert 2012).
Further offshore, where the riverine-influenced coastal waters meet
oceanic waters, is an area of high primary production – the ‘green water’
zone. This is the main area for industrial shrimp trawling, although the
seabob trawlers also fish in inshore waters. Outside this area, towards the
edge of the continental shelf, the water is clear, oceanic water, and corals
are thought to occur in this area, which supports typical deep-water, reef-
associated communities, including red snapper. This is the ‘blue water’
zone. Benthic biomass and biodiversity appears to increase markedly
through these zones, reaching a maximum at the edge of the continental
shelf (Lambert 2012).
Fed aquaculture: Tropics (A9)
The Aquaculture industry is categorized into Freshwater, Brackish and
Marine. Freshwater and Brackish aquaculture predominate the industry,
with little or no marine aquaculture being practiced. Freshwater involves
the culture of organisms that live mainly inland waters with 0.1ppt or less
salt content. Freshwater aquaculture systems are primarily semi-intensive
and fishes are reared in mostly earthen ponds in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
and 10. Main Freshwater species include Oreochromis sp. (Jamaican Red
Tilapia), Oreochromis nilotica (Nile tilapia), Colossoma macropomum
(Freshwater pacu) and Hoplosternum littorale (Armed Catfish). Soil type
in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are predominately clayey, whereas Regions 8
and 10 have mostly sandy soil. Freshwater aquaculture farms in region 4,
14
Production Systems Description
5 and 6 are found along the coastline. In the driest parts of the year there
is salt water intrusion from the Atlantic ocean. Water inlands used for
rearing aquatic organisms must not be sourced from drainage canals
where domestic and agriculture waste is being discharged. In addition to
natural food (zooplanktons and phytoplanktons) available from fertilizing
(use of organic or inorganic) the pond, the fishes are either fed a
completed feed or feed ingredients. Over feeding and fertilization can
lead to Cyanophyceae (Blue-green) algal growth which can cause total
kill to aquatic life depending on dissolved oxygen to survive. More so,
high level of ammonia are experienced from the over use of fertilizer and
over feeding of fishes. Common predators include the houri, piranha,
caiman, kissadee, king fisher, hawk, and man.
Freshwater aquaculture is conducted on a small scale with the exceptions
of three large companies. Most of the farms are found in the peri-urban to
rural areas, where woman are primarily involved in the cleaning,
marketing and sales. Farmers make their livelihoods through selling to
supermarkets, restaurants, local and export markets. Most of the
small/medium sized farmers do not practice aquaculture alone but
integrate it with cash crops and or livestock to cover expenses.
Non-fed aquaculture: Tropics (A13)
Non- fed Aquaculture involves the rearing of aquatic species that lives in
water of a saltwater content between 0.1ppt and full strength seawater,
which is also known as brackish water aquaculture. This type of
production system is one that involves a very extensive culture, which is
low level of technology, no supplementary feed, low stocking rate, as a
result of this the investments are also low. In Guyana, Brackish water
aquaculture is primarily done in Region #6 and is concentrated on the
Corentyne Coast. The water in which these aquaculture species is farmed
has a profound effect on the health and growth of the specie. This type of
15
Production Systems Description
aquaculture system involves the capturing of the post larvae of different
species by the farmers, this is done when water is entering the
shores/river banks during the high tides, water is captured in ponds and is
then sealed once the ponds are full. During this process both target and
non-target species are captured. To estimate the total quantity of species
captured is not known, however for the brackish water shrimp a water
sample of 1 liter is collected and post larvae is counted, by multiplying
the average post larvae found in that liter by the total volume of water in
the pond would result in an estimation of the amount of shrimps in that
pond. The different type of species reared in this type of aquaculture
system includes; Brackish water shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti and
Penaeus subtilis), Mullet (Mugil cephalus), Querriman (Mugil liza) and
Bashaw (Micropogonias furnieri).
Livestock grassland
based systems:
Tropical (L1)
Guyana’s grassland supports the production of dairy (milk), cattle and
beef, sheep and sheep meat, horses, goats and donkeys. Approximately
90% of the animals graze, mainly natural pastures, while 10 % support
cultivated a variety of grass species (silage, hay and pasture). Livestock
in Guyana is done in two broad geographical zones, the coast land and
the hinterland regions. The country has wet and dry seasons and is
blessed with an abundance of fresh water and sunshine. The quality of
the soil will vary in accordance with the geographical zones and would
therefore require different levels and types of soil management to
enhance productivity. Livestock makes a significant contribution to
Guyana’s agriculture economy and GDP, being self-sufficient in beef,
poultry meat, table eggs, mutton and pork. Despite of the large volume
of milk produced, the country still has a large milk importation bill. The
significance of pasture as a land use is greatest both on the coast,
Intermediate and Rupununi Savannahs. This is to be expected given that
these are main beef cattle grazing areas of the Guyana. Some amount of
forage conservation is done and so too is the bailing of rice straw which
16
Production Systems Description
are used during periods of shortages during adverse weather conditions.
The making of silage is considered a more efficient method of forage
conservation and is the dominant form of preserving fresh fodder for use
on farm.
Livestock landless
systems: Tropical
(L5)
Pig industry: Guyana’s pig industry utilizes low technology and is not a
very efficient industry. There are approximately 200,00 heads of pigs in
the country; they are essentially all hybrids emanating from international
breeding companies and based on pure-bred stock held by those
companies. There has been a significant increase in pig numbers over the
last few years. Pig production is concentrated in small and medium size
units. The production comes from approximately 3000 producers of
which one third account for 80% of production. The majority of
producers have integrated units, i.e. they carry the pigs from birth to
slaughter weight in the same unit. Guyana is 95 % self-sufficient in pig
meat, with minimal amounts imported for the hotel industry.
Poultry industry: The poultry sub-sector is the most developed and
integrated of the livestock sector. The country is self- sufficient in broiler
meat with annual production of 65 Mil kg and 19 Mil eggs. Hatching
eggs are imported from the USA, are hatched locally and chicks sold to
farmers. Similarly, corn and soy are imported and blended with local
materials to formulate commercial rations for domestic use. Ducks,
turkeys and limited numbers of other species were produced almost
entirely for seasonal markets. Currently a relatively small number of
international breeding companies supply the specialized hybrid eggs to
Guyana.
Mixed systems
(livestock, crop,
forest and/or aquatic
and fisheries (M1)
Mixed farming systems are traditional in Guyana. The majority of
commercial farms in Guyana are mixed. But mixed food production
systems are best exemplified in and around all homesteads. For this
reason it is estimated that more than 80% of PGRFA diversity can be
17
Production Systems Description
found in these so-called 'in-situ homesteads'. Homesteads also house a
diversity of plants used as medicinal herbals, nutraceuticals and some of
these are known to be notorious weeds, crop wild relatives and popular
obligate wild plants. But homesteads are more recognized for their
social-cultural value as a source of fresh nutritious foods and
nutraceuticals. Specifically though, homesteads contribute significantly
to food self-reliance, national food security and social stability. And over
the recent decades this fact has been verily noted in policies of successive
governments.
Rainfed Crops:
Tropics (C9)
Sugarcane and rice aside, more than 80% of other crops are grown under
rain-fed conditions. It must be noted that irrigation costs is a main
deterrent to open-row crop production to the extent that field production
of corn and soybean (major agricultural feed imports into Guyana) has
for years not been feasible. Commercial production of rainfed crops are
mainly in coastal and near-coastal ecologies, and lower riparian
communities. Some commercially important crops include Plantains and
Banana, Pineapple, 'sweet' cassava (M. utilissima), assorted cucurbits,
eddoes and sweet potatoes, hot pepper and a wide assortment of tropical
fruits. All the aforementioned crops are planted to only landrace varieties,
and accordingly, exports of agro-commodities are so derived from about
80% of farmers' landrace varieties. In the foregoing ecologies agro-
chemical inputs are used sparingly. In mainly hinterland communities,
rainfed crops are cultivated mainly on a subsistence basis; the custom of
agro-chemical use scarcely documented to being absent. And among the
wide diversity of crop groups cassava stands out. Cassava permeates all
conventional agro-ecologies in the country and its cultivation methods
are believed to be inexorably generating the greatest crop genetic
diversity present in the country.
Crops: Swamp
Systems (Aroids):
Swamp cultivation of eddoes (Colacasia esculenta) in the white sand
swamp ecologies along the Soesdyke-Linden highway is a very good
18
Production Systems Description
Tropics (O1) example of farmer-based improvisation; being the only natural swamp
ecology commercially cultivated in Guyana. Commercial mono-cropped
swamp eddo production is not only the largest manure-based farming
system in Guyana, but is undoubtedly the most efficient of farming
systems in the country. An estimated 150 acres are cultivated in these
swamps, and production has been consistently so high it has over-taken
other traditional ecologies as the center of eddo production in Guyana.
An assortment of 6-7 other aroid strains is cultivated and all varieties are
farmers' landraces. Unfortunately, the production techniques have a bias
towards the male gender.
Question 6. Provide a map of production systems in your country, marking the places and
regions mentioned in the Country Report.
Figure 3: Map of Guyana Showing the Rice Growing Areas
19
Figure 4: Map of Guyana Showing the Natural Regenerated Forests
Figure 5: Map of Guyana Showing the Sugar Estates
20
Figure 6: Map of Guyana Showing the EEZ and zoning of the Fishing Areas
21
Regions Types of livestock 1. Barima Waini Cattle 2. Pomeroon-Supenaam Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry 3. Essequibo Islands-West
Demerara Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry
4. Demerara-Mahaica Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry 5. Mahaica-Berbice Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry 6. East Berbice-Corentyne Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry 7. Cuyuni-Mazaruni Cattle, poultry 8. Potaro-Siparuni Cattle, sheep 9. Upper Takutu-Upper
Essequibo Cattle, sheep, pigs
10. Upper Demerara-Berbice Cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry
Figure 7: Map of Guyana Showing Livestock Production Areas
Question 7. For each production system found in your country (refer to Table 3), indicate in
Table 5 the area under production (km2, hectares, acres, other). If not applicable, indicate the
estimated production quantity (major products aggregated) using the appropriate unit or
measure (tonne, head, inventory, cubic metre, etc.) for the production system. If available,
indicate the contribution of the production system to the agricultural sector economy in the
country (%). Please use the most recent data available and indicate the year of reference for the
data or estimates. Specify NK if not known or NA if not applicable.
Table 5: Area under production, production quantity and contribution to the agricultural
sector economy of production systems in the country
Production
Systems
Area Production - Quantity
Contribution to the
agricultural sector
economy
Reference
year
Value Unit Value Unit % Year
Irrigated crops (rice) : Tropics (C1)
Area harvested was 185,021 hectares and the
The value of the rice exported for 2014 was totaled to US$249,512,110
635,238 metric tons was the overall producti
Contributed to 40% of the income of the agriculture sector in 2014 (Lucas, R. Stabroek News, 2015)
The Guyana Rice Development Board 2014 Annual Report
22
Production
Systems
Area Production - Quantity
Contribution to the
agricultural sector
economy
Reference
year
Value Unit Value Unit % Year
average yield was 5.3 tons / hectare
on; and 501,208 tons was exported
Naturally regenerated forests: Tropics (F1)
18.3 million ha.
4% 2015
Irrigated crops (Sugarcane) : Tropics (C5)
45,000 hectares 227,727 tonnes 20% 2015
Irrigated crops (Other) : Tropics (C5)
NK NK NK NK NK NK
Rainfed Crops: Tropics (C9)
NK NK NK NK NK NK
Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Tropics (A1)
138,240 km2 35,835 mt $14,692,615,448 (GYD) 2015
Fed aquaculture: Tropics (A9)
93 hectares 136 Metric tonnes $150,691,242 GYD 2014
Non-fed aquaculture: Tropics (A13)
425 Hectares 191 Metric tonnes $159,128,337 GYD 2014
Livestock grassland based systems: Tropical (L1)
1,90984 kg 55,135,685 l 60,981
Beef: 4.43 Milk: 30.07 Mutton: 0.34
2015
Livestock landless systems: Tropical (L5)
28,824 kg 30,727,682 kg 26,135,685
Pork: 0.73 Poultry meat: 62.22 Table eggs: 2.20
2015
23
Production
Systems
Area Production - Quantity
Contribution to the
agricultural sector
economy
Reference
year
Value Unit Value Unit % Year
Mixed systems (livestock, crop, forest and/or aquatic and fisheries (M1)
NK NK NK NK NK NK
Crops: Swamp Systems (Aroids): Tropics (O1)
150 Acres 90 Mt NA 2014
Question 8. Comment on the effects on biodiversity for food and agriculture of production
destined for exportation versus production for local and/or national consumption. Where
information is available, indicate for each production system the proportion of production that is
destined for export, the major commodities involved, the impact on the methods of production
(e.g. adoption of specific production practices to meet export needs) and the implications for
biodiversity.
Irrigated Crops (Rice): Tropics (C1)
In 2014, the rice industry recorded its highest rice exports of 501,208 tons compared to 394,988
tons in 2013; an increase of 26.89% (GRDB, 2014). New markets were secured in Panama,
Belize, Nicaragua, Chile, Costa Rica, Brazil, among others. This resulted in Guyana exporting to
32 countries in 2014 (GRDB, 2014). The major markets were Venezuela, the European Union,
and Caricom Countries. Venezuela accounted for 37.5% of the rice exported; the European
Union accounted for 20.3%; Caricom Countries 17.6%; and other countries 24.6% (GRDB,
2014). The total value of rice export in 2014 was US$249,504,955. Cargo rice, white rice and
brown rice were the major rice products exported in 2014 (GRDB, 2014).
24
Rice quality depends on the consumer and on the intended end use for the grain. Today plant
breeders in Guyana are not only focusing on breeding for high yields and pest resistance by are
also aiming to incorporate preferred quality characteristics into the grain to increase the
economic value of the rice. However, grain quality is not just influenced by the variety of rice
but also the crop production practices, crop environment, harvesting, processing and milling
systems. Biodiversity for food and agriculture and associated biodiversity will be affected based
on the management practices and systems used by farmers and manufacturers.
The Ministry of Agriculture and the Guyana Rice Development Board aims to produce and
market high quality rice and rice by-products for both local and international markets (GRDB,
2014); thus, the production of rice and rice products used for export and local consumption will
be the same and so will their effects on biodiversity for food and agriculture.
Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Tropics (A1)
In Guyana, while the quality of marine export is somewhat driven by existing international
standards; production/harvesting methodologies are quite similar for both local and exported
commodities. However due to the nature of Guyana`s Industrial Fishery and their more advanced
operational structure in comparison to the other fisheries (described in table 2 above), constant
measures are being enforced to tackle the issue of biodiversity preservation. For example most
recently vessels operating within the fishery were equipped with By-catch Reduction
Device/BRD (Reduce capture of fish by-catch in shrimp trawls) and Turtle Excluder
Devices/TED (to nullify the capture of sea turtles). Consequently regulations have been drafted
to foster long term compliance by stakeholders within the sector. Noteworthy also is the fact that
Guyana`s seabob fishery will be entering into Marine Stewardship Council assessment in the
foreseeable future. Once achieved, this eco-label will signify that the industry is fishing
sustainably. For both the Semi-Industrial and the Artisanal Fisheries respectively, there are no
such distinguished biodiversity management initiative being employed currently.
Table 6: Fisheries Department Export Data Collection Sheet - January - December 2015
Item Weight (MT) Value
Prawns 172.93 $606,690,227.00
25
Item Weight (MT) Value
Seabob / Whitebelly 8,715.44 $6,459,106,256.00
Shrimp Dried 987.46 $837,110,760.00
Fish Frozen 9,990.46 $5,057,127,899.00
Fish Fresh 128.43 $79,619,513.00
Fish Smoked 127.77 $39,918,908.00
Fish Fillets 1,005.52 $760,518,947.00
Fish Dried 97.83 $95,392,499.00
Fish Eggs 60.86 $8,781,010.00
Fish Glue 176.73 $405,082,500.00
Shark Salted 0.95 $198,527.00
Shark Fin 57.31 $305,453,185.00
Crab Meat/Back 37.13 $34,071,650.00
Ornamental Fish 9.53 $3,543,567.00
TOTAL 21,568.35 $14,692,615,448.00
NB: The export data presented above is a summation of the Industrial, Semi-Industrial and
Artisanal fisheries
Fed and Non-fed aquaculture: Tropics (A9 and A13)
Local consumption and preference of marine species is higher than that of farmed species.
Guyana has been able to supply its local market with marine captured species for generations.
Aquaculture was primarily introduced to capitalize on shortage of marine species on the
international market with farmed fish. Aquaculture provides an alternative protein source when
wild captured fishes are too expensive because the stocks have depleted due to overfishing.
Major export species Colossoma macropomum (Freshwater Pacu) Oreochromis sp. (Jamaican
Red Tilpia), Hoplostermun littorale (Armed catfish). No data is available for production destined
to the local market. There are minor impacts to production to meet export market needs, since
these farmers engage in semi intensive systems, with little or no use of aquatic drugs.
26
Rainfed Crops: Tropics (C9)
Outside of sugarcane and rice, and with some exception among garden vegetable crop varieties
'other' crop agro-produce in Guyana comprise more than 85% landrace varieties. Guyana is a net
exporter of agro-commodities. Not much locally produced crop-based agro-commodities is
processed. Close to 100% of exported agro-commodities are exported in a fresh state and these
are all derived from about 85% of landrace varieties. It should be noted that there are significant
quantities of both commercial and non-commercial exports. Non-commercial exports comprised
the widest crop diversity sources of gifted produce' taken out of the country by visitors. Dozens
of crops are commercially exported, but the take on the hundreds of sampled 'gifted' items is
limited only by access. It is acknowledged that the quantity of exports is under-documented
because phyto-sanitary export records and data from the New Guyana Marketing Corporation do
not sample all ports and potential ports of exit. Substantively, the erratic productivity of landrace
varieties is compounded with issues of their product uniformity and quality inconsistency.
Accordingly, exports of agro-produce from Guyana have over the years faced some export
marketing challenges. Except the notable exception of hot pepper relishes, almost all crop-based
foods are consumed fresh. Apparently, quality issues of produce derived from landrace varieties
do not present a local marketing challenge, and staggered production practices of a wide varietal
diversity of a wide range of crops ensures year-round supple of foods. Recently there has been an
increased influx of exotic improved garden vegetable varieties into local production. The impact
on the diversity of existing local landrace equivalents has however, not yet been assessed.
27
CHAPTER 2
DRIVERS OF CHANGE
28
2.1 EFFECTS OF DRIVERS OF CHANGE ON ASSOCIATED BIODIVERSITY
Question 9. What have been the most important drivers affecting the extent and distribution of
associated biodiversity in the last 10 years in your country? In describing the drivers you may
wish to indicate the production systems where associated biodiversity is most affected and
identify drivers that are common to the various components of associated biodiversity listed.
Indicate where possible the indicators used to measure changes, along with the sources of
information.
Irrigated Crops (Rice): Tropics
• Overuse of External Inputs
According to Extension Officers and specialists in the various fields of rice research
(Entomologist, Pathologist, and Agronomist), rice producers are guilty of exceeding the
recommended rate of pesticides as well as fertilizers. Even though the scientists are
making great efforts in establishing effectives rates of application and Extension Officers
are continuously disseminating this information to farmers; some rice producers are still
convinced that the more they apply the better control / production they will achieve.
• Markets
In 2015, the rice industry witnessed the collapse of the Venezuela rice market. This
market was the result of a historic rice deal sealed by the previous Administration of
Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Venezuela was the major market for
Guyana’s rice and paddy, accounting for approximately sixty (60) percent of the total rice
export in 2010. In 2014, export to Venezuela was around thirty-eight percent (38%);
however, the overall amount exported was far greater than that of 2013 (Guyana Times
2015). After the loss of the Venezuela market, rice prices paid for the various grades of
rice did not encourage farmers to re-plant the following crop; and coupled with the low
prices and varying weather conditions, fewer farmers planted. Prior to the collapse of the
Venezuela market, in 2015, there were 7,233 rice farmers and after the loss of the market
only 5,734 farmers had cultivated rice in 2016.
29
• Policies
The Guyana Rice Development Board Act established in 1994 aim is to provide
regulation for the manufacture and marketing of rice and to secure the effective
development of the rice industry. The Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) was
established under this act and its functions are:
o to develop and to promote the expansion of export trade in Guyana’s rice
industry;
o to establish facilities for conducting rice research; and
o to engage in promotional and developmental activities necessary for the
development of the rice industry (Government of Guyana 1994).
GRDB comprises of various departments that deals with the various aspects of rice;
including, research, extension, quality control, and postharvest among others (GRDB
2014). The research component of GRDB plays a key role in its operations. This unit
develops new varieties which enable farmers to access plants that produce higher yields
and better quality grains and plants that have greater resistance to pests, diseases and
weather fluctuations. The research section is made up of several departments (plant
breeding, entomology, agronomy, pathology and seed production), each of which
comprises of specialists and full complement of technical staff. The Extension Division
transfers the technology / research to farmers. With respects to biodiversity for food and
agriculture; work done by GRDB varies from evaluating pesticides, promoting
sustainable agriculture, monitoring for pests organisms to breeding for varieties for
varying climatic conditions.
The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) of the Ministry of
Agriculture was established under the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Act 2000
(Government of Guyana 2000). The main responsibility of the PTCCB is the
management of pesticides and toxic chemicals with special focus on the manufacturing,
importation, transport, storage, selling, using and advertising of these chemicals in
Guyana (PTCCB 2014). Some of the functions of the PTCCB are:
i. registering pesticides and toxic chemicals
30
ii. licensing persons to import or manufacture registered pesticides and toxic
chemicals
iii. authorizing persons to sell restricted pesticides
iv. licensing pest control operators
v. any aspects dealing with the importation, manufacture, transportation, storage,
packaging, preparation for sale, sale, use and disposal of pesticides and toxic
chemicals
vi. monitoring and implementation of regulations made under this act.
Even though some rice farmers/producers still use unregistered chemicals and misuse
those that are registered; the PTCCB have being impactful in the regulation of pesticides
and chemicals in the rice industry. The benefits of the proper use and management of
pesticides and chemical to associated biodiversity is well known; however, Guyana’s
Rice Industry is still on the road to achieve this.
• Advancement and Innovation in Science and Technology
The Guyana Rice Development Board was established in 1995 under the Guyana Rice
Development Board Act No. 15. One of the main objectives of the GRDB is to conduct
research, relating to rice and extending to rice farmers through an established system.
Rice research is undertaken at the Rice Research Station located in Burma Mahaicony
(latitude 06:27:50 N and longitude 057:45:35 W). Rice related research is done in the
following areas: varietal development, soil fertility and plant nutrition, insect, disease and
weed management and farm management and seed production. Research is also done in
the areas of postharvest, value added and quality control. The extension department of the
GRDB facilitates the transfer of technology from the Research Station to the farmer. This
department serves as an advisory body to assist the farmers in the acquisition of inputs
and provides farmers with new and available technology. With the provision and
dissemination of new research and technology, the rice industry has in on the road to
accomplish sustainable agriculture; however, being a developing country, Guyana’s rice
sector is face with many constrictions in the adoption of these technologies.
31
Naturally Regenerated Forest: Tropics (F1)
The main drivers affecting biodiversity in the forestry sector are Mining, Mining roads, Forestry
roads, Infrastructure roads, Fire, Natural, Forest Harvest, Agriculture, Pioneer Shifting
Agriculture and settlements.
Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Tropics (A1)
Associated biodiversity in Guyana`s marine fishery may include species of marine mammals, sea
turtles and seabirds which are caught as bycatch and/or may be at risk for capture or interaction
with fisheries.
• Marine Mammals
No fixed database currently exists on the bycatch of marine mammals in Guyanese
waters. However it should be noted that in the most recent past on two separate
occasions, two sperm whales came in contact with fishing nets and subsequently
succumbed. The incidents occurred in December, 2014 and January 2015, respectively.
Additionally there have been anecdotal reports on the sighting of the sea Manatee in and
around fishing grounds.
IWC’s Scientific Committee’s (SC) draft report on small cetaceans of the wider
Caribbean (IWC/SC 2006) cites information from French Guiana and Venezuela.
Bottlenose dolphins are incidentally captured in both gillnet and trawl fisheries in those
countries. Tucuxi, the grey dolphin, Sotalia fluviatilis is known to suffer incidental
capture in gillnets and seines throughout its range which includes the Guianas. A review
of French Guiana stranding data showed that all stranded animals were Sotalia. In one
case, six out of eight animals had net marks (IWC/ SC, 2006). The SC review notes that
each year dozens of animals are found stranded with net marks in Brazil, French Guiana
and Venezuela and recommends special attention to Sotalia and other small vulnerable
coastal populations. Bouillet (2002) examined the threats to Tucuxi in French Guiana.
Drivers: Policies and Climate change are presumably the major drivers influencing the
incidence of interaction of Marine Mammals within the Guyana`s Fisheries Ecosystem.
32
However, there is no data available at the moment to corroborate the extent to which the
drivers are currently influencing the nation’s biodiversity within the sector.
• Sea Turtles
Five of the six sea turtle species found in the Wider Caribbean occur in Guyanese, with
nesting populations for four; (D. coriacea, L. olivacea, E. imbricata and C.mydas).
Information on the interaction between sea turtles and trawl fisheries on the Guianas shelf
has been available since the 1970s (Pritchard 1973, 1991). Although leatherbacks and
olive ridleys occur in the highest densities in the Guianas shelf, and show a
corresponding frequency in shrimp trawls, juvenile greens and loggerheads are also taken
as bycatch (Tambiah, 1994; Reichart et al. 1999, Weidner, 2001). Tambiah (1994)
estimated that trawl nets caught 1300 turtles annually, with mortality rates of 60%. Sea
turtle bycatch rates for neighboring French Guyana are given in Moguedet et al. (1994).
Based on the reports (Tambiah, 1994; Reichert et al., 1999; Shepherd and Ehrhardt,
2000; FAO, 2005) our estimate of an overall sea turtle bycatch rates for trawl fisheries
are between 0.003- 0.009- turtles/ trawl hr. Tambiah (1994) also reports, without
references that gillnet fisheries in Guyana and Suriname are an even bigger threat than
trawl fisheries, incidentally capturing 21, 600 sea turtles a year.
Conflicting information in Tambiah (1994) creates some difficulties in pinpointing the
seasonal overlap between fisheries and sea turtles undertaking reproduction-related
movements. However, the report documents the highest incidences of olive ridley
bycatch as occurring during the period prior to the nesting “arribadas” in Suriname
(January to March) coinciding with peak period for shrimp fisheries (February to May)
Currently all shrimp trawls are equipped with Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) which have
been proven to effectively negate capture of sea turtles. Regular enforcement to ensure
compliance in this regard are conducted by inspectors within Guyana`s Fisheries
Department. With that said there has been (though minimal) reports of turtle trapped
within gillnet which may warrant intervention at some stage.
33
Drivers: Policies, Climate change, exploitation levels and advancement & innovation in
science and technology are presumably the major drivers influencing the incidence of
interaction of Sea Turtle Population within Guyana`s Fisheries Ecosystem. Again data
availability is limited to corroborate the extent to which the drivers are currently
influencing the nations biodiversity within the sub-sector. Additionally, over the years
there has been technological advancement within the fisheries sub-sector for example;
TED`s on trawling vessels and drafted policies such as closed areas for example the shell
beach protected area for the management of sea turtles. With that said there is without a
doubt scope for advancement and monitoring of drivers and their effect on Fisheries
Ecosystem.
• Sea birds
No information exists on the by-catch of sea birds.
Fed Aquaculture and non-fed aquaculture (A9 and A13)
Important drivers affecting the extent and distribution of associated biodiversity are: land use and
water management. Aquaculture activities in Guyana utilize fresh and brackish water and occupy
hectares of land throughout the regions. This has disrupted ecosystems of associated biodiversity.
The extent of the effects in developing earthen ponds is not known. Climate change also plays a
pivotal role in its effect on biodiversity. The year 2015 into 2016 has shown unusual dry and wet
periods
Livestock grassland-based systems and livestock landless systems: Tropics (L1 and L5)
The most significant driver is climate change related and centers on the effect of flood, drought
and wild fires in the Intermediate and Rupununi Savannahs. However on the coast the current
grazing system is unsustainable and negatively impacts animal productivity. Many of the
communal pastures are subjected to seasonal flooding, which results in variation in feed
availability.
34
Rainfed Crops: Tropics (C9)
Over the last 10 years, diversity within the main 'other commercial crop groups have not
noticeably change. Rather, with the influx of exotic garden vegetable varieties, it can be inferred
that there may have been an increase in homestead varietal diversity; homesteads being in situ
sink for varietal discards. However, during this very period rainfed hinterland, agricultural
communities experienced critical periods of extended droughts and unseasonal rains. Although
there were no disaster situations nor any serious food assurance issues, the aftermath of these
unpredicted episodes almost always resulted in reports of shortage of sufficient 'seed sources' for
replanting, and here, cassava subsistence cultivation in hinterland communities were affected the
most. With the extremely wide varietal diversity of this hinterland staple it is logical that any
shortage of cassava planting materials would imply irreversible loss in varietal diversity; varietal
diversity being comprised of 100% cassava landrace varieties. Despite its frequency, there is no
documentation information immediately available that quantifies the genetic erosion of cassava
diversity as a result of these episodes of unseasonal weather.
Question 10. Where associated biodiversity is believed to be affected by climate change, please
provide additional information on the nature, severity and frequency of the climate threat and
the production systems impacted.
Irrigated Crop (Rice): Tropics (C1)
There are no monitoring systems in place to monitor associated biodiversity in the rice
production systems; however, it is noted by the specialists that temperature and rainfall affects
the paddy bug population and upon an increase of this pest, there is a decline of its natural
enemies.
Irrigated Crop (Other): Tropics (C5)
Droughts and flooding annually affects growth and development of the Sugarcane plant.
Flooding causes change of weed spectrum.
Naturally Regenerated Forest (F1)
There is no data available for naturally regenerated forests
35
Self-recruiting capture fisheries (A1)
In the case of self-recruiting capture fisheries there is no available database to determine the
impact on the parameters outlined above. Floods and droughts have made an impact on fed &
non-fed aquaculture, however their individual and collective impacts on associated biodiversity
was not studied as such it is difficult to speak to the severity of the events. With floods the
farmed species can get into the native ecosystem and may cause disruptions while with droughts
salt intrusion from the nearby ocean can affect the farm and associated biodiversity.
Livestock grassland-based systems and livestock landless systems: Tropics (L1 and L5)
Habitat for wildlife and other biodiversity will be under threat and less resilient to flood, drought
and bush fire (in the Savannahs). This can negatively impact biodiversity for food and
agriculture, especially for residents in the Hinterland communities. This is an annual occurrence.
Rainfed Crops: Tropics (C9)
This report is not privy to documented evidence of any progressive (patterned) climate changes.
Unusual fluctuations on climate events have however, been noted. And here, extended dry
periods have imposed droughts and unseasonal rains (and extended rainy periods) have caused
sporadic floods. These climate events were not patterned, and their occurrences were therefore
unpredictable. In the rainfed hinterland substance agricultural communities the results were often
reported in shortages of the main staple foods that are cassava-based. These shortages could be
attributed to the ravages of droughts and floods resulting on the depletion and destruction of in-
field food storage reserves of susceptible cassava cultivation ecologies. The aftermath often
resulted in the depletion of 'seed cuttings' to replant the next crop. This loss of planting materials
is a direct indicator of an irreversible loss of cassava varietal diversity; cassava varietal diversity
being comprised of 100% farmers' varieties. Similar unseasonal weather episodes were also
experienced in coastal ecologies. And there, sporadic floods had more dramatic impacts than
droughts, but even in the apparent absence of documented evidence, indications are that genetic
erosion of varietal diversity has not been negatively impacted.
2.2 EFFECTS OF DRIVERS OF CHANGE ON BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE
36
Question 11. For each production system present in your country as indicated in Table 3, fill in
the code and name of each production system in Table 7 (repeat Table for each production
system). For each production system indicate which drivers have been influencing biodiversity
for food and agriculture, disaggregated by sector, during the past 10 years (description of
drivers can be found in Annex 3). Drivers may have a strongly positive (2), positive (1), negative
(-1), and strongly negative effect (-2), or no effect at all (0) on biodiversity for food and
agriculture. If the effect of the driver is unknown or not applicable, please indicate not known
(NK) or not applicable (NA).
Table 7: Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity within production systems in the country,
by animal (AnGR), plant (PGR), aquatic (AqGR) and forest (FGR) genetic resources.
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Irrigated
crops (rice) :
Tropics
Changes in land and water use
and management NK NA NK NK
Pollution and external inputs -2 NA -2 -2
Over-exploitation and
overharvesting NA NA NA NA
Climate change NK NA NK NK
Natural Disasters NK NA NK NK
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species -2 NA -2 0
Markets, trade and the private
sector NK NA NK NK
Policies +1 NA +1 +1
Population growth and
urbanization NK NA NK NK
37
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors NK NA NK NK
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology +2 NA +2 +2
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Naturally
Regenerated
Forests :
Tropics
Changes in land and water use
and management NK NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and
overharvesting NK NK NK NK
Climate change NK NK NK NK
Natural Disasters NK NK NK NK
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species NK NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private
sector NK NK NK NK
Policies NK NK NK NK
Population growth and
urbanization NK NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio- NK NK NK NK
38
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
political, and cultural factors
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology NK NK NK NK
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Irrigated
crops
(Sugarcane) :
Tropics
Changes in land and water use
and management 2 NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs 1 NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and
overharvesting 0 NK NK NK
Climate change -1 NK NK NK
Natural Disasters NK NK NK NK
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species -1 NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private
sector -1 NK NK NK
Policies 1 NK NK NK
Population growth and
urbanization -1 NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors 1 NK NK NK
39
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology 2 NK NK NK
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Irrigated
crops (other) :
Tropics
Changes in land and water use
and management 1 NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs 0 NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and
overharvesting 0 NK NK NK
Climate change 0 NK NK NK
Natural Disasters 0 NK NK NK
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species -1 NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private
sector 1 NK NK NK
Policies 1 NK NK NK
Population growth and
urbanization 1 NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors 0 NK NK NK
40
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology 0 NK NK NK
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Rainfed Crops
: Tropics
Changes in land and water use
and management 0 NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs 0 NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and
overharvesting 0 NK NK NK
Climate change -1 NK NK NK
Natural Disasters 0 NK NK NK
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species 0 NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private
sector 1 NK NK NK
Policies 1 NK NK NK
Population growth and
urbanization 0 NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors 0 NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations 0 NK NK NK
41
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
in science and technology
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Self-recruiting
capture
fisheries:
Tropics
Changes in land and water use
and management NK NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and
overharvesting NK NK NK NK
Climate change NK NK NK NK
Natural Disasters NK NK NK NK
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species NK NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private
sector NK NK NK NK
Policies NK NK NK NK
Population growth and
urbanization NK NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors NK NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology NK NK NK NK
42
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Fed
aquaculture:
Tropics
Changes in land and water use
and management NK NK NK -1
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK -1
Over-exploitation and
overharvesting NK NK NK -1
Climate change NK NK NK -2
Natural Disasters NK NK NK -2
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species NK NK NK -1
Markets, trade and the private
sector NK NK NK -1
Policies NK NK NK 2
Population growth and
urbanization NK NK NK -1
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors NK NK NK -1
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology NK NK NK 2
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
43
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Non-fed
aquaculture:
Tropics
Changes in land and water use
and management NK NK NK -1
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK -1
Over-exploitation and
overharvesting NK NK NK -1
Climate change NK NK NK -2
Natural Disasters NK NK NK -2
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species NK NK NK -1
Markets, trade and the private
sector NK NK NK -1
Policies NK NK NK 2
Population growth and
urbanization NK NK NK -1
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors NK NK NK -1
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology NK NK NK 2
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Livestock Changes in land and water use NK NK NK NK
44
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
grassland-
based systems
(Tropics) (L1)
and management
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and
overharvesting NK NK NK NK
Climate change NK NK NK NK
Natural Disasters NK NK NK NK
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species NK NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private
sector NK NK NK NK
Policies NK NK NK NK
Population growth and
urbanization NK NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors NK NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology NK NK NK NK
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Livestock
landless
Changes in land and water use
and management NK NK NK NK
45
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
systems
(Tropics) (L5)
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and
overharvesting NK NK NK NK
Climate change NK NK NK NK
Natural Disasters NK NK NK NK
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species NK NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private
sector NK NK NK NK
Policies NK NK NK NK
Population growth and
urbanization NK NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors NK NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology NK NK NK NK
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Mixed
Systems
(Tropics)
Changes in land and water use
and management 0 NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs 0 NK NK NK
46
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
(M1) Over-exploitation and
overharvesting 0 NK NK NK
Climate change 0 NK NK NK
Natural Disasters 0 NK NK NK
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species 0 NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private
sector 1 NK NK NK
Policies 1 NK NK NK
Population growth and
urbanization 1 NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors 0 NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology 0 NK NK NK
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Other Crops:
Swamp
Systems
(Aroids):
Changes in land and water use
and management 0 NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs 0 NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and 0 NK NK NK
47
Production
Systems Drivers
Effect of drivers on sector biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or
Name PGR FGR AnGR AqGR
Tropics overharvesting
Climate change 0 NK NK NK
Natural Disasters 0 NK NK NK
Pests, diseases, alien invasive
species 0 NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private
sector 1 NK NK NK
Policies 1 NK NK NK
Population growth and
urbanization 0 NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-
political, and cultural factors 0 NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations
in science and technology 0 NK NK NK
2.3 EFFECTS OF DRIVERS OF CHANGE ON ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Question 12: What have been the main drivers (descriptions in Annex 3) affecting regulating and
supporting ecosystem services (descriptions in Annex 4) in the country during the last 10 years?
Describe, for each production system identified in Table 3, the major driver(s) affecting
ecosystem services and indicate the effect on ecosystem services as being strongly positive (2),
positive (1), negative (-), strongly negative (-2), no effect (0), not known (NK), or not applicable
(NA) in Table 8 (repeat table for each production system)
Table 8: Major drivers and their effect on ecosystem services in production systems
48
Production Systems
Drivers
Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Irrigated crops (rice) : Tropics
Changes in land and water use and management NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs NK -2 -2 NK -2 NK NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and overharvesting NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Climate change NK -1 NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Natural Disasters NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Pests, diseases, alien invasive species NK -1 NK NK NK NK NK -2 0
Markets, trade and the private sector NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Policies 0 +2 0 NK +1 +1 NK +1 NK Population growth and urbanization NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
0 NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
NK +2 NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Production Systems Drivers Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-
1, -2, NK, NA)
49
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Naturally Regenerated Forests
Changes in land and water use and management NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and overharvesting NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Climate change NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Natural Disasters NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Pests, diseases, alien invasive species NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private sector NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Policies NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Population growth and urbanization NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Production Systems Drivers Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-
1, -2, NK, NA)
50
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Irrigated crops (Sugarcane) : Tropics
Changes in land and water use and management NK 2 NK NK 1 1 1 2 2
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and overharvesting NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Climate change NK -1 NK NK NK NK NK -1 NK Natural Disasters NK -1 NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Pests, diseases, alien invasive species NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private sector NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Policies NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Population growth and urbanization NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
51
Production Systems
Drivers
Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Irrigated crops (Other) : Tropics
Changes in land and water use and management 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pollution and external inputs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Over-exploitation and overharvesting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Climate change NK NK 0 0 0 0 NK NK 0 Natural Disasters NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Pests, diseases, alien invasive species NK -1 0 0 NK 0 0 NK 0
Markets, trade and the private sector 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Policies NK -1 NK NK NK 0 0 NK 0 Population growth and urbanization 1 NK NK NK NK 0 0 1 0
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
0 0 0 NK NK 0 0 NK 0
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
NK NK 0 NK NK 0 NK NK NK
52
Production Systems
Drivers
Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Tropics
Changes in land and water use and management NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and overharvesting NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Climate change NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Natural Disasters NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Pests, diseases, alien invasive species NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private sector NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Policies NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Population growth and urbanization NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
53
Production Systems
Drivers
Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Fed aquaculture: Tropics
Changes in land and water use and management NA -1 NK -1 1 NA 2 1 1
Pollution and external inputs NA -1 NK -1 -1 NA NK NK NA
Over-exploitation and overharvesting NA 0 0 0 0 NK 0 0 0
Climate change NA NK NK NK NK NK -1 NK -1 Natural Disasters NA -1 NK -1 -1 -1 -1 2 -1 Pests, diseases, alien invasive species NA NA NA NA NA NA NK 0 NA
Markets, trade and the private sector NA NA NA NA NA NA NK -1 NA
Policies NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Population growth and urbanization NA -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 NK
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
NA NK NK -1 NK NK NK 1 NA
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
NA 1 NK NK NK NK NK NK NA
54
Production Systems
Drivers
Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Non-fed aquaculture: Tropics
Changes in land and water use and management NA -1 NK -1 1 NA 2 1 1
Pollution and external inputs NA -1 NK -1 -1 NA NK NK NA
Over-exploitation and overharvesting NA 0 0 0 0 NK 0 0 0
Climate change NA NK NK NK NK NK -1 NK -1 Natural Disasters NA -1 NK -1 -1 -1 -1 2 -1 Pests, diseases, alien invasive species NA NA NA NA NA NA NK 0 NA
Markets, trade and the private sector NA NA NA NA NA NA NK -1 NA
Policies NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Population growth and urbanization NA -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 NK
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
NA NK NK -1 NK NK NK 1 NA
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
NA 1 NK NK NK NK NK NK NA
55
Production Systems
Drivers
Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Livestock grassland-based systems: Tropics (L1)
Changes in land and water use and management NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and overharvesting NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Climate change NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Natural Disasters NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Pests, diseases, alien invasive species NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private sector NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Policies NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Population growth and urbanization NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
56
Production Systems
Drivers
Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Livestock landless- systems: Tropics (L5)
Changes in land and water use and management NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Pollution and external inputs NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Over-exploitation and overharvesting NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Climate change NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Natural Disasters NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Pests, diseases, alien invasive species NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Markets, trade and the private sector NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Policies NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK Population growth and urbanization NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
57
Production Systems
Drivers
Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Rainfed Crops Tropics (C9)
Changes in land and water use and management 0 NK 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pollution and external inputs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Over-exploitation and overharvesting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Climate change NK NK 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Natural Disasters NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Pests, diseases, alien invasive species 0 NK 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Markets, trade and the private sector 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Policies 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Population growth and urbanization 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
58
Production Systems
Drivers
Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Mixed Systems (livestock, crop, forest and /or aquatic and fisheries): Tropics (M5)
Changes in land and water use and management NK NK NK 0 0 NK 0 0 0
Pollution and external inputs 0 0 NK 0 1 0 0 1 NK
Over-exploitation and overharvesting 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Climate change NK NK 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Natural Disasters Pests, diseases, alien invasive species 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Markets, trade and the private sector 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Policies 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Population growth and urbanization 0 NK 0 0 0 0 0 NK 0
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
59
Production Systems
Drivers
Effect of drivers on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Hab
itat p
rovi
sion
ing
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Others: Crops: Swamp Systems (Aroids): Tropics (O1)
Changes in land and water use and management 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pollution and external inputs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NK
Over-exploitation and overharvesting 0 0 0 0 NK 0 0 NK 0
Climate change 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Natural Disasters NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Pests, diseases, alien invasive species 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Markets, trade and the private sector 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Policies 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 Population growth and urbanization 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Advancements and innovations in science and technology
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Question 13. Briefly describe the main driver(s) affecting ecosystem services in each production
system, as identified in Table 8. Include where possible a description of the components of
associated biodiversity that are affected, the indicators used to measure change, and the source
of information.
60
Irrigated crops (Rice): Tropics
The use and overuse of pesticides and other chemicals has impacted the rice ecosystem’s ability
to regulate pest and diseases significantly. This can be seen over the last decade during the
frequent outbreaks of paddy bugs (Oebalus poecilus) across the rice producing regions. Even
though there is no data to support the impact of the overuse and inappropriate management of
inorganic fertilizers on nutrient cycling and the waterways surrounding the rice cultivations; the
effects are clearly known. See question 9 for the effects of policies and advancement in
innovations in science and technology.
Irrigated crops (Other): Tropics (C5)
Flooding changes weed spectrum in cultivated areas. Increased incidence of diseases recorded.
Fed & Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics (A9 and A13)
Main drivers are climate change and changing economic, socio- political and cultural factors.
Climate change affects ecosystems directly through the severity and frequency of natural
disasters. Availability of water in the quality and quantity required can affect farmers in their
ability to continue operations. Farmed fish can be more expensive than some readily available
wild captured fish, as such people are will buy the cheaper wild caught fish on the local market.
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (Other), Mixed Systems, Other Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
Guyana has no experience dealing with natural disasters. Neither does it seem that climate
change events have impacted negatively in the irrigated other crops sector. There is evidence that
unseasonal weather has a noted effect on ecosystems services that support hinterland subsistence
agriculture; specifically production of cassava that provide the most important food sources in
these communities. Government policies have perhaps been the most positives driver of
ecosystem services. But policies have come short on management of pests and alien invasive
species management specifically the three main agricultural production systems. Markets, trade
and the private sector have been helpful as they sought to maintain export standards of
commercial agro-commodities from all production systems. Population growth and urbanization
is an important driver of ecosystem services. Its implications are reflected in pest and disease
61
regulation, water purification and waste management, and habitat provisioning. An associated
rapid expansion into new housing communities is perhaps the most effective government policy
that has implications for ecosystems services in coastal communities. Pest regulation was the
most cross-cutting indicators of most drivers. Information gaps (NK) among several indicators
could not allow an extended evaluation of the effect on eco-services. This section relied, in part,
on updated information from the Country Report on the Implementation of the Second GPA on
PGRFA (2016), and on the Guyana Country Report on the State of PGRFA (2012).
2.4 EFFECTS OF DRIVERS OF CHANGE ON WILD FOODS
Question 14. What were the main drivers affecting the availability, knowledge and diversity of
wild foods during the last ten years in the country? In Table 9, indicate the major drivers
affecting availability, knowledge and diversity of wild foods, and if the effects are strongly
positive (2), positive (1), negative (-1), strongly negative (-2), no effect (0), not known (NK), or
not applicable (NA).
Wild food resources are used in some communities as staple. However they do not contribute
significantly to the food and nutrition needs of the Guyanese nation as a whole.
Table 9: Drivers affecting availability, knowledge and diversity of wild foods
Drivers
Effect of drivers (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Availability of
wild foods
Knowledge of
wild foods
Diversity of
wild food
Changes in land and water use and
management -1 1 NK
Pollution and external inputs 0 0 0
Over-exploitation and overharvesting 0 0 NK
Climate change 0 0 0
Natural Disasters NA NA NA
Pests, diseases, alien invasive species 0 0 0
Markets, trade and the private sector 0 0 0
62
Drivers
Effect of drivers (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK, NA)
Availability of
wild foods
Knowledge of
wild foods
Diversity of
wild food
Policies 0 0 0
Population growth and urbanization 0 0 0
Changing economic, socio-political, and
cultural factors 0 0 0
Advancements and innovations in science
and technology 0 0 0
Question 15. Briefly describe the main drivers affecting the availability, diversity and knowledge
of wild foods in your country, as identified in Table 9. Include where possible indicators used to
measure change, along with the source of information.
The conservation management and sustainable use of wild plants used as foods are
predominantly under the purview of other the forest, EPA and other sectors in the country. Wild
plant foods are a component of diets of mainly hinterland subsistence communities. Information
is not immediately available as to their significance in food assurance. However, while wild plant
foods should be widely available and the diversity of wild plant foods remains intact, their
diverse food nutritional importance is diminished by this very knowledge gap. Food value apart,
wild plants are ubiquitously popular for their medicinal properties; both proven and in urban
legends.
2.5 EFFECTS OF DRIVERS OF CHANGE ON TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE,
GENDER AND RURAL LIVELIHOODS
In answering questions 16 to 18, describe the major drivers that have had an impact in the last 10
years and include where possible indicators used to measure change, and sources of information.
63
Question 16. Which drivers have had the most significant effect on the involvement of women in
the maintenance and use of biodiversity for food and agriculture?
Irrigated Crops (Rice): Tropics (C1)
In the Guyana’s rice industry, women formerly performed tasks such as land preparation,
planting, weeding, harvesting and processing. However, with increased mechanization in the
industry, women field workers have been displaced considerably. Some women are actively
involved in the financial management of their family farm businesses.
Self Recruiting Capture Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics
Policies, changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors, Access to lands (leased or
ownership), loans, cultural factors.
Livestock grassland-based systems and livestock landless systems: Tropics (L1 and L5)
The effect might be more impacting on Indigenous women in hinterland communities, than on
the coastal regions.
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (others), Mixed Systems and Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
Favorable government policies, markets, trade and the private sector have in a major way
encouraged more women to be engaged on commercial plant-based agriculture. In the major
plant diversity sink that is considered in situ homesteads and spread country-wide, women folks
are the primary dynamic custodians and sustainable users of plant varietal diversity for food and
agriculture. Habitat provisioning aside, homestead activities has long served to sustain a
deliberate government policy of national food sufficiency; indicative of the attenuating eco-
system services of increased pollinations, efficient water, nutrient, and waste recycling and
habitat provisioning.
Question 17. Which drivers have had the most significant effect on the maintenance and use of
traditional knowledge relating to biodiversity for food and agriculture?
64
Irrigated Crops (Rice): Tropics
In the rice sector, mechanization and advancements in science and technology of the industry has
the most significant effect on the use of traditional knowledge relating to biodiversity. There is
no system in place for the documentation and maintenance of traditional knowledge.
Self Recruiting Capture Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics
Natural disasters, markets, trade and the private sector, policies, advancement of science and
technology, lack of communication, lack of documentation
Livestock grassland-based systems and livestock landless systems: Tropics (L1 and L5)
Land use patterns can affect the sustainable exploitation of this resource and can therefore have
significant effects on the sustenance on the use of traditional knowledge
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (others), Mixed Systems and Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
Government policies supporting urbanization through an expansive community housing drive
has served to perpetuate a Guyanese tradition of cultivating their homesteads. As urbanization
through housing expansion continues, so too has been the expansion of biodiversity used for
food and agriculture.
Question 18. Which drivers have had the most significant effect on the role of biodiversity for
food and agriculture in improving food security and sustainability?
Irrigated Crops (Rice): Tropics
• advancements and innovations in science and technology
• policies
Self Recruiting Capture Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics
• Policies
• Markets, trade and the private sector,
• over-exploitation and overharvesting,
• changing economic, socio-political, and cultural factors,
65
• advancements and innovations in science and technology
Livestock grassland-based systems and livestock landless systems: Tropics (L1 and L5)
Some of the drivers which can have significant effect on the role of biodiversity for food and
agriculture are:
• Trade and marketing issues
• Polices at the national and international levels
• Evolving socio-political, economic and cultural factors
• Development in science and technologies
• Impact of globalization
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (others), Mixed Systems and Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
Markets, trade and the private sector continue to be supportive of commercial production in the
'other' crops sector. Production in this sector continues to depend on local crop diversity for food
and agriculture. Paradoxically, however, the most important driver that is sustaining the dynamic
conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA has been successive government's policy of
urbanization through its housing drive.
2.6 COUNTERMEASURES ADDRESSING CURRENT AND EMERGING DRIVERS OF
CHANGE, BEST PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNED
Question 19. Referring to the information provided in this Chapter, identify countermeasures
planned or in place to reduce adverse consequences of drivers on a) associated biodiversity, b)
ecosystem services and c) wild foods. Provide any expected outcomes, lessons learned and best
practices.
Countermeasures that are put in place to reduce the consequences of drivers on associated
biodiversity and ecosystem services are:
Irrigated Crop (Rice): Tropics (C1)
66
• Integrated Pest Management introduction to farmers which promise to reduce the effect
of drivers such as pollution and external inputs
• Breeding for saline drought tolerant varieties that can withstand delayed harvesting will
help to counteract the effects of climate change.
• Incorporating basal fertilizers; this is done during dry land preparation and will prevent
leeching of nutrients
• The National Biodiversity Action Plan addresses various needs which can reduce the
negative effects of drivers. These include: awareness and education, research, monitoring,
mainstreaming biodiversity into the agriculture sector, legislation relating to biodiversity
for agriculture, and management and sharing of information.
• There is no data available on the effects on drivers of change on ecosystem services in
Guyana, however, according to specialist changes have been observed. The above listed
countermeasures can assist in reducing the effects of these changes.
For Naturally Regenerated Forests:
• Data is not available in Guyana
Self Recruiting Capture Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics
As a direct result of information limitations highlighted, it is safe to articulate the need for
improved fisheries management in order to sustain the nation`s fisheries biodiversity. In Guyana
the fisheries management system is affected by a number of constraints that can be summed up
as inadequate decision-making mechanisms, lack of conflict resolution and enforcement,
insufficient knowledge of the resources and resource users, insufficient use of scientific and
related information in the decision-making process and inadequate human and financial
resources (CRFM 2004). As such, there is a need to address these constraints as well as find
more innovative ways to manage the fisheries resources in order to optimize the benefits to
stakeholders ultimately. Environmental protection agency has the mandate and legal right to
deem where ponds, cages etc. can be constructed to rear aquatic organisms taking into
consideration the impacts on human and associated biodiversity.
67
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (others), Mixed Systems and Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
NAREI, as per its mandate, is the only agency in Guyana that has a concerted program to
conserve and sustainably use PGRFA. Apart from on-going efforts to conserve crop groups of
economic importance, NAREI's research initiatives have incorporated major themes of climate
change and mitigation across all its departments. And in recent years directed research and field
surveys and monitoring activities in pest management have been elevated. NAREI has a
department that is dedicated to research on land use management and water use efficiency, and
sustainable soil fertility management. Efforts in the forgoing interventions have had mostly
positive results, the details which can be gleaned from Guyana's 2012 Country report on PGRFA
and an Updated report on the Implementation of the Second GPA (2016). The in situ
management of crop wild relatives (CWR) is new to NAREI. It is still debatable whether this
component of PGRFA should be left to the responsibility of the stewards of our forests or
whether these responsibilities should be shared.
68
CHAPTER 3:
THE STATE AND TRENDS OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD
AND AGRICULTURE
69
3.1 OVERALL SYNTHESIZED ASSESSMENT OF FOREST, AQUATIC, ANIMAL OR
PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES
Question 20. Describe the overall 1) state, 2) trends and 3) state of conservation of diversity of
forest, aquatic, animal or plant genetic resources in your country with respect to:
a) common characteristics shared by all sectors;
b) major differences between sectors;
c) synergies or trade-offs in the state of diversity between sectors.
Priority for development is given to the agriculture industry, as it is one of the largest
contributors to Guyana’s economy. . Rice has approximately 3500 accession (ex-situ) managed
by GDDB while sugar cane has 1,200 accession in situ at GuySuCo. Emphasis is not only placed
on the major crops: rice and sugarcane; but also on other sectors such as livestock, fisheries, non-
traditional crops and forestry. All agricultural sectors aim for sustainable production and are
making great efforts to conserve their genetic resources; however, due to various factors, this is
not achievable by all. Since agriculture is centered on the coastland; most of its sectors are
subjected to the unfavorable weather and climatic features of this region. Due to funding and
resource limitations there is also a large gap in research and knowledge available for the
sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture. Despite facing the challenges of being a
developing country, Guyana various agriculture sectors have advanced impressively in making
this country sustainable and food secure.
The diversity among 'other' crop species is an important complement guaranteeing our food self-
sufficiency needs are met. With a new paradigm shift towards the sustainable use of plant species
diversity for food and agriculture, the non-traditional sub-sector has assumed an important
complementary role for food security assurance. The non-traditional agriculture landscape
occupies a diverse range of other important non-traditional crops, including coconut, cassava, a
wide diversity of orchard species, green vegetables, and foraged botanicals in and around
homesteads; a ubiquitous diversity of herbals; and an expansive 19 forested ecologies. Except for
cassava, all agricultural products, important for food security and commercial exports are
harvested within the narrow strip of coastal plains.
70
Plant species diversity for food and agriculture is an integral part of our national patrimony; an
entitlement that is associated with an ingrained social culture of coexistence with plants. This
custom is strongly manifested in homestead cultivations and subsistence farming communities.
The homestead cultivation of plant species diversity for food and agriculture represents an
informal but significant depository of in situ diversity. This paradigm is particularly appropriate
because the PGRFA diversity found in homestead communities undisputedly represents the
greatest diversity of PGRFA assembled in Guyana; accounting for more than 80% of the plant
species diversity for food and agriculture that we see all over our country. Government policies
strongly encourage this art form of ‘in situ homesteads’ because to date it has been successful in
so far as it supports a culture of food self-reliance and the economic benefits it brings to lower-
income households.
State of Conservation: The tissue culture facility at NAREI has the only dedicated laboratory in
the country capable of crop species conservation in vitro. Over the years, protocols for local
accessions of plantain, banana, pineapple, yams, and sweet potato were established. The tissue
culture facility has a mandate to provide disease-free planting materials for in-house research and
to complement farmers’ ‘seed cuttings’ requirements. But in the main, the lab seeks to adapt in
vitro tissue culture protocols to facilitate the trans-boundary transfer of exotic crop species that
must obligately depend on this avenue of germplasm exchange. NAREI is designated as the main
depository of ex situ collections for seed regenerated crop species. NAREI’s mandate is for all
crops (approximately 70 agricultural crops species) other than rice and sugarcane. During this
reporting period a small nucleus of crop species were maintained on a seasonal basis. These were
mostly for green vegetable crop species comprising a core collection of mostly exotic
introductions of tomato and Brassica species. Local accessions of tomato, bora, pepper, eggplant,
and poi are routinely maintained on a seasonal basis. Ex situ conservation, carried out at Mon
Repos and Ebini Research Stations, is strategically transient because the storage capacity at Mon
Repos Research Station was markedly reduced. The seed technology facility has recently been
upgraded. NAREI has several ex situ field gene banks, inclusive of pineapple, avocado, cassava,
yams, mango, West Indian cherry, passion fruit, cashew, coconut, Citrus species, and an array of
minor orchard crop species. NAREI field gene banks are spread throughout the country at all of
NAREIs research stations, plant propagation nurseries, and other smaller satellite stations. The
71
number of species conserved in field gene banks is restrained by NAREI’s capability to manage
these depositories. Considering the distribution of root and tubers, and orchard crop species
cultivation in Guyana, both intra- and inter-specific diversity represented in NAREI’s field gene
banks are under-sampled. There are extensive evaluation and characterization data for sweet
potato, and a good start was made for vegetables. That similar data for other vegetatively-
propagated field crop species have been hard to come by may be an artifact of a management
bottle neck.
3.2 STATE AND TRENDS OF ASSOCIATED BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM
SERVICES
Question 21. Have any changes been detected in your country for the different production
systems over the last 10 years in components of associated biodiversity? If so, indicate if trends
are strongly increasing (2), increasing (1), stable (0), decreasing (-1) or strongly decreasing (-2)
in Table 10. If no information is available, indicate not known (NK). If not applicable, (NA).
Table 10: Trends in the state of components of associated biodiversity within production systems
Production system Trends in last 10 years (2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Code or Name Micro-
organisms Invertebrates Vertebrates Plants
Irrigated Crops (rice): Tropics (C1) NK NK NK NK
Naturally Regenerated Forests:
Tropics (F 1) NK NK NK NK
Irrigated Crops (Sugarcane):
Tropics (C5) 0 NK NK 1
Irrigated Crops (Other): Tropics
(C5) NK NK NK 0
Self-recruiting capture fisheries:
Tropics (A1) NK NK NK NK
Fed aquaculture: Tropics (A9) 1 0 -1 0
72
Production system Trends in last 10 years (2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Code or Name Micro-
organisms Invertebrates Vertebrates Plants
Non-fed aquaculture: Tropics
(A13) 1 0 0 0
Livestock grassland-based
systems: Tropical (L1) NK NK NK NK
Livestock landless systems:
Tropical (L5) NK NK NK NK
Mixed Systems (M1) NK NK NK 0
Rainfed Crops: Tropics (C9) NK NK NK 0
Crops: Swamp Systems (Aroids):
Tropics (O1) NK NK NK 0
Question 22. Briefly describe the changes or trends in diversity recorded in Table 10. Where
possible provide information on: baseline levels (last 10 years, indicate if otherwise),
measurements and indicators used, the extent of change, and the likely cause(s). Include
references to the sources of information.
Irrigated Crops (Rice): Tropics
No monitoring is done for the components of associated biodiversity in the rice production
systems in Guyana.
Naturally Regenerated Forests: Tropics
Treats facing Guyana's biodiversity can be either direct or indirect. Direct treats result from
developmental or non-human induced activities that directly affect biodiversity and indirect
threats can result as a consequence of some policy or legislative measures and /or institutional
challenges. Some threats can be viewed as direct treats however they may also have some
indirect negative influence on biodiversity.
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (others), Mixed Systems and Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
73
Apart from a few exotic garden vegetable species that was introduced into commercial
cultivation, the changes in biodiversity and related services in irrigated and mixed cropping
systems have not had appear to be significant. In rainfed hinterland subsistence cropping systems
there were instances of loss of varietal diversity of cassava that is the source of the most
important staple foods. However, compared to the national scope and natural systems of
diversity generation of cassava, these losses would be too miniscule to effect and significant
change in the state of diversity at the national level.
Question 23. Have any changes been detected in your country for the different production
systems over the last 10 years in regulating and supporting ecosystem services? If so, indicate if
trends are strongly increasing (2), increasing (1), stable (0), decreasing (-1) or strongly
decreasing (-2) in Table 11. If no information is available, indicate not known (NK). If not
applicable, (NA).
Table 11: Trends in the state of regulating and supporting ecosystem services within
production systems.
Production Systems Trends in last 10 years (2, 1, 0, -1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
trea
tmen
t
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
regu
latio
n
Irrigated Crops (Rice): Tropics
(C)1 0 -2 NA NK NK NK NA NK NK
Naturally Regenerated Forests:
Tropics (F1) NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
74
Production Systems Trends in last 10 years (2, 1, 0, -1, -2, NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
trea
tmen
t
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
regu
latio
n
Irrigated Crops (Sugarcane):
Tropics (C 5) NA 0 NA NK 0 0 0 0 NK
Irrigated Crops (Other): Tropics
(C5) NK -1 0 0 0 0 0 NK 0
Self-recruiting capture fisheries:
Tropics (A1) NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Fed aquaculture: Tropics (A9) NA -1 NA 1 1 NA 1 0 1
Non-fed aquaculture: Tropics
(A13) NA -1 NA 1 0 NA 1 -1 1
Livestock grassland-based systems:
Tropical (L1) NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Livestock landless systems:
Tropical (L5) NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Mixed Systems (M1) 0 -1 NK 0 NK 0 0 1 NK
Rainfed Crops: Tropics (C9) 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Crops: Swamp Systems (Aroids):
Tropics (O1) 0 0 0 0 NK 0 0 NK 0
24. Briefly describe the changes or trends in diversity recorded in Table 11. Where possible
provide information on: baseline levels (last 10 years, indicate if otherwise), measurements and
75
indicators used, the extent of change, and the likely cause(s). Include references to the sources of
information.
Irrigated Crops (Rice): Tropics (C 1)
Based on monitoring reports pest incidence have increased significantly with compared with
natural enemies. According to the entomologist, the paddy bug population has increased
drastically when compared to its natural predators and parasitoids. Disease incidences have also
increased but not as severely as insect pests according to the pathologist’s disease surveys.
However, there have been increases in the incidence and severity of brown spots, sheath blight
and sheath rot in rice.
Naturally Regenerated Forests (F 1)
No data is available
Self Recruiting Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, Non Fed Aquaculture (A1, A9, A 13)
Trends in aquaculture indicate an increase in pest and diseases affecting farmed species.
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (others), Mixed Systems and Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
During the reporting period, the only major disruption (indicator) to ecosystem services has been
the invasion of two quarantinable pests affecting the plantain and banana, and coconut sub-
sectors in the three major non-traditional crop sub-sectors. The plantain and banana sub-sector
has seen the greatest setback during the initial 2007-2008 years. That the pest is still of economic
importance may an artifact of policies concerning the original response to its discovery. Ongoing
management interventions have seemingly brought both effects of both pests down to
manageable levels. Progress reports on these pest management interventions are reported in the
print media, in NAREI periodic reports (Annual Reports) and reported and analyzed in the
upgraded Guyana Country report on Implementation of the Second GPA on PGRFA (2016).
Question 25. Is there evidence that changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture have
impacted ecosystem services in your country? Indicate if strongly increasing (2), increasing (1),
76
stable (0), decreasing (-1) or strongly decreasing (-2) in Table 12 and provide a description of
specific situations and documentation where available (repeat table for each production system).
77
Table 12: Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services.
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2, NK,
NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Oth
ers:
[ple
ase
spec
ify]
Irrigated Crop (Rice)
C1
Changes in animal genetic resources NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Changes in crop genetic resources 0 +1 NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in forest genetic resources NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
78
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Naturally Regenerated
Forests: Tropics
(F1)
Changes in animal genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in crop genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in forest genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
79
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Irrigated Crop
(Sugarcane) C5
Changes in animal genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in crop genetic resources NK 0 NK NK NK NK NK NK 1
Changes in forest genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
80
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Irrigated Crop
(Other) C5
Changes in animal genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in crop genetic resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 NK 0
Changes in forest genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
81
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Tropics
Changes in animal genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in crop genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in forest genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
82
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Fed aquaculture: Tropics
Changes in animal genetic resources NA 1 NK NK NK NK NK 1 NK
Changes in crop genetic resources NA NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in forest genetic resources NA NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NA 1 NK NK NK NK NK 1 NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NA 2 NK NK NK NK NK 1 NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NA NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NA NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NA 1 NK NK NK NK NK 1 NK
83
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Non-fed aquaculture: Tropics
Changes in animal genetic resources NA 1 NK NK NK NK NK 1 NK
Changes in crop genetic resources NA NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in forest genetic resources NA NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NA 1 NK NK NK NK NK 1 NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NA 1 NK NK NK NK NK 1 NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NA NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NA NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NA NA NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
84
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Livestock grassland-
based systems: Tropics
(L1)
Changes in animal genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in crop genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in forest genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
85
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Livestock landless systems: Tropics
(L5)
Changes in animal genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in crop genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in forest genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
86
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Mixed systems: Tropics (M1)
Changes in animal genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in crop genetic resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Changes in forest genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
87
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Rainfed Crops: Tropics
(C9)
Changes in animal genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in crop genetic resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Changes in forest genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
88
Production Systems
Changes
Impact of changes in biodiversity for food and agriculture on ecosystem services (2, 1, 0,-1, -2,
NK, NA)
Code or Name
Polli
natio
n
Pest
and
dis
ease
reg
ulat
ion
Wat
er p
urifi
catio
n an
d w
aste
tr
eatm
ent
Nat
ural
haz
ard
regu
latio
n
Nut
rien
t cyc
ling
Soil
form
atio
n an
d pr
otec
tion
Wat
er c
yclin
g
Prov
isio
ning
of h
abita
t
Prod
uctio
n of
oxy
gen/
Gas
re
gula
tion
Crops: Swamp Systems (Aroids): Tropics
(O1)
Changes in animal genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in crop genetic resources 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Changes in forest genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in aquatic genetic resources NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in micro-organism genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in invertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in vertebrates genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK NK
Changes in plants genetic resources (associated biodiversity)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
89
Question 26. Briefly describe the impacts on ecosystem services recorded in Table 12. Where
possible provide information on: baseline levels (last 10 years, indicate if otherwise),
measurements and indicators used, the extent of change, and the likely cause(s). Include
references to the sources of information.
Irrigated Crops (Rice): Tropics (C1)
Over the years, GRDB has been breeding for disease resistant varieties. To date, all of the newly
released high yielding varieties are resistant to rice blast, which was once one of the most
destructive diseases of rice in Guyana.
Naturally Regenerated Forests (F1)
No data is available
Self Recruiting Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, Non-Fed Aquaculture
No data is available
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (others), Mixed Systems and Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
Except for introduction of some exotic improved garden vegetable varieties into commercial
irrigated production systems, all other crop production systems are sown to close to 100% of
farmers' (landrace) varieties. The composition of crop stands under these landrace varieties
usually comprises a mix of crop strains. Although the mixed composition is dynamic, changes in
this dynamics will hardly likely impact ecosystem services in a significant way. Information
about the effect on habitat provisioning of possibly increased use of agrochemicals in irrigated
garden vegetable production systems is not immediately available. The GUYANA Country
Report on the State of PGRFA (2012) is herein generally referenced.
27. List any associated biodiversity species or sub-species (if information is available) that are
in some way actively managed in your country to help provide regulating or supporting
ecosystem services in Table 13. Indicate in which production systems they occur and indicate if
diversity information is available. Provide any available sources of information.
90
Table 13: Associated biodiversity species that are in some way actively managed in your
country to help provide regulating or supporting ecosystem services.
Ecosystem
service
provided
Actively managed
species (name) and
sub-species (where
available)
Production systems
(code or name)
Availability
of diversity
information
(Y/N)
Source of
information
Pollination
A wide spectrum of
species representing
more than 80% of
diversity used for
PGRFA are housed
mainly in so-called in
situ homesteads and on-
farm cultivations.
Irrigated crops
(other): Tropics
Rainfed crops:
Tropics; Mixed
Systems: Tropics
Y
NISM
Database; Doc:
Food Plants
Cultivated in
Guyana,
NAREI
Pest and disease
regulation
Amazon fly: Cotesia
flavipes
Irrigated crops
(other) Tropical Y
GuySuCo
Annual Reports
Water
purification and
waste treatment
NK
Natural hazard
regulation NK
Nutrient cycling NK
Soil formation
and protection NK
Water cycling NK
Habitat
provisioning Arapaima Non Fed aquaculture Y
WWF,
Arapaima
Management
Plan
Production of
oxygen/ Gas NK
91
Ecosystem
service
provided
Actively managed
species (name) and
sub-species (where
available)
Production systems
(code or name)
Availability
of diversity
information
(Y/N)
Source of
information
regulation
Question 28. Does your country have monitoring activities related to associated biodiversity? If
yes, describe these. Where possible provide information on the components of associated
biodiversity that are monitored and on the geographical coverage of the monitoring system
(local, regional, national, global). Include references to the sources of information, if possible.
Irrigated Crop (Rice): Tropics (C1)
There are no monitoring activities for associated biodiversity in rice production system in
Guyana. However, monitoring for insect pests is done throughout the year insect pests is done
throughout the year across the rice belt in Guyana. During these monitoring activities, in addition
to the number of pest found, recordings are also being done for natural enemies of the insect
pests.
Naturally Regenerated Forests: Tropics (F 1)
Guyana has a strong and continuously improving system of forest monitoring and regulation in
the forest sector. There is an inherent deterrent to illegal activities, systems of reporting and
monitoring that lends to the fulfillment of most, if not all elements of an effective chain of
custody management system of forest product from the point of harvest to export; and a system
that allows for verification of legal origin of forest product. To support the GFC's monitoring
system, GFC has 39 forest stations strategically located throughout the country, complemented
with 10 additional mobile monitoring units. The national log tagging and tracking system allows
for verification of origin to be enabled.
Self Recruiting Capture Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics (A1,
A9, A13)
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The Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society (GMTCS) works to ensure the future existence
and population recovery of all the four species of marine turtles known to nest in Guyana, while
at the same time addressing the needs of the user communities which fits in with the
Environmental Protection Act No. 11 of 1996 which is entitled "Wildlife management and
conservation Regulation"
Livestock grassland-based systems, livestock landless systems: Tropics (L1, L5 and M1)
Guyana has an effective monitoring system in place. The information resides with the Guyana
Wildlife Management Authority.
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (others), Mixed Systems and Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
NAREI is the only agency in Guyana with a mandate and programmes for surveying and
monitoring non-traditional crops species in Guyana. With a mandate for research on more than
30 species of economic importance and a commitment to safeguard more than 77 crop species
NAREI's geographic coverage takes its researchers to all ecologies of the country. NAREI
manages the NISM database that documents all information related to PGRFA.
3.3 SPECIES OF ASSOCIATED BIODIVERSITY AT RISK OF LOSS
In this section the objective is to identify species of associated biodiversity within the country
that are at significant risk of loss, degradation or extinction.
Question 29. List in Table 14 any components of associated biodiversity for which there is
evidence of a significant threat of extinction or of the loss of a number of important populations
in your country. Specify the degree of the threat according to the classification in use in your
country or following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria18. Include a description of the
threat and list references or sources of information if available.
Table 14: Main threats to associated biodiversity identified as at risk.
Associated
biodiversity species Degree of threat Main threat
References or sources of
information if available
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Vouacapoua
americana Critically endangered IUCN
Trichilia surumuensis Endangered IUCN
Aniba rosaedora Endangered IUCN
Virola surinmensis Endangered IUCN
Pteronura brasiliensis Endangered IUCN
Aratinga solstitialis Endangered IUCN
Synallaxis kollari Endangered IUCN
Carduelis cucullate Endangered IUCN
3.4 CONSERVATION OF ASSOCIATED BIODIVERSITY
This section collects information on the state of conservation of components of associated
biodiversity providing ecosystem services within production systems in your country.
Question 30. Does your country currently have any ex situ conservation or management
activities or programmes for associated biodiversity for food and agriculture? These may
include, for example, culture collections, collections of pollinators, etc. If so, list these in Table
15.
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Table 15: Ex situ conservation or management activities or programmes for associated
biodiversity for food and agriculture.
Components
of associated
biodiversity
Organisms,
species and sub-
species (where
available)
conserved
Size of
collection
Conservation
conditions Objective(s)
Characterization
and evaluation
status
Micro-
organisms
Bacillus sp. and
Pseudomonas sp. - -
For the
control of
rice diseases:
Blast and
Sheath Blight
These projects are
scheduled to
commence.
Beauveria sp. - - For the
control of
rice pest:
paddy bugs
(Oebalus
poecilus)
Invertebrates Telenomus sp.
Ladybird beetles - -
This project is part
of the National
Paddy Bug
Management Project
and are scheduled to
commence soon
Vertebrates NK NK NK NK NK
Plants NK NK NK NK NK
Question 31. Does your country currently have any in situ conservation and management
activities or programmes in your country that support the maintenance of associated
biodiversity? If so provide any available information on organisms and species managed or
conserved, site name and location, production system(s) involved, conservation objective and
specific actions that secure associated biodiversity or ecosystem services (if any).
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Table 16: In situ conservation or management activities or programmes for associated
biodiversity for food and agriculture.
Components
of associated
biodiversity
Organisms,
species and
sub-species
(where
available)
conserved
Site name
and location
Production
system(s)
involved
(code or
name)
Conservation
objective(s)
Specific
actions that
secure
associated
biodiversity
or ecosystem
services
Micro-
organisms NK NK NK NK NK
Invertebrates
Cotesia
flavipes:
Amazon fly
All Sugar
Estates and
GARC
C 5 Mass Rearing Bio-control
NK NAREI, Mon
Repos
Rainfed
crops:
Tropical
Pink Mealey
Bug control
Insectary
conservation
Vertebrates Arapaima
gigas
Rema Lodge,
region 8
Maintain a
healthy
population of
Arapaima
Arapaima
Management
Plan
Plants NK NK NK NK NK
Question 32. What activities are undertaken in your country to maintain traditional knowledge of
associated biodiversity? Has traditional knowledge of associated biodiversity been used to
inform conservation and use decisions in your country? Please share best practices and lessons
learned.
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• No activities are undertaken for maintaining traditional knowledge of associated
biodiversity in the irrigated rice systems.
• There is no data available for the activities done to maintaining traditional knowledge of
associated biodiversity in the naturally regenerated forest.
• For self recruiting capture fisheries, fed aquaculture, and non-fed aquaculture: Traditional
knowledge of associated biodiversity is maintained by native villagers through formal
and informal meetings would pass on traditional knowledge as their livelihoods depend
on traditional practices.
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (others), Mixed Systems and Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
The use of traditional knowledge (TK) is integral to the dynamic management of on-farm and in-
homestead PGRFA. More than 80% of PGRFA in the 'other' crops sub-sector in the country is
comprised of farmers' varieties. In coastal, near-coastal, riparian homesteads and hinterland
subsistence farming communities TK informs the characterization, sustainable use, and dynamic
conservation priorities of PGRFA. Accordingly, the most effective conservation strategy in the
country is exemplified by the strategies used by managers of homesteads and hinterland farming
communities. In the management of its ex-situ field gene banks, orthodox seed storage, and in-
vitro stored collections, NAREI has benefited from TK to set its conservation priorities.
Question 33. Provide any available information on gender dimensions with respect to the
maintenance of and knowledge about associated biodiversity. These may include differences in
the roles and insights of women and men with respect to maintaining particular resources,
monitoring their state, overseeing their management at different stages of production or
ecosystem management.
• No information available.
Traditional knowledge is widely used in Guyana and has been known to be both factual and also
stuff of urban legends. For these reasons, the fairer gender / farmers is often regarded as being
the most endowed from a reliability perspective. But generally, it is apparent that women may
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play a greater role in the use and conservation of PGRFA since they are more temporally
associated with the biodiversity.
3.5 STATE AND TRENDS OF WILD RESOURCES USED FOR FOOD
Question 34. Provide in Table 17 a list of wild food species known to be harvested, hunted,
captured or gathered for food in your country, and that are not already included in a completed
or ongoing Country Report on Forest, Aquatic, Animal or Plant Genetic Resources. Indicate in
or around which production system the species is present and harvested, and the change in state
of the species over the last 10 years (strongly increasing (2), increasing (1), stable (0),
decreasing (-1), or strongly decreasing (-2), or not known (NK)). Indicate where differences
within species have been identified and characterized.
Wild food resources are significantly utilized by the people in the Hinterland communities, but
overall it does not contribute significantly to Guyanese food and nutrition requirements
Table 17: Wild species used for food in the country.
Species
(local name)
Species
(scientific
name)
Production
systems or
other
environments in
which present
and harvested
Change in
state (2,1,0,-
1,-2, NK)
Differences
within species
identified and
characterized
(Y/N)
Source of
information
NK Assorted
plant species NK
Rainfed
production
systems
0 NK NISM,
NAREI
3.6 WILD FOOD RESOURCES AT RISK
In this section the objective is to identify uncultivated and wild species used for food within the
country that are at significant risk of loss.
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Question 35. List in Table 18 any wild food species for which there is evidence of a significant
threat of extinction or of the loss of a number of important populations in your country. Specify
the degree of threat according to the classification in use in your country or following the IUCN
Red List Categories And Criteria19. Include a description of the threat and list references or
sources of information if available.
Table 18: Main threats to wild food species identified as at risk.
Wild food species
(scientific name) Degree of threat
Main threat
(indicate)
References or
sources of
information if
available
NK 0 0 NIISM, NAREI
Wild plant species popular for food are found mainly in hinterland communities, and all human
communities in the country that are settled. There is no community that is dependent on wild
plant sources for food. While the wild sources of plant foods may be desirable, they do not seem
to influence the status of food and nutrition assurance or food security.
3.7 CONSERVATION OF WILD RESOURCES USED FOR FOOD
Question 36. Are any ex situ conservation or management activities or programmes established
in your country for wild food species? These may include, for example, culture collections,
collections of insects, fungi, etc. If so, list these in Table 19.
Table 19: Ex situ conservation or management activities or programmes for wild food species.
Wild food species
conserved (scientific
name)
Size of collection
(number of accessions
and quantities)
Conservation
conditions Objective(s)
Characterization
and evaluation
status
NA NA NA NA NA
Question 37. Are any in situ conservation and management activities or programmes established
in your country that supports maintenance of wild food species? If so list these in Table 20
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provide the following information for each activity or program: site name and location,
production system(s) involved, conservation objective and specific actions that secure wild food
species (if any).
Table 20: In situ conservation or management activities or programmes for wild food
species.
Wild food species conserved
(scientific name)
Site name and
location
Size and
environment
Conservation
objective(s)
Actions
taken
NA NA NA NA NA
Question 38. What activities are undertaken in your country to maintain traditional knowledge of
wild food species (indicate if the extent to which these have already been described in sector
reports)? How can traditional knowledge of wild food species be accessed and used to inform
conservation and use decisions?
Please refer to Questions 32 and 33 above.
Question 39. Provide any available information on gender dimensions with respect to the
maintenance of and knowledge about wild food species. These may include differences in the
roles and insights of women and men with respect to harvesting particular resources, monitoring
their state, overseeing their ecosystem management.
Cultural traditions in general will suggest that the roles of both genders are split equally.
However, in view the notion that women folks are temporally more associated with the use of
wild food plants, their information is often preferentially solicited.
3.8 NATURAL OR HUMAN-MADE DISASTERS AND BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD
AND AGRICULTURE
This section collects information on natural or human-made disasters and their impact on and
response from biodiversity for food and agriculture as a whole.
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Question 40. Has your country experienced any natural or human-made disaster(s) that has had
a significant effect on biodiversity for food and agriculture and/or on ecosystem services in the
past 10 years? List in Table 21 those for which any information exists on their effect on
biodiversity for food and agriculture and/or ecosystem services. Indicate the effect on different
components or services as significant increase (2), increase (1), no change (0), some loss (-1),
significant loss (–2), or not known (NK).
Table 21: Natural or human-made disasters that has had a significant effect on
biodiversity for food and agriculture in the past 10 years in the country.
Disaster
description
Production system(s)
affected (code or
name)
Effect on overall biodiversity
for food and agriculture
(2, 1, 0, -1, -2, NK)
Effect on ecosystem
services
(2, 1, 0, -1, -2, NK)
Flood C1 -2 NK
Drought C1 -2 NK
Flood C5 -1 -1
Flood A9 -2 NK
Drought A9 -2 NK
Flood L1, L5, M5 NK NK
Drought L1, L5, M5 NK NK
Question 41. Briefly summarize any available information, including the year of the disaster, a
description of the effects of the disaster on the different components of biodiversity for food and
agriculture and/or on the effects on ecosystem services, and references to the supporting
documentation.
There is limited information on the impact of the above listed disasters on biodiversity for food
and agriculture; however, the flood that occurred in 2005 was well documented in many of the
agriculture sectors.
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Irrigated Rice: Tropics (C1)
The rice industry is the largest agricultural sub-sector in Guyana. During the 2005 flood,
approximately 1,118 rice farmers occupying 27,583 acres were affected (UNDP and ECLAC
2006). Losses in the industry was estimated at GYD $1.9 billion (UNDP and ECLAC 2006).
Naturally Regenerated Forests
No data available
Irrigated Crops (Other): Tropics
Extensive flooding resulted in erosion of plots and change in the weed spectrum.
Fed Aquaculture (A 9)
During the year 2005, two of Guyana's Coastal regions, region 4 and region 5 were severely
affected by flooding due to the overtopping of the East Demerara Conservancy. As a result of
this, the Fed- Aquaculture Production System was affected, ponds were overflowing and were in
contact with the flood waters, allowing fishes to escape their ponds and coming in contact with
predators (snakes, ciamans and even humans). The habitats for these aquaculture species were
destroyed (natural phytoplankton and zooplankton), due to the quality of water when they were
in contact with the flood waters. Also, when coming in contact with 'like-species' breeding would
occur resulting in 'Feral' specie.
During the second half of 2015- March 2016 Guyana, was affected with a severe dry spell period
also known as 'El Nino'. Affected regions were mainly, regions 3, 4, 5, and 6, thus both Fed and
Non-Fed Aquaculture Production Systems were affected. In regions 3, 4 and 5 where Fed
aquaculture is predominately done, were affected by the unavailability of fresh water resulting in
the reduction of production mainly because of the poor water quality and aquaculture species
were placed under stress resulting in poor growth rate and weight gain. Also, there was a
reduction due to the dying off of natural phytoplankton and zooplankton mainly because of the
limited water available.
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As for Region 6 where Non- Fed Aquaculture production system is done there was limited
freshwater available, forcing species to grow in mostly saltwater, this also resulted in a reduction
of production in terms of weight gain and growth rate, disrupting the entire ecosystem
Question 42. Provide any available evidence from your country that changes in biodiversity for
food and agriculture caused by natural or human-made disasters have had an effect on
livelihoods, food security and nutrition.
Guyana is at a high risk for flooding and is most vulnerable at the Coastal Zone. Majority of the
country’s population as well as its agriculture, industrial and commercial sectors are located on
the coast. Factors that contribute to the coastlands having a high risk of flooding include:
• Heavy rainfall;
• overflow and breaches of the seawall defense system, conservancy dams and river
embankments;
• inadequate drainage and irrigation network, such as human error in operation; and
• poor solid waste management within the urban drainage system.
Table 22: Flood and Drought Events in Guyana 1990 – 2015 (International Disaster Database, 2016)
Time
Disaster
Event
Number of
Persons
Affected
Number of
Deaths
Economic
Damage
($US’000)
Percentage
of GDP
July 1997 Flood 21,000 Not Available 200 Not Available
July 1996 Flood 38,000 Not Available 1,000 Not Available
15th January, 2005 Flood 274,774 34 465,000 60%
8th January, 2006 Flood 35,000 Not Available 169,000 Not Available
8th December, 2008 Flood 100,000 Not Available NA Not Available
July, 2015 Flood 199,000 Not Available Not Available Not Available
July 1997 Drought 607,200 Not Available 290,000 Not Available
January 2010 Drought Not Available Not Available 147,000 Not Available
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The Agriculture sector is considered the most important sector plays a crucial role in contributing
to Guyana’s economy. In 2000, agriculture accounted for 33.1% of the Gross Domestic Product
(GDP), and was increased to 35.4% in 2004 (UNDP and ECLAC 2006). However; due to the
negative impact of the 2005 flood, the sector’s contribution to the GDP declined (UNDP and
ECLAC 2006).
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Disaster Risk Management Plan, there were major
impacts to the agriculture sector especially in the following Regions: West Demerara/Essequibo
Islands, Demerara/Mahaica and Mahaica/West Berbice. Region 4 was the most affected region,
recording a total damage of 55%. Considerable losses were recorded in the sugar, rice, livestock
and subsectors (Ministry of Agriculture 2013).
Figure 8: Agriculture’s Contribution to the Total GDP – 2000-2005 (UNDP and ECLAC
2006).
Figure 6 shows the decline in the agriculture industry contribution to Guyana’s gross domestic
product.
Question 43. Provide any available evidence that the enhanced use of biodiversity for food and
agriculture has contributed to improving livelihoods, food security and nutrition in the context of
natural or human-made disasters. Describe and provide source of information.
No data/information available.
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3.9 INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES AND BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE
Question 44. Are there invasive alien species identified in your country that have had a
significant effect on biodiversity for food and agriculture in the past 10 years? List in Table 23
those for which any information exists on their effect on biodiversity for food and agriculture
and/or ecosystem services. Indicate the effect on different components or services as strong
increase (2), increase (1), no effect (0), some loss (-1), significant loss (-2), or not known (NK).
Table 23: Invasive alien species that have had a significant effect on biodiversity for food
and agriculture in the past 10 years.
Invasive alien species
(scientific name)
Production system(s)
affected
(code or name)
Effect on
components of
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Effect on ecosystem
services
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Echinochloa
pyramidalis
Irrigated crops
(other): Tropical;
Rainfed crops:
Tropical
0 -1
Question 45. Briefly summarize any available information related to the invasive alien species
listed in Table 23, including a description of the effects of the invasive alien species on the
different components of biodiversity for food and agriculture and/or on the effects on ecosystem
services, and references to the supporting documentation.
Echinochloa pyramidalis is the most pervasive aquatic weed in Guyana. It colonizes drainage
channels in the City, towns and villages, on-farm irrigation and drainage channels, tributaries and
rivers of commercially routes in the country. It strives on the ever-present nutrient-rich effluents
form farms and homesteads, and has contributed in a major way to flooding in urban and coastal
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communities. Costs in restoring eco-systems services following Echinochloa pyramidalis
invasion is often prohibitive and the sight of the weed is an ever-present menace.
Question 46. Has biodiversity for food and agriculture contributed to managing the spread and
proliferation or controlling established invasive alien species in your country? If yes, provide
information on the invasive alien species involved, the components of biodiversity for food and
agriculture and any indication on how the components of biodiversity contributed to managing
the spread and proliferation or controlling established invasive alien species in your country.
Provide references to the supporting documentation.
Echinochloa pyramidalis has no known interaction with PGRFA that would seemingly enhance
its proliferation.
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3.10 SIMILARITIES, DIFFERENCES AND INTERACTIONS
Question 47. Comment on those aspects with respect to the state, trends and conservation of
associated biodiversity or wild food biodiversity in relation to the state, trends and conservation
of sector genetic resources. It would be helpful to provide your observations under the following
headings:
a) main similarities between associated biodiversity, wild food diversity and the different
sectors;
b) major differences between associated biodiversity, wild food diversity and the different
sectors;
c) synergies or trade-offs between associated biodiversity, wild food diversity and the different
sectors.
There is little or no research on the significance of associated biodiversity to food and agriculture
in Guyana; as such the conservation of these organisms is not given the deserved attention.
Sectors that are in some way conserving associated biodiversity or aiming to do so are mainly
focused on those organisms that have the ability to regulate pest and diseases.
3.11 GAPS AND PRIORITIES
Question 48. With respect to the state, trends and conservation of associated biodiversity and
ecosystem services:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• There is limited knowledge on the economic and ecosystem contributions of associated
biodiversity.
• No information on the impact of various drivers of change on associated biodiversity.
• The lack of quality baseline and trend data about biodiversity has contributed to low
knowledge or a definitive status of biodiversity and hence determining where
conservation or other biodiversity related efforts should focus. Quality data and
information exists, it is not clear if it is being used fully to bring about environmental
improvement.
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• There is an absence of a single, authoritative and scientifically generated source of
biodiversity information.
• There is a dearth of data and information related to biodiversity generated by various
ministries, agencies, commissions, international and national NGOs and in libraries and
universities both in Guyana.
• There is no prior determination of biodiversity significance of an area before acquiring
rights (mining/forestry/agricultural) to proceed with an economic activity.
b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
• There is a lack of funding and specialized human resources.
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
• There is no policy or legislation for the conservation and sustainable of associated
biodiversity.
• Research institutions focus their programs more on increasing productivity through
external inputs rather than depending on ecological services.
• The associated mandated agency that is NAREI is overburdened with too many diverse
mandatory responsibilities to devote remnant resources to PGRFA programmes and
activities.
• Limited resources are diverted towards genetic resources for food and agriculture
programmes and activities.
• Limited or no awareness and poor implementation of some policies/ action plans such as
NBAP.
• Insufficient coverage of biodiversity in major legislations and no attention to Biodiversity
for Food and Agriculture.
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• To fill the knowledge gap on associated biodiversity for food and agriculture in Guyana;
monitoring programs should be established for each production systems to identify trends
and quantify the economic importance of associated.
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• Mainstreaming of biodiversity in the productive and ecotourism sectors
Question 49. With respect to the state, trends and conservation of wild resources used for food:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• In-situ conservation management of wild plant resources used for food (crop wild
relatives, CWR) is new to Guyana. There seem to be difficulties in bridging an apparent
administrative gap at, a national level, between responsibilities for the management of in-
situ CWRs.
b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
• Trained personnel
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
• Wild plants used for food are under the purview of the Guyana Forestry Commission,
Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Protected Areas System of the EPA,
and widely on protected Amerindian Reservation. Conservation of wild plants by
other agencies does not actively consider those components related to food
production.
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• All agencies must be alerted about a paradigm shift towards an ‘interest’ in CWRs.
• And both field gene banks and especially orthodox seed storage systems must now
actively include storage of some critically vulnerable CWRs.
Question 50. With respect to the impact and response to natural or human-made disasters and
biodiversity for food and agriculture:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• There are limited studies done on the impact of natural and human-made disasters on
biodiversity for food and agriculture. Data collection is focused more on the economic
losses in agriculture when a disaster occurs.
b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
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• There is lack of funding and trained personnel.
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
There are a number of disaster risk management plan in Guyana; some include:
• National Integrated Disaster Risk Management Plan And Implementation Strategy For
Guyana;
• Multi-Hazard Disaster Preparedness & Response Plan; and
• Disaster Risk Management Plan For The Agriculture Sector 2013 – 2018
The above plans target various aspects of disaster risk management; some of which include
projects for:
• Risk identification, prevention and mitigation
• Awareness, preparedness, and response
• Recovery
• Policies and plans for risk management, damage needs and analysis, flood response and
preparedness
• Intuition and capacity strengthening
These plans and projects need to be implemented and those that are ongoing require better
management and monitoring for their effective functioning.
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• Studies to determine the effect of both natural and human-made disaster on associated
biodiversity and biodiversity for food and agriculture.
• Development of policies that specifically target the conservation of associated
biodiversity and sustainable management of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
51. With respect to the impact of invasive alien species on biodiversity for food and agriculture:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• Guyana's capacity to deal with the consequences of invasive species is limited,
information on consequences of invasive species are widely available.
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c) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
• Funding
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
• Government resources devoted to invasive aquatic weed management in particular are
somewhat disconnected to the focal agency who is responsible for plant science research
in the country.
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• The effective management of other invasive species should be well coordinated and given
the appropriate resources, will do well to counter-invasion of quarantinable species.
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CHAPTER 4:
THE STATE OF USE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
112
4.2 THE USE OF MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OR ACTIONS THAT FAVOR OR
INVOLVE THE USE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Question 52. For each of the production systems present in your country (indicated in Table 3)
indicate in Table 24 the extent of use of management practices that are considered to favor the
maintenance and use of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
A full description of the production practices listed is given in Annex 5 and the table below
should be completed separately for each production system.
In each table indicate the percent of total production area or quantity under the practice (where
known), changes that have occurred over the last 10 years in the production area or quantity
under the practice (significant increase (2), some increase (1), no change (0), some decrease (-1),
significant decrease (-2), not known (NK), not applicable (NA)), and any identified change in
biodiversity for food and agriculture associated with the practice (strongly increasing (2)
increasing (1), stable (0) decreasing (-1), strongly decreasing (-2), not known (NK), not
applicable (NA)).
Table 24: Management practices that are considered to favor the maintenance and use of
biodiversity for food and agriculture
Irrigated crops (rice) : Tropics C1
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM)
NK NK NK
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) NK NK NK
Pollination management NA NA NA
Landscape management NA NA NA
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Irrigated crops (rice) : Tropics C1
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Sustainable soil management
practices
NA NA NA
Conservation agriculture NA NA NA
Water management practices,
water harvesting
NK NK NK
Agroforestry NA NA NA
Organic agriculture NA NA NA
Low external input agriculture NA NA NA
Home gardens NA NA NA
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
NK NK NK
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries
NA NA NA
Conservation hatcheries NA NA NA
Reduced-impact logging NA NA NA
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Naturally Regenerated Forest (F 1)
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM)
NK NK NK
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) NK NK NK
Pollination management NK NK NK
Landscape management NK NK NK
Sustainable soil management
practices
NK NK NK
Conservation agriculture NK NK NK
Water management practices,
water harvesting
NK NK NK
Agroforestry NK NK NK
Organic agriculture NK NK NK
Low external input agriculture NK NK NK
Home gardens NK NK NK
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
NK NK NK
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries
NK NK NK
Conservation hatcheries NK NK NK
Reduced-impact logging NK NK NK
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Irrigated crops (Sugarcane) : Tropics C5
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM)
100 0 1
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 100 0 1
Pollination management
Landscape management
Sustainable soil management
practices
20% Annually 1 1
Conservation agriculture NA NA NA
Water management practices,
water harvesting
NA NA NA
Agroforestry NA NA NA
Organic agriculture NA NA NA
Low external input agriculture NA NA NA
Home gardens NA NA NA
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
NA NA NA
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries
NA NA NA
Conservation hatcheries NA NA NA
Reduced-impact logging NA NA NA
116
Irrigated crops (Other) : Tropics C5
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM)
NK 0 0
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) NK 0 NK
Pollination management NK 0 0
Landscape management NK 0 0
Sustainable soil management
practices
NK 0 0
Conservation agriculture NK 0 0
Water management practices,
water harvesting
NK 0 0
Agroforestry NK 0 0
Organic agriculture NK 0 0
Low external input agriculture NK 0 0
Home gardens 30 1 1
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
30 0 NK
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries
NK NK 0
Conservation hatcheries NK NK 0
Reduced-impact logging NA NA NA
117
Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Tropics
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM)
NK NK NK
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) NK NK NK
Pollination management NK NK NK
Landscape management NK NK NK
Sustainable soil management
practices
NK NK NK
Conservation agriculture NK NK NK
Water management practices,
water harvesting
NK NK NK
Agroforestry NK NK NK
Organic agriculture NK NK NK
Low external input agriculture NK NK NK
Home gardens NK NK NK
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
NK NK NK
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries
NK NK NK
Conservation hatcheries NK NK NK
Reduced-impact logging NK NK NK
118
Fed Aquaculture: Tropics
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM)
NA NA NA
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) NA NA NA
Pollination management NA NA NA
Landscape management NA NA NA
Sustainable soil management
practices
NK NK NK
Conservation agriculture 30 NK NK
Water management practices,
water harvesting
20 NK NK
Agroforestry NA NA NA
Organic agriculture 25 NK NK
Low external input agriculture NA NA NA
Home gardens 30 NK NK
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
NA NA NA
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries
NA NA NA
Conservation hatcheries 0 NK NK
Reduced-impact logging NA NA NA
119
Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM)
NK NK NK
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) NK NK NK
Pollination management NK NK NK
Landscape management NK NK NK
Sustainable soil management
practices
NK NK NK
Conservation agriculture NK NK NK
Water management practices,
water harvesting
NK NK NK
Agroforestry NK NK NK
Organic agriculture NK NK NK
Low external input agriculture NK NK NK
Home gardens NK NK NK
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
NK NK NK
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries
NK NK NK
Conservation hatcheries NK NK NK
Reduced-impact logging NK NK NK
120
Livestock Grassland Based Systems (L 1)
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM)
NK NK NK
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) NK NK NK
Pollination management NK NK NK
Landscape management NK NK NK
Sustainable soil management
practices
NK NK NK
Conservation agriculture NK NK NK
Water management practices,
water harvesting
NK NK NK
Agroforestry NK NK NK
Organic agriculture NK NK NK
Low external input agriculture NK NK NK
Home gardens NK NK NK
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
NK NK NK
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries
NK NK NK
Conservation hatcheries NK NK NK
Reduced-impact logging NK NK NK
121
Livestock Landless Systems (L 5)
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM)
NK NK NK
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) NK NK NK
Pollination management NK NK NK
Landscape management NK NK NK
Sustainable soil management
practices
NK NK NK
Conservation agriculture NK NK NK
Water management practices,
water harvesting
NK NK NK
Agroforestry NK NK NK
Organic agriculture NK NK NK
Low external input agriculture NK NK NK
Home gardens NK NK NK
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
NK NK NK
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries
NK NK NK
Conservation hatcheries NK NK NK
Reduced-impact logging NK NK NK
122
Mixed Systems (M 1)
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM) NK 0 1
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) NK 0 1
Pollination management NK 0 NK
Landscape management NK 0 0
Sustainable soil management
practices NK 0 0
Conservation agriculture NK 0 0
Water management practices,
water harvesting NA 0 0
Agroforestry NK 0 0
Organic agriculture NK 0 0
Low external input agriculture NK 0 0
Home gardens 50 1 1
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
50 0 NK
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries NK NK 0
Conservation hatcheries NK NK 0
Reduced-impact logging NA NA NA
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Rainfed Crops (C 9)
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM) NK 0 0
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) NK 0 1
Pollination management NK 0 NK
Landscape management NK 0 0
Sustainable soil management
practices NK NK 0
Conservation agriculture NK NK 0
Water management practices,
water harvesting NK 0 0
Agroforestry NK 0 0
Organic agriculture NK 0 0
Low external input agriculture NK 0 0
Home gardens 10 0 0
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
10 0 0
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries NK NK 0
Conservation hatcheries NK NK NK
Reduced-impact logging NA NA NA
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Crops: Swamp Systems (Aroids): Tropics (O 1)
Management Practices
Percent of production area
or quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in production area
or quantity under the practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on biodiversity for
food and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Integrated Plant Nutrient
Management (IPNM) 100 0 NK
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 100 0 0
Pollination management NA NA NA
Landscape management 100 0 0
Sustainable soil management
practices 100 0 0
Conservation agriculture 100 0 0
Water management practices,
water harvesting 100 0 1
Agroforestry NA NA NA
Organic agriculture NK 0 1
Low external input agriculture 100 0 0
Home gardens NA NA NA
Areas designated by virtue of
production features and
approaches
100 0 NK
Ecosystem approach to capture
fisheries NK 0 NK
Conservation hatcheries NA NA NA
Reduced-impact logging NA NA NA
125
Provide or cite references to any documentary evidence that exists to support the evaluation
given above. Indicate where practices used in a production system are affecting biodiversity for
food and agriculture in another production system.
Management practices are undertaken in most sectors however; for most sectors, no
data/information is available on the area under practice and the effect of these management
practices.
Irrigated Crops (Other), Rainfed Crops, Mixed Systems, Swamp Systems (Aroids): Tropics
Expansion of homestead communities had a multiplier effect on the intensity and distribution of
biodiversity used for food and agriculture in the three above listed production systems. And with
this increased distribution of agro-biodiversity, it is logical to believe that there should be a
corresponding reduction in genetic drift in especially the plants and livestock components.
Question 53. For each of the production systems present in your country (indicated in Table 3)
indicate in Table 25 the extent of use of diversity based practices that involve the use of
biodiversity for food and agriculture.
A definition of the diversity based practices listed is provided in Annex 6; the table below should
be completed separately for each production system.
In each table indicate the percent of total production area or quantity under the practice (where
known), changes in the production area or quantity under the practice that have occurred over the
last 10 years (strongly increasing (2), increasing (1), stable (0) decreasing (-1), strongly
decreasing (-2), not known (NK)) and any identified change in biodiversity for food and
agriculture associated with the diversity based practice (strongly increasing (2) increasing (1),
stable (0) decreasing (-1), strongly decreasing (-2), not known (NK)).
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Table 25: Diversity based practices that involve the enhanced use of biodiversity for food
and agriculture
Irrigated crops (rice) : Tropics C1
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification NA NA NA
Base broadening 61.1% 2 2
Domestication NA NA NA
Maintenance or
conservation of
landscape complexity
NA NA NA
Restoration practices NA NA NA
Management of micro-
organisms
NA NA NA
Polyculture/Aquaponics NA NA NA
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
NA NA NA
Enriched forests NA NA NA
Naturally Regenerated Forests (F 1)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification NK NK NK
Base broadening NK NK NK
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Naturally Regenerated Forests (F 1)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Domestication NK NK NK
Maintenance or
conservation of
landscape complexity
NK NK NK
Restoration practices NK NK NK
Management of micro-
organisms
NK NK NK
Polyculture/Aquaponics NK NK NK
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
NK NK NK
Enriched forests NK NK NK
Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Tropics (A 1)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification NK NK NK
Base broadening NK NK NK
Domestication NK NK NK
Maintenance or
conservation of
landscape complexity
NK NK NK
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Self-recruiting capture fisheries: Tropics (A 1)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Restoration practices NK NK NK
Management of micro-
organisms
NK NK NK
Polyculture/Aquaponics NK NK NK
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
NK NK NK
Enriched forests NK NK NK
Fed Aquaculture: Tropics (A 9)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification 25 1 NK
Base broadening 0 NA NA
Domestication 10 1 NK
Maintenance or
conservation of
landscape complexity
90 0 NK
Restoration practices 0 NA NA
Management of micro-
organisms
0 NA NA
Polyculture/Aquaponics 10 1 NK
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Fed Aquaculture: Tropics (A 9)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
0 NA NA
Enriched forests 0 NA NA
Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics (A 9)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification 0 NA NA
Base broadening 0 NA NA
Domestication 0 NA NA
Maintenance or
conservation of
landscape complexity
0 NA NA
Restoration practices 0 NA NA
Management of micro-
organisms
0 NA NA
Polyculture/Aquaponics 0 NA NA
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
0 NA NA
Enriched forests 0 NA NA
130
Livestock grassland-based systems (L 1)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification NK NK NK
Base broadening NK NK NK
Domestication NK NK NK
Maintenance or
conservation of
landscape complexity
NK NK NK
Restoration practices NK NK NK
Management of micro-
organisms
NK NK NK
Polyculture/Aquaponics NK NK NK
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
NK NK NK
Enriched forests NK NK NK
Livestock landless systems (L 5)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification NK NK NK
Base broadening NK NK NK
Domestication NK NK NK
Maintenance or NK NK NK
131
Livestock landless systems (L 5)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
conservation of
landscape complexity
Restoration practices NK NK NK
Management of micro-
organisms
NK NK NK
Polyculture/Aquaponics NK NK NK
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
NK NK NK
Enriched forests NK NK NK
Mixed systems (M 1)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification 2 NK 1
Base broadening 0 0 0
Domestication 1 1 1
Maintenance or
conservation of
landscape complexity
NA NK 0
Restoration practices NA NK 0
Management of micro- NA 0 0
132
Mixed systems (M 1)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
organisms
Polyculture/Aquaponics NA 1 1
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
NA 0 0
Enriched forests NA NA NA
Irrigated Crops (Others) (C 5))
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification 5 0 1
Base broadening 0 0 0
Domestication 1 1 1
Maintenance or
conservation of
landscape complexity
NA 0 0
Restoration practices NK 0 0
Management of micro-
organisms
NK 0 0
Polyculture/Aquaponics 0.2 1 1
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
0 0 0
133
Irrigated Crops (Others) (C 5))
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Enriched forests NA NA NA
Rainfed Crops (C 9)
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification 0 0 0
Base broadening 0 0 0
Domestication 0 0 0
Maintenance or
conservation of
landscape complexity
0 0 0
Restoration practices NK NK 0
Management of micro-
organisms
NK NK 0
Polyculture/Aquaponics NK NK 0
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
NK NK NK
Enriched forests NA NA NA
Swamp Systems (Aroids): Tropics (O 1)
134
Diversity based
practices
Percent of
production area or
quantity under the
practice (%)
Change in
production area or
quantity under the
practice
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK, NA)
Effect on
biodiversity for food
and agriculture
(2,1,0,-1,-2, NK)
Diversification 0 0 0
Base broadening 0 0 0
Domestication 0 0 0
Maintenance or
conservation of
landscape complexity
100 0 1
Restoration practices 0 0 0
Management of micro-
organisms
NK NK 1
Polyculture/Aquaponics NA NA NA
Swidden and shifting
cultivation agriculture
NA NA NA
Enriched forests NA NA NA
Briefly summarize the information that exists on the effect of the diversity based practice on
different components of biodiversity for food and agriculture. Indicate where practices used in a
production system are affecting biodiversity for food and agriculture in another production
system. Include any available references or reports to support the evaluation given above.
Irrigated crops (rice): Tropics C1
There are approximately eighteen (18) types of rice varieties sown in Guyana (Extension
Department 2016). There were six (6) recently released varieties from 2009 – 2016. These
varieties currently occupy 61.1% of the total acreage of rice sown in Guyana and have a potential
average yield ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 tons / hectare.
Naturally Regenerated Forests (F 1)
135
No data / information available
Self Recruiting Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, and Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics
No data / information available
Irrigated Crops (Other), Rainfed Crops, Mixed Systems, Swamp Systems (Aroids): Tropics
Except for a few exotic improved garden vegetable species cultivated in the three above listed
production systems, the 'other' crop sector comprises a predominance of landrace varieties. Over
the years, very little efforts have been engaged in replacing these farmers' varieties. The effect is
to sustain an 'other' crop sector with an extremely high degree of varietal heterogeneity. This
practice has had some negative implications for marketability of agro-commodities so derived.
Question 54. List and briefly describe any specific programmes or projects that have been
undertaken in the country to support any of the practices listed in Table 24 and Table 25.
Provide information where available on what types of activities were supported, areas and
numbers of farmers, pastoralists, forest dwellers and fisher folk involved, state and outcome with
respect to components of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
Irrigated crops (rice): Tropics C1
Integrated Plant Nutrient Management (IPNM), Integrated Pest Management and Water
Management Practices are the main practices utilized by farmers in the rice sector.
The Extension Department of the GRDB is responsible for developing the capabilities and
capacities of farmers in the areas of best practices, problem solving, management and decision-
making. IPNM, IPM and water management are addressed in various projects planned by the
GRDB.
In 2016, the technology transfer programs included 54 field schools across the rice growing
regions. In addition to the farmers’ field school, other activities include:
• demonstrations on using best practices for high yield production;
• demonstrations on how to effectively control the rice weed, Schoonard Grass
(Echinochloa glaberescens) using both cultural and chemical practices;
136
• demonstrations on the handling and proper use of chemical to control the rice pest, paddy
bugs (Oebalus poecilus);
• integrated red rice management – this combines practices that allows for prevention,
cultural practices, mechanical practices, chemical control and water management
practices that favours the minimal growth of the weed.
Extension Officers are also mandated to inspect the fields of farmers, address any issues and
provide recommendations for improved production. In 2015, the target acreage to complete was
20,000 ac however, only 16,445 were actually inspected. A total of 58 field schools were
established and 597 farmers benefited from trainings provided by Extension Officers (GRDB
Extension Department 2015).
Base Broadening
The Plant Breeding Department at the Rice Research Station has been continuously striving to
achieve better varieties. Activities of their breeding program include:
• Developing high-yielding varieties (>6.5 t/ha) with tolerance to lodging; stable resistance
to blast; high milling (HRR 55/TRR 70); excellent cooking qualities
• Evolving varieties of different grain types to meet requirements of diverse export
destinations.
• Developing a variety with tolerance to salt.
• Developing aromatic varieties.
• Maintaining genetic purity of commercial varieties and production of sufficient quantity
of seeds of high genetic purity.
• Decentralization of Seed Production (off-station seed production)
• Germplasm Management
The diagram below outlines the schematics of the breeding program at the GRBD’s Research
Station.
137
Figure 9: The Schematic of the Rice Breeding Program at the Rice Research Station.
Naturally Regenerated Forests (F 1)
No data available
Self Recruiting Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, and Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics
At the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station a hassar breeding project is currently being
conducted so farmers can diversify species available for rearing in a sustainable manner. An
aquaponics model is on display to encourage the take up of the system. Through extension work,
farmers are advised to use best aquaculture practices.
138
4.2 SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture ensures its utilization in ways that do not
compromise its continuing availability and its use by future generations. Sector reports will
provide information on sustainable use of the different sector genetic resources. Here the focus is
therefore on associated biodiversity and on wild foods.
Question 55. What are the major practices in your country that negatively impact associated
biodiversity and/or wild foods? Answers can be provided in Table 26 where examples of general
types of practices are listed.
Table 26: Major practices that negatively impact associated biodiversity and/or wild foods
in the country
Types of Practices
Major
Practice
(Y/N)
Description Reference
Over-use of artificial
fertilizers or external
inputs
Y
In Guyana, rice is dependent solely on the
use of inorganic fertilizers to carry through
the crop. GRDB’s Rice Research Station
has established the correct rate and time of
application; however, this is not utilized by
most farmers.
GRDB,
Agronomist
Over-use of
chemical control
mechanisms (e.g.
disease control
agents, pesticides,
herbicides,
veterinary drugs,
etc.)
Y
Not a general practice; although caution is
advocated in irrigated systems for
commercial garden vegetable production.
For irrigated rice, the overuse of chemicals
for the control of weeds, insect pests and
disease is prevalent throughout the rice
growing regions despite efforts to
Sector
reports for
PGRFA
GRDB
Pathologist
139
Types of Practices
Major
Practice
(Y/N)
Description Reference
implement IPM and other practices that
would contribute to sustainable agriculture.
&
Entomologist
s
Inappropriate water
management Y
Insufficient supplies during dry periods in
irrigated systems is only a recent issue.
Inappropriate water management is
observed when dry weather conditions
persist for long periods. Due to poor water
management farmers are unable to irrigate
crops and this result in stunted growth or
sometimes loss of the entire crop.
GRDB,
Agronomist
For Non- Fed Aquaculture production
system which is predominantly done in
region 6, farmers would 'break' the sea-
defense during the tides allowing the flow
of saltwater to enter their ponds.
Practices leading to
soil and water
degradation
N No documentation reported on this issue
Over-grazing N
Uncontrolled forest
clearing N
Fishing in protected
areas N
Overharvesting Y
In a unique case exemplified by commercial
foraging of manicole palm (Prestoea
tenuiramosa, wild plant species used for
Country
Report on
State of
140
Types of Practices
Major
Practice
(Y/N)
Description Reference
foods) in riparian communities, it is
believed that the species is being over-
harvested.
PGRFA;
Guyana
Forestry
Commission
Sectoral
reports.
Other: illegal
unreported
unregulated(IUU)pra
ctices
Y
Illegal Unreported Unregulated fishing
practices takes place when vessels and
harvesters operate in violation of the laws of
fisheries. This can apply to fisheries that are
under the jurisdiction of a coastal state or to
high seas fisheries regulated by regional
fisheries management organizations
(RFMO).
FAO
Please comment on the reasons why the practices are in use and discuss if trade-offs are
involved.
Irrigated Crop (rice): Tropics
Over-use of artificial fertilizers or external inputs and chemical control mechanisms have been
practiced by many rice farmers in Guyana. While some of them may be unaware of the correct
uses and recommendations; others have not accepted the scientific justification behind these
recommendations. For example; some rice farmers believe that the more insecticide they add to
the sprayer the better control of the pest/s they will achieve.
Poor water management is also practiced countrywide and its effects can be devastating. The
recent 2015-2016 El Nino severely affected the rice industry; with some farmers losing their
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entire crops. Those areas where there was prudent use of water, farmers were able to salvage
their crop.
Self Recruiting Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, and Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics (A1, A9,
A13)
• Too many fishers chasing too few fish
If fishing “capacity” is the ability of a vessel or fleet of vessels to catch fish, “overcapacity”
means a level of catching power that exceeds what is needed. Currently the fishing industry
has too much capital invested in vessels that it must operate to realize a return. More and
more boats remove more and more fish, not allowing for the reproductive needs of fishes.
Fishes are being caught younger, some being harvested before they can reproduce. Some
commercially targeted fish require only a few years to reach a reproductive age while others
may take more than 30 years. As a result of this, the catch per unit effort (CPUE) has gone
up, meaning more effort is being expended to catch fewer available fish. Therefore, in an era
of overfished fish stocks and substantial excess fishing capacity, IUU fishing is recognized as
a major threat to the long term sustainability of the world’s oceans.
• High and growing demand for seafood
As world populations continue to soar, the demand for seafood, an attainable protein
resource, increases, and fisheries stocks are harvested beyond their ability to sustainable
reproduce. “Fishing down the food chain” is the result. Fish that were previously discarded as
“trash fish” are now fisheries targets. While aquaculture is one potential measure to meeting
high consumer demand and reducing soaring wild harvest levels in the future, the gap
between supply and demand continues to widen.
• Highly profitable
IUU fishing is highly profitable so a strong economic incentive exists to participate. It is
simply more “expensive” to be a responsible fisher in the global market. The complexity of
the fishing industry and the many levels of organization involved leave it vulnerable to the
influence of organized crime and corruption. Fishing vessels may also be used in activities
such as drug or human trafficking.
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For Non-fed aquaculture; farmers in Region 6 have been breaking the sea defense for years
to allow the salt water and the aquatic organisms to come into a pond, where they are grown
out. They then block the broken sea defense. This activity is a high revenue generator and
involves a large number of farmers.
Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (others), Mixed Systems and Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
Except for the apparent case of the wild manicole palm that is commercially foraged, the
applicable listed practices are not generally feasible or encouraged in the country.
Question 56. Briefly describe any actions and countermeasures taken to limit unsustainable use
and/or support sustainable use of associated biodiversity and/or wild foods.
Irrigated Crop (Rice): Tropics (C 1)
The Rice Research Station and the Extension Department of GRDB is working rigorously to
minimize farmers dependence on external inputs especially chemicals and pesticides (refer to
and 54).
Naturally Regenerated Forests: Tropics (F1)
No data / information available
Self Recruiting Fisheries, Fed Aquaculture, and Non-Fed Aquaculture: Tropics (A1, A9,
A13)
• IUU seminar with NGOs.
• Legislation and official document.
• Fort nightly patrol of Guyana EEZ.
• No measures have been taken against Brackish water farmers in region 6 because of the
lack of expertise in developing successful breeding programs of the species
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Question 57. Provide in Table 27 any information available that lack of biodiversity for food and
agriculture is limiting food security and nutrition, and/or rural livelihoods in the different
production systems in your country. Indicate the production systems affected together with any
information on the extent of problem (significant lack (2), some lack (1)), describe the effects on
livelihood, food security and nutrition, and the components of biodiversity for food and
agriculture that are limited. The list of components of biodiversity for food and agriculture given
in Annex 1 should be used where possible.
Guyana is self-sufficient in all basic requirements for food except for wheat, split peas and
potatoes. It can be concluded that there is no lack of biodiversity for food and agriculture
however; there is always scope for improvement.
Table 27: Effect of the lack of biodiversity for food and agriculture on production, food
security and nutrition and livelihood.
Production system
Biodiversity component for which
diversity is lacking
Extent of problem
(2,1)
Effect on food security and
nutrition
Effect on livelihood Reference
NK - - - - -
4.3 THE CONTRIBUTION OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE IN
IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY, FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION,
LIVELIHOODS, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES, SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE AND
SUSTAINABLE INTENSIFICATION.
Question 58. Where available, provide information that increasing the amount of biodiversity for
food and agriculture, including associated biodiversity, in production systems in your country
have improved the following:
a) productivity;
b) food security and nutrition;
c) rural livelihoods;
d) ecosystem services;
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e) sustainability;
f) resilience;
g) sustainable intensification.
Guyana is food self-assured and food secured. Production systems also ensure that there is a
sufficient quantity of nutritious plant-based foods that is readily available and easily accessible at
an affordable cost. For the 'other' crop sector, productivity is an issue in the three main
production systems. With periodic infusions of exotic improved varieties of garden vegetables,
there may have been some improvements in productivity for this group of crops. Generally,
because of the preponderance of farmers' land race varieties, crop productivity is generally low
in Guyana; an artifact of the lack of a concerted effort in base-broadening and crop improvement
interventions. For this reason, sustainable intensification of agricultural production remains
virtually untested. The debilitating consequence is under-exploitation of the productive potential
of the three main cultivation systems to bring enhanced economic benefits to the country's toiling
and mostly rural farming communities. Nevertheless, our traditional systems of cultivating
farmers' varieties ensure that ecological co-adaptations (systems and varietal diversity) have
combined to ensure a satisfactory level of food security and sustainability of agro-ecological
systems. These ecosystem services are best exemplified through the dynamic sustainability of a
pool of homestead PGRFA diversity. Guyana's so-called homestead in situ gene banks house
more than 80% of the diversity used for PGRFA, and its dynamic conservation is in no small
way attributable to our women folks. In general, the agricultural landscape of Guyana is not only
home to more than 90% of its population but also has a built in cultural and ecological resilience
interactive mechanism without which life would be unbearable. The traditional customs in
hinterland subsistence cassava farming communities is singly responsible the dynamic
conservation for an extremely wide diversity of an unwieldy mix of landrace varieties;
incomparable to any other crop in Guyana. While the ecosystem services in coastal production
systems are supportive of an array of migratory birds and terrestrial fauna, food chains
implicated in pest control for vegetable cultivation, resident amphibians and reptiles, visiting
forest predators, an assortment medicinal wild plants known for their nutracutical properties,
crop wild relatives (some regarded as weeds). The cooling 'greeness' of the agricultural
landscape in which Guyanese dwell is often taken for granted.
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Question 59. Do you have information on the proportion of the population in your country that
uses wild food on a regular basis for food and nutrition? If available, include information such
as the proportion of the diet that is collected from the wild in normal time and in times of
scarcity, drought, natural and human-made disaster, and the degree to which wild foods are
used (for subsistence, supplementing, nutrition, other).
Provide explanations and additional information as regards the gender differences in the patterns
of use, management and consumption of wild food, including data disaggregated by sex.
Guyana has no experience in food crises. Foraging for wild foods can actually be a pleasant and
very rewarding hobby; akin to game hunting. Recently, there have been reports of scarcity of
foods derived from the hinterland staple that is cassava. However, the extent to which these short
falls have to complemented with wild-sourced foods is not a solution because foraging for wild
foods is an almost lost custom. Besides, in addition to food, alternative crop-based foraging has
significant economic rewards to the extent that it is a very prevalent economic activity in the
country.
4.4 THE ADOPTION OF ECOSYSTEM APPROACHES
Question 60. Describe in Table 28 the extent to which you consider that ecosystem approaches
have been adopted for the different production systems in your country (widely adopted (2),
partially adopted (1), not adopted (0), not applicable (NA)) and indicate whether ecosystem
approaches are considered of major importance (2), some importance (1), no importance (0),
not applicable (NA). You may also want to describe landscape approaches that have been
adopted in your country.
Table 28: Adoption of and importance assigned to ecosystem approaches in production
systems in the Country
Production systems Ecosystem approach
adopted (name)
Extent of
adoption
(2,1,0,NA)
Importance assigned
to the ecosystem
approach (2,1,0,NA) Code or name
Self-recruiting capture Avoiding over-fishing 2 2
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Production systems Ecosystem approach
Extent of
Importance assigned
fisheries (tropics) A1 Insuring reversibility and
rebuilding 2 2
Broadening stakeholders
participation 1 1
Minimizing fisheries
impact 2 2
Irrigated crops
(other): Tropics
Coastal riparian lowland
river and sea defense
systems
2 2
Rainfed crops:
Tropics
Swidden and shifting and
rotation systems and
integrated crop rotation
1 1
Mixed systems
(livestock, crop,
forest and /or aquatic
and
fisheries): Tropics
Coastal riparian lowland
river and sea defense
systems
2 2
Crops: Swamp
Systems (Aroids):
Tropics
Swamp Empoldering 2 2
Even though attempts are made to adopt ecosystem approaches; no data / information are
available for various production systems.
Question 61. For each production system in which an ecosystem and landscape approach has
been widely adopted describe:
a) The specific actions that have been taken to ensure adoption;
b) Any observed results from adoption;
c) Plans for adoption or for further adoption in new or existing production areas;
d) Lessons learned.
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Rainfed Crops, Irrigated Crops (Other), Mixed Systems, Other Crops: Swamp Systems
(Aroids): Tropics (C9, C5, M1, O1)
Cultivation of irrigated and mixed systems along coastal and near coastal ecologies is impossible
without engineering these ecosystems. Swamp empoldering is an enhanced intervention to retain
water nutrients obtained from livestock (poultry) manure applications and is the standard practice
for swamp-eddo cultivation in the said agro-ecosystem.
Self-recruiting capture fisheries: tropics A1
• Minimizing fisheries impact
The use of TEDs and BRD in fishing operations for the purpose of managing and
minimizing the impact on the structure, productivity, function and biological diversity of
the ecosystem. Related objectives are to conduct fisheries in a manner that (i) does not
threaten by-catch species; (ii) avoids mortality of, or injuries to, endangered, threatened
or protected species; (iii) minimizes the impact of fishing operations on the ecosystem
generally.
• Broadening stakeholders participation
Meetings are kept at regular interval with stakeholders to integrate them with the
management process, in data collection, knowledge-building, option analysis, decision-
making and implementation. The need to deal with fisheries in their ecosystem context
implies an even broader participatory process. This requirement is often combined with
that of decentralizing decision-making at lower levels of administration to better take
account of all sectorial and community interests. It is increasingly invoked together with
the recommendation to decentralize decision-making and to increase direct participation
of stakeholders. It implies the creation of institutions and the development of governance
capacity at lower governance.
• Avoiding over-fishing (stock kept at 40% and above)
• Insuring reversibility and rebuilding
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Introduction of the close season, once yearly for seven (7) weeks. During this period the
seabob fisheries is closed to trawling to allow regeneration of the stock. The close season
is prompted by the drastic reduction in catch and also the size of the seabob.
Information is not available for other production systems
4.5 GAPS AND PRIORITIES
Question 62. With respect to the use of management practices or actions that favor or involve the
use of biodiversity for food and agriculture:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• Local communities and resource users do not benefit from mechanisms that provide
them with the know-how they need to manage their environment and resources
sustainably.
• Inadequate information on the biological diversity of environment
• A prevailing public perception that the immediate economic and social value of
supposedly renewable resources outweighs the risk of future ecosystem damage.
b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
• Defining sustainable goals and objectives
• Trained personnel
• Funding
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
• The string pro-agriculture policies of government have been helpful as far as they
have guaranteed food self-assurance and national food security.
• Institutional resources have been mostly adequate and farmer-level resources easy to
come by.
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• Training and development program for producers
• Financial incentives
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Question 63. With respect to the sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• Despite a heavy reliance on scientific knowledge as the primary source of information in
resource management, many resources are in decline, particularly in fisheries. In trying to
combat this trend, researchers have drawn upon the knowledge of local resource users as
an important supplement to scientific knowledge in designing and implementing
management strategies. The integration of local knowledge with scientific knowledge for
marine species management. However, the integration of local knowledge with scientific
knowledge for marine species management is somewhat problematic due to conflicting
data types. Small scale traditional fisheries are often set in environments where scientific
knowledge is poor and conventional remedies are prohibitively costly. Yet local fishers
often know much about where and when marine animals migrate or aggregate, how they
behave and how fishing and marine environmental conditions have changed over time.
Understanding this knowledge, and how fishers act on it, can contribute very
substantially to marine-resource management, environmental impact assessment and the
location and size of marine protected areas. In developed commercial fisheries, local
knowledge includes elements of the above, but other factors also come into play. Market
constraints and technology changes, for example, can have major influences on fishing
behavior.
b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
• Personnel for research, monitoring, enforcement and effective supervision
• Crop productivity has to increase to make farming more attractive.
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
• Inter-agency cooperation and information transfer.
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• Training and development programs
• Scientific understanding and consensus of stakeholders
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• Financial incentives for producers implementing
• The country may be short on the technical human resource, but there are enabling
policies institutional resources, and farmers yearning for new technologies to reward their
toiling efforts.
Question 64. With respect to the contribution of biodiversity for food and agriculture to
improving productivity, food security and nutrition, livelihoods, ecosystem services,
sustainability, resilience and sustainable intensification:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
Guyana’s gene pool of PGRFA diversity has been functionally good in so far that it has given
Guyanese food self-assurance and contributed to the country status as a food-secured nation.
However, the country needs to move to the next level of exploiting the economic potential. There
is need to revisit, especially, the currently huge gap created by the virtual absence of open-row
field crop production. Improved horticultural crop varieties are also easy to come by. In recent
years researchers have been challenged with serious episodes of pest management, and this is an
area that needs to be addressed through technical capacity building.
Question 65. With respect to the adoption of ecosystem approaches:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• No work done on the benefits of adopting an ecosystem approach in the various
production systems.
• Studies should be carried out on the producers’ acceptability of ecosystem
approaches and factors affecting their ability to adopt them.
b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
• Trained personnel
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• Funding
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
• More focus should be place on ecological studies
• There are no policies, action plans or strategies for the adoption of an ecosystem
approach in production systems
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• Development of policies that allow for sustainable agriculture by utilizing
ecosystem approaches.
The ecological challenges of low-lying coastal agriculture are well known. Guyanese have an
inseparable co-existence with agriculture landscapes. If our industrial agriculture base were to
move away from an imminent coastal hazard so too must be its people. Moving Guyanese people
into an unproven agricultural landscape has formidable deterrents that are not only
infrastructural.
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CHAPTER 5:
THE STATE OF INTERVENTIONS ON CONSERVATION AND USE OF
BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
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5.1 NATIONAL POLICIES, PROGRAMMES AND ENABLING FRAMEWORKS THAT
SUPPORT OR INFLUENCE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF
BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE AND THE PROVISION OF
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
Question 66. Identify and describe the main policies, programmes and enabling frameworks that
support or specifically address the objectives below, briefly describing the policies, programmes
or enabling frameworks listed and provide any available information on the extent of
implementation or of lessons learned. For each objective, list up to 10 major policies,
programmes and enabling frameworks.
a) Support the integrated conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and
agriculture across sectors28;
b) Support the conservation and sustainable use of associated biodiversity;
c) Address food security and nutrition with explicit reference to biodiversity for food and
agriculture, associated biodiversity and/or wild foods;
d) Address the maintenance of ecosystem services with explicit reference to biodiversity for
food and, associated biodiversity and/or wild foods;
e) Improve resilience and sustainability of production systems with explicit reference to
biodiversity for food and agriculture, associated biodiversity and/or wild foods;
f) Support farmers, pastoralists, forest dwellers and fisher folk to adopt and maintain
practices that strengthen the conservation and use of biodiversity for food and
agriculture.
In Guyana, the main policies that support the above objectives can be categorized at an
international, regional and national level. There are also specific policies for the various
agricultural sectors that address the above objectives.
International Convention
Guyana is a signatory to a number of international and regional conventions and protocols aimed
at addressing environmental protection and the conservation of biodiversity. The biodiversity
related conventions include:
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• United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (signatory in 1992, ratified in 1994).
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(ratified in 1977)
• International Plant Protection Convention.
• Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1975)
• Guyana acceded to the Cartagena Protocol in June 2008 and prepared the National
Biosafety Framework. This framework outlines Guyana’s policy, institutional and
implementations plans for addressing biosafety, biosecurity and biotechnology.
• Guyana has acceded to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair
and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization (ABS) to ensure
measures are in place for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the
utilization of the country’s genetic resources.
• Cartagena Convention 1983 and SPAW Protocol. Guyana acceded to this Convention and
its three Protocols in 2010. The Protocol Concerning Specially Protected Areas and
Wildlife (SPAW) in the Wider Caribbean Region relate directly to biodiversity
management and protection and Guyana has been participating in the activities under this
Protocol.
Guyana is also signatory and has acceded to the following conventions aimed at environmental
protection and sustainable management of natural resources:
• Kyoto Protocol
• Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
• Montreal Protocol (Guyana’s obligation to phase out Ozone Depleting Substances)
• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (ratified in 1993)
• United Nations Convention on Climate Change (signed in June, 1992, and ratified on
September 24, 1997)
• United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (signed in December 1996 and
ratified in September 24, 1997).
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution (MARPOL 73/78) (acceded to
on December 10 1997.
• International Plant Protection Convention (adopted in August 1970)
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• Vienna Convention on the Protection of the Ozone Layer.
• Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous Waste and
their Disposal (acceded to in 2001).
• Guyana participates in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands; however, it is yet to become
a signatory
Regional
Within the Caribbean and Latin America, Guyana is a member or official signatory to the
following:
• Caribbean Planning for the Adaptation to Climate Change
• Mainstreaming Adaptation for Climate Change
• Caribbean Regional Environmental Programme
• Caribbean Environmental Programme and its Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife
Programme.
• Latin American Network for Technical Cooperation in National Parks, Protected Areas
and Wildlife
• Treaty for Amazon Cooperation
• Guiana Shield Initiative
National Policies
Guyana developed a number of national policies related to biodiversity conservation and
management, mostly within the framework of natural resources management.
• National Development Strategy (2001-20105)
• Low Carbon Development Strategy (updated in 2013)
• National Competitiveness Strategy
• Guyana Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, revised in 2011
• National Strategy for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Guyana’s Biodiversity
(developed in 1997)
• National Protected Areas Strategy
• National Forest Policy (revised in 2011)
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• National Land Use Policy (prepared in Draft)
• Policy on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits
Arising from their Utilization (developed in 2007)
• Biotechnology, Biosafety and Biosecurity Policy (developed in 2007)
• Food and Nutrition Strategy (2010 – 2020)
• Guyana Power Sector Policy and Implementation Strategy (2010 – 2014)
67. List up to 10 major policies, programmes and enabling frameworks in your country that
enhance the application of an ecosystem approach or a landscape approach and that contain an
explicit reference to biodiversity for food and agriculture, associated biodiversity and/or wild
foods. Include a brief description of the policies, programmes and enabling frameworks together
with any information on the extent of their application (production system and area) and
observed effect. Where possible provide examples of best practices or lessons learned.
Briefly describe policies, programmes and enabling frameworks that meet the objectives
described in questions 68 and 69. Consider the following discussion points in your responses,
where information is available:
a) extent of implementation;
b) production systems involved;
c) the extent of use of biodiversity for agriculture;
d) lessons learned;
e) evidence of indicators of vulnerability that have decreased as a result of these efforts;
f) describe the value added of mainstreaming gender in programmes, policies and enabling
frameworks, providing sex-disaggregated data where possible.
Guyana policies, programmes and enabling frameworks that enhance the application of an
ecosystem approach or a landscape approach are listed below:
• Guyana Rice Development Board Act
• Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Control Act 2000
• The Fisheries Act
• The Maritime Boundaries Act
• The Environmental Protection Act
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• The Environmental Protection Wildlife Management Conservation Regulation
• The Forests Act
• The Plant Protection Act
• Code of Conduct For Captains: This is a step towards efficiently managing fishing
operations through advocating the employment of sustainable fishing practices.
• Establishment of Marne protected areas e.g. Shell Beach: Such areas serve as a reservoir
for the preservation of species richness especially those indigenous to Guyana.
Question 68. Describe up to 10 major policies, programmes and enabling frameworks in your
country that embed the use of biodiversity for food and agriculture, including its different
components, into disaster management and response.
• The Disaster Risk Management Plan for the Agricultural Sector
• National Integrated Disaster Risk Management Plan And Implementation Strategy For
Guyana
• Multi-Hazard Disaster Preparedness & Response Plan
• Climate Change Action Plan
Question 69. Describe up to 10 major policies, programmes and enabling frameworks in your
country that embed the use of biodiversity for food and agriculture, including its different
components, into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and plans (NAPAs, NAPs,
NAMAs, etc.31).
• Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) – LCDS seeks to enable a development
pathway for Guyana which balances economic development and sustainability. It aims to
transition the country towards a low deforestation, low carbon, and climate resilient
economy. The LCDS also examines how Guyana can maintain the forests while receiving
payments for the services that the forest provide in the fight against climate change
• Guyana Climate Change Action Plan - In the action plan some of the adoption options
and response strategies for the extreme weather conditions brought about by climate
change are: carry our survey to identify areas where losses can be tolerated, spread or
shared; promote changing use or activity in most vulnerable areas, if necessary;
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substitution of crops - carry out research to identify suitable crops that will withstand the
effects of climate change such as increased temperature, salinity, flooding, especially on
the coast; carry out research to identify suitable inland and interior areas for promotion of
large-scale agriculture in the medium to long term due to the seriousness of the impacts
of sea-level rise on the coast; improvements in farm level management and productivity;
pest control for crops; crops grown on the coastal region to be examined for cultivation in
regions away from this impact zone.
• United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCC) – Guyana signed the UNFCC
on 13 June 1992 and ratified the Convention on August 29, 1994 (EPA 2005). In 1997,
participating governments adopted the Kyoto Protocol. The objective of the Convention
is to stabilize atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases at a level that would
prevent “dangerous” anthropogenic (human-induced) interference with the climate
system (UN 1992). It also directs that such a level should be achieved within a time-
frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that
food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a
sustainable manner (UN 1992). Guyana’s main obligations under the Convention are:
o Establish national inventories of sources of greenhouse gas emissions and
removals by sinks (e.g., carbon storage in forests);
o Implement national and participate in regional programmes to adapt to climate
change (reduce its impacts);
o Cooperate in the development and transfer of technology;
o Enhance sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases;
o Take climate change into account in social, economic and environmental policies
and actions;
o Co-operate in research, information exchange, education, training and public
awareness;
o Promote the widest possible participation in implementation of
adaptation/mitigation (EPA 2005).
• National Adaptation Strategy – The goal of this Strategy is to more effectively reduce the
risks posed by climate change and position the agricultural sector to adapt through
technical innovation and diversification to increase its competitiveness and sustainability
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by 2018 (Development Policy and Management Consultants 2009). The objectives of the
Strategy are:
o To enhance the capacity within the agricultural sector to adapt to climate change
and position this Strategy to foster a nationally consistent policy framework.
o To build resilience and adaptive capacity within the sector.
o To assist the Government of Guyana in providing primary producers with a policy
framework that embraces research and development and promotes climate change
adaptation techniques in agriculture.
o To build greater awareness about adaptive techniques (Development Policy and
Management Consultants 2009).
The National Adaptation Strategy focuses on five areas:
o Capacity Enhancement (both technical and institutional),
o Infrastructure Management,
o Policy and Legislation,
o Research and Development, and
o Awareness and communication (Development Policy and Management
Consultants 2009).
Question 70. What arrangements are in place or foreseen in your country that help to ensure
that the conservation of biodiversity for food and agriculture is taken into account in national
planning and policy development of sectors other than agriculture (e.g. NBSAPs or
infrastructure development such as transport or energy)?
• The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan – This strategy and action plan sets
out the vision, roles, duties and obligation of the Government of Guyana and its citizens
the actions to protect, conserve, use sustainably and share equitably the benefits arising
from biodiversity. Its objectives include:
o Improve the status of biodiversity by conserving ecosystems, species and genetic
diversity and by restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services in degraded areas
o Promote the conservation, sustainable use and value of biodiversity into key
productive sectors used for growth, expansion and diversification of the economy.
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o Expand and improve awareness, appreciation and communication on biodiversity
and ecosystems.
o Improve national implementation, monitoring and reporting for Multilateral
Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and other bilateral commitments.
o Create stronger and wider national, regional and international partnerships that
contribute to achieving the goal and objectives of this Plan.
o Consolidate/ harmonise policy, legal, regulatory, and administrative frameworks
that support the sustainable use, protection and management of biodiversity
resources.
o Improve substantially biodiversity monitoring at the national level and within key
productive sectors.
o Strengthen the knowledge base and capacity for conservation, management and
sustainable use of biodiversity.
o Secure adequate resources from national, regional and international sources for
the implementation of the Plan.
Question 71. Has your country identified any obstacles to developing and implementing
legislation that would protect associated biodiversity? List and describe initiatives in Table 29.
Table 29: Obstacles to developing and implementing legislation that would protect
associated biodiversity identified in the country.
Component of associated biodiversity Obstacles to legislation for protection of associated biodiversity
NK NK
Provide a concise description of the obstacles to legislation reported in Table 29 and specify a
course of action proposed to address this, where possible. Where possible provide examples of
best practices or lessons learned.
No data / information is available in Guyana to address this question.
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5.2 POLICIES, PROGRAMMES AND ENABLING FRAMEWORKS GOVERNING
EXCHANGE, ACCESS AND BENEFITS
Question 72. Has your country taken measures with the aim of ensuring that access to its genetic
resources shall be subject to its prior informed consent (PIC) and that benefits arising from their
utilization shall be shared in a fair and equitable manner? If yes, identify for which resources
and for which uses (e.g. to conduct research and development on the genetic and/ or biochemical
composition of the genetic resource) prior informed consent has to be obtained and benefits have
to be shared. Indicate in Table 30 for the different categories (and possibly uses) of associated
biodiversity, if prior informed consent has to be obtained and benefits have to be shared (Y: yes,
N: no).
National Biodiversity Action Plan
The overall goal of Guyana’s first National Biodiversity Action Plan (1999-2004) was “to
promote and achieve the conservation of Guyana’s biodiversity, to use its components in a
sustainable way, and to encourage the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use
of Guyana’s biodiversity”.
Nagoya Protocol
The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of
Benefits arising from their Utilization is a multilateral environmental agreement adopted under
the auspices of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). In April 2014 Guyana acceded to
the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing. The objective of the Nagoya Protocol is for
the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge
to be shared fairly and equitably with the providers and holders of said resources and knowledge,
so as to contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
National Policy On Access To Genetic Resources And The Fair And Equitable Sharing Of
Benefits Arising From Their Utilization
This policy examines Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) within the context of Guyana and the
CBD, defines the mandates and responsibilities of national authorities to implement the ABS
Policy; the need for free and prior informed consent, mutually agreed terms, and the sharing of
benefits; intellectual property rights; genetic resources and the participation of associated
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stakeholders. This national policy will inform the proposed Regulations on the access and benefit
sharing process, including aspects as:
• Obligation for users to seek free and prior informed consent of providers and /or owners;
• Identification of the basic requirements for mutually agreed terms;
• Definition of the main role and responsibilities of users and providers/owners;
• Importance of the involvement of stakeholders; and
• Institutional arrangements for monitoring compliance.
Question 73. Has your country taken measures with the aim of ensuring that the prior informed
consent or approval and involvement of indigenous and local communities is obtained for access
to genetic resources and that benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources that are
held by indigenous and local communities, are shared in a fair and equitable way with the
communities concerned, based on mutually agreed terms? If yes, provide a description of the
measures and where possible, examples of best practices or lessons learned.
National Policy On Access To Genetic Resources And The Fair And Equitable Sharing Of
Benefits Arising From Their Utilization
The ABS policy aims to encourage the equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the
utilization of knowledge, innovations and practices of Amerindian and local communities
embodying traditional lifestyles that are relevant for conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity. One of the specific objectives of the policy as it relates to indigenous
communities is to:
• Facilitate access on the basis of free and prior informed consent on mutually agreed
terms, with respect to national sovereignty and the rights of citizens, with particular
regard to the genetic resources and knowledge held by Amerindian and local
communities.
The Amerindian Act 2006
The Amerindian Act states that upon conducting any scientific, anthropological, or
archaeological research or study which relates to biological diversity, the environment or natural
resources in Amerindian communities, person/s must apply and obtain permission form the
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Village Council and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs. The Act also states that all findings
must be provided to the Village Council and The Minister and if person/s wish to make use of
the material derived from their research or study they must also seek permission from not only
the Amerindian Village Council and the Minister of Amerindian Affairs but also the Minister of
Culture and the Environmental Protection Agency.
5.3 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Question 74. List and describe any linkages between sector information systems on biodiversity
for food and agriculture at national level. Where possible provide examples of best practices or
lessons learned.
The National Information Sharing Mechanism (NISM) is a network of institutions in Guyana
associated with the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and
agriculture (PGRFA) (Paul 2012). One of the main objectives of NISM is to document in a
systematic way, the information on activities related to the implementation of the 20 priority
areas of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) for the conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA
(Paul 2012). The overall goal is to share information related to plant genetic resources to
facilitate the implementation of the GPA in Guyana (Paul 2012).
Question 75. Has your country established national information systems on associated
biodiversity
There is no national information system on associated biodiversity in Guyana.
Question 76. Has your country established information systems intended to support maintenance
of traditional knowledge on biodiversity for food and agriculture, including associated
biodiversity? If yes, describe these and include information where available on socio-economic,
policy and collective action aspects.
Data/information is not available to answer this question.
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5.4 STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION AND ONGOING ACTIVITIES THAT
SUPPORT MAINTENANCE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Question 77. List the most important stakeholder groups, including groups or associations of
farmers, forest dwellers, fisher folk and pastoralists, NGOs or other civil society organizations
active in the conservation of biodiversity for food and agriculture. Briefly summarize their scope,
objectives and activities and any outcomes to date. Where possible provide examples of best
practices or lessons learned.
List of some stakeholder groups active in the conservation of biodiversity for food and
agriculture are:
• International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (IWOKRAMA); has
responsibility for fisheries issues within its area of operation and wildlife.
• World Wildlife Fund; has an interest in the conservation of marine turtles and wildlife.
• Conservation International; has interest in the conservation of marine turtles and wildlife.
• Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society; has an interest in the conservation of turtles.
• National Aquaculture Association of Guyana; facilitates the sustainable development of
aquaculture.
• Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP).
• Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA): The aim of GRPA is to promote and
advance rice farmers in Guyana.
• Guyana Rice Millers and Exporters Development Association: This is a national network
that represents the interests of rice millers and exporters.
• The United Nations for Food and Agricultural Organization.
• Guyana Agricultural Producers’ Association (GAPA). GAPA is a non-
governmental and non-profit entity that serves the needs of non-traditional farmers.
The aim of GAPA is to play a pivotal role in alleviating poverty in the rural areas,
with assistance from various ongoing projects within Guyana.
• Guyana Agricultural and General Workers' Union (GAWU) – represents the interests of
sugarcane farmers/workers.
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Question 78. Describe any incentives or benefits to support activities for the conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture or associated biodiversity (such as
payments, provision of inputs, subsidies or other forms of incentives/ benefits). Briefly describe
how these have been applied, to what extent and the stakeholders involved (including provisions
on gender balance if any). Indicate any lessons learned and planned development incentives.
There are no incentives or benefits that support activities for the conservation and sustainable use
of biodiversity for food and agriculture and associated biodiversity in Guyana.
Question 79. List up to 10 major projects (either in progress or completed in the last five years)
that support the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture,
associated biodiversity and/or wild foods. For each project listed describe the components of
biodiversity, the production system and area covered, and the results, outcomes and lessons
learned. Projects described in sector reports need not be described here.
• The Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project is funded by a partnership between the
Government of Guyana and the European Union. The project is implemented by the
Ministry of Agriculture through the National Agriculture Research & Extension Institute
(NAREI). The objective of the project is to seek the commitment of Guyanese towards
the protection and development of sustainable mangrove forests. The project commenced
activities in February 2010 and is working in the areas of administrative capacity
development, research, community development and capacity building, mangrove
restoration (replanting), monitoring and awareness and education.
• Sweet Potato Production Project is done in collaboration among the University of
Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), Partners of America (Local Chapter), the National
Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the University of Guyana.
The project will be funded by USDA. It will focus on improving seed quality in order to
boost production and yields. Emphasis will be placed on the development of superior
sweet potato lines as measured by horticultural quality, reduced virus infection and
increased yield and soil-pest resistance. NAREI is currently conducting sweet potato
trials at Mon Repos and Parika. The aim of the trials is to determine whether the use of
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sprinkler irrigation would increase yields. Further, NAREI is also engaged in the
multiplication of different varieties of sweet potatoes.
• Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development Project (READ). This project is
implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, the project is supported by both loan and
grant financing from The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
READ targets poor rural households in six regions and its overall goal is to improve the
social and economic conditions of these households, particularly for small-scale
producers and vulnerable groups such as women and indigenous peoples. READ targets
farmers who grow non-traditional crops and have up to five acres under cultivation, and
operators of microenterprises and small-scale businesses employing up to five permanent
workers. It also focuses on rural households that are headed by women, households that
include unemployed or underemployed young people, and Amerindian communities.
• The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Flagship Projects:
This is a three-year project which aims at increasing resilience and comprehensive
management of the environmental risks of agricultural production within Guyana and six
other countries within the Caribbean. Projects include
o Productivity and Sustainability of Family Farming for Food Security and the
Rural Economy,
o Inclusion in Agriculture and Rural Areas,
o Integrated Environmental Resilience and Risk Management for Agricultural
Production,
o Competitiveness and Sustainability of Agricultural Chains for Food Security and
Economic Development.
• Sustainable Land Development Project: This project will be implemented by The Guyana
Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) and the United Nations Food and Agricultural
Organisation (UNFAO) and is expected to take effect in January 2017. The project will
be funded through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), in line with the Low
Carbon Development Strategy, and in keeping with the ideals of a low emissions pathway
of the Green Economy Framework. The project is intended to:
o promote good environmental stewardship in a green economy to achieve a better
quality of life,
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o improve planning, monitoring and evaluation capacities to address land
management needs,
o improve standard of living through sustainable land use and management
practices,
o strengthen monitoring and enforcement capacity and ensure compliance with
sustainable land management practices,
o mainstream policy and implementation by natural resource agencies
o implement sustainable land development and management and monitoring using
indicators for the reduction of land use conflicts and innovative problem solving
initiatives
o to increase land reclamation of degraded public lands and reduce degraded areas
in relation to total land area, and
o improve organizational image through better client-employees relations and
ensure greater coordination and improved service delivery in technical areas.
The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute Projects
• NAREI Solis Related Ongoing Projects: The National Agricultural Research and
Extension Institute’s Soils Department is currently engaged in a series of projects. These
include:
o Crop development
o Fertilizer studies
o Soil Health
o The Use of Mycorrhiza in Substrate Preparation for Crop Production
o The use of Grass Mulch to develop a plough layer on clay raised beds
o Evaluation of Rhizobia Strains
o The effect of rice husk biochar as an amendment on a marginal soil in Guyana
o Mechanization: Operationalization of farming equipment
o All year-round production of cabbage under shaded conditions
o Year-round production of hot pepper under shaded conditions
o The use of the steamer for soil sterilization
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• The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute Projects as it related to fruits,
vegetables and other crops:
o Response of established coconut palms (varieties: dwarf and tall) to fertilizer regimes.
o Evaluation an integrated management system (IMS) for the control of the ant mealy-bug complex of pineapple.
o The effects of micro nutrients on all year production of papaw and cherry. o Evaluation of root cutting method for rapid multiplication of pineapple “seed”
suckers. o Yield and yield component inter-relationships among 12 drought tolerant
accessions of cassava on marginal soils. o Identification and integrated management of vectors responsible for the
transmission of viruses in hot pepper. o Evaluation of agronomic parameters of local and exotic varieties of hot pepper
under the shade house and open field. o Seed purification and multiplication of legume and solanaceous crops.
Guyana Rice Development Board Rice Research Station Projects
• Plant Breeding Projects
o Increase the yield potential of local varieties.
o Evolve varieties of different grain types to meet requirements of diverse export
destinations.
o Maintenance breeding: maintaining the genetic purity of commercial varieties and
production of sufficient quantity of seeds of high genetic purity.
o Decentralize Seed Production – Off Station.
o Develop aromatic varieties.
o Develop a variety with tolerance to salt
• Agronomy Department Projects
o Evaluation of breeding lines for their tolerance to salinity
o Date of Sowing Study
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o Evaluation of different levels and split application of Potassium (K) on yield of
new rice varieties
o Demonstration of optimum management practices for improved yield on new
variety of rice
o Stale seed bed demonstration for weed and red rice management
o A comparative evaluation of the stale seed bed and “grow out” as weed
management options.
o Farm Demonstration of Stale Seed Bed Technique
o National Red Rice Management Program – The objectives of this program is to
assess the infestation levels, genetic diversity and spread of weedy rice in Guyana
and effect on reduction in grain yield, thus researching and implementing sound
management tactics to prevent further spread and reduce infestation levels to give
higher production and quality, hence increasing farmers profitability.
• Projects of the Pathology Department
o Evaluation of fungicides as seed treatment against major rice diseases in Guyana
o Evaluation of the disease severity incidence of Pyricularia grisea; Bipolaris
oryzae; Rhizoctonia solani and other diseases on advance breeding lines and
current varieties.
o Laboratory culture and diagnosis of rice diseases.
o Investigating the Incidence of ‘Black-Tip’ on Grains of GRDB-10
o Monitoring of rice disease in farmers field across the Country
o Training on disease identification/ recognition and management.
o Exploring strategies for the sustainable management of Rice Blast (Pyricularia
grisea) and Sheath Blight (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) diseases in Guyana”.
• Projects of the Entomology Department
o Studying the population dynamics of insects in the rice ecosystem
o Evaluation of novel insecticides against insect pests of rice under laboratory,
screen house and field conditions
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o Evaluation of advanced rice breeding lines against major insect pests under field
conditions.
o Determining suitable management strategies for snails affecting rice production
o Studying the impact of insect pests of stored paddy and rice in Guyana
o Comprehensive studies on the paddy bug and its management in Guyana
Question 80. List up to 10 major landscape based initiatives to protect or recognize areas of
land and water in your country of particular significance for biodiversity for food and
agriculture.
Data / information are not available.
5.5 COLLABORATION BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS Question 81. Describe existing linkages and collaboration between sectors in national
programmes and policies governing conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food
and agriculture. These may include overall strategies and plans developed by your country,
committees or other national bodies which oversee or support collaboration, shared actions,
facilities or resources and specific activities which involve inter-sector collaboration.
Data / information are not available.
Question 82. How are ministries working together to meet Aichi Targets as they may apply to the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture in your country?
Data / information are not available.
Question 83. What future actions have been planned to support your country’s efforts in
addressing Aichi Targets as they may apply to the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity for food and agriculture in your country?
The Guyana National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2012 -2020) incorporated the goals
of selected Aichi 2011-2020 targets.
The table below shows some of the strategic objectives, priority actions and targets within the
Guyana National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2012 -2020) that relates to the Aichi
targets.
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Table 30: Strategic Objectives, Priority Actions, Targets and Contribution to Aichi Goals and Targets
Aichi Targets
Strategic Objectives Priority Actions Target
Goal C: Target 11 Goal D: Targets 14 and15
SO1: Improve the status of biodiversity by conserving ecosystems, species and genetic diversity and by restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services in degraded areas.
SO1.1 Establish more legally protected areas. SO1.2 Conduct ecological, management effectiveness, sustainable finance, capacity needs, policy, protected area integration and mainstreaming assessments. SO1.3 Build capacity for planning, establishment and management of protected areas. SO1.4 Develop and implement resource mobilization plan to ensure financial sustainability of protected areas. SO1.5 Conduct evaluations of the effectiveness of protected areas management. SO1.6 Consider benefit-sharing mechanisms with communities surrounding the protected areas. SO1.7 Conduct a mangrove species mapping and inventory. SO1.8 Rehabilitate, restore and protect mangrove belts. SO1.9 Explore new models to combine ecological restoration and the creation of small businesses in mangrove areas. SO1.10 Assess level of degradation in mined out areas. SO1.11 Rehabilitate and restore degraded areas with particular focus on mined out areas. SO1.12 Promote soil health through the prudent utilization of biological, chemical and physical methods in an eco-system agronomic approach. SO1.13 Strengthen Agriculture In house and Field Germplasm Facility (Gene Bank) to FAO Germplasm Standards.
• 17% of terrestrial area for in-situ conservation in legal protection by 2020 effectively managed and financially sustainable.
• Reducing biodiversity loss and showing recovery by 2020.
• By 2020, Protected Areas Trust Fund established, have adequate resources, and fully functioning.
• By 2015, at least three (3) mined-out sites have been duly restored and managed.
• The Germplasm Facility (Gene Bank) is formalized by end of 2015 in accordance with FAO Germplasm Standards and 1st Report published in 2016.
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Goal B: Target 7
SO2: Promote conservation, sustainable use and value of biodiversity into key productive sectors used for growth, expansion and diversification of the economy.
SO2.1 Continue with the process of establishing REDD+ framework. SO2.2 Develop and establish a National Conflict Resolution/ Grievance mechanism for REDD+. SO2.3 Promote integrated tourism, hinterland development and biodiversity conservation strategies, where there is potential for these interests to coincide. SO2.4 Promote the integration of biodiversity concerns into mining. SO2.5 Develop Guidelines for responsible recreational fishing SO2.6 Develop better practices in ornamental fish collection and handling guidelines.
• By 2020 REDD+ framework established and functioning.
• By 2016, a National Conflict Resolution Strategy for REDD+ developed and functional.
• By 2020, biodiversity concerns are integrated into hinterland ecotourism development plans and strategies.
• By 2016, a GEF supported project designed to mainstream biodiversity into mining.
• Guidelines published and at least 2 awareness and training programs conducted per year.
Goal A: Target 1
SO3: Expand and improve awareness, appreciation and
SO3.1 Develop a communication strategy in support of implementation of the revised Plan. SO3.2 Enhance communication and cooperation between relevant sectors and improve public and sectoral understanding of the value of biodiversity. SO3.3 Increase children’s learning outdoors, and increasing schools’ abilities to teach outdoors. SO3.4 Restructure and reorient the Zoological Park representativeness to highly encourage visitors and enhance informal education through interactive and engaging experiences.
• The achievement of the intended impact of the full implementation of the communication strategy.
• By 2020, Coastal Wetlands, Savannahs, Mountain Highlands and Rainforests eco-systems featuring in the Zoological Park.
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Goal B: Target 9 Goal D: Target 16 Goal E: Target 17
SO4: Improve national implementation, monitoring and reporting for Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and other bilateral commitments
SO4.1 Prepare in advance for CBD COP meetings. SO4.2 Submit national reports as required. SO4.3 Revise the NBSAP. SO4.4 Develop indicators for monitoring the implementation of the NBSAP. SO4.5 Establishment of MEAs Committee. SO4.6 Implement the actions related to the ABS Protocol. SO4.7 Participate in the project on the Ratification and Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol in the Countries of the Caribbean. SO4.8 Implement the Policy on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization. SO4.9 Implement the actions related to the Biosafety Protocol. SO4.10 Participate in the Regional Project for Implementing National Biosafety Frameworks in the Caribbean Sub-region. SO4.11 Implement the National Biosafety Framework.
• Fifth national report submitted in 2014.
• By 2014, revised NBSAP completed. • By 2015, indicators developed,
adopted and being used. • By 2015, MEAs Committee
established. • By 2015, a status report on the
implementation of MEAs. • By 2015, finalize the ABS regulations
Goal A: Target 1 Goal E: Target 19
SO5: Create stronger and wider national, regional and international partnerships that contribute to achieving the goal and objectives of this Plan.
SO5.1 Support and encourage schools environment clubs, NGOs and CBOs that carry out biodiversity related initiatives. SO5.2 Develop a biodiversity research interface with the University of Guyana and other academic stakeholders, Conservation International, WWF.
• By 2016, research interface developed with University of Guyana, Conservation International, WWF.
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Goal A: Target 2
SO6: Consolidate/ harmonize policy, legal, regulatory, and administrative frameworks that support the sustainable use, protection and management of biodiversity resources.
SO6.1 Review existing legislation to determine the need for further provisions to conserve/use biodiversity sustainably. SO6.2 Conduct an independent review of the outcomes of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and their role in protecting biodiversity. SO6.3 Develop EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) timber legality assurance system for Guyana. SO6.4 To ensure all developers and operators in mining, forestry and agriculture sector are included in the EPA’s environmental authorization process. SO6.5 Develop and improve national standards to guide environmental compliance.
• By 2020 all timber for export to the EU will be verified legal and granted a FLEGT license.
• By 2020, all developers and operators will secure environmental authorization.
• By 2020, develop standards for air and water quality.
Goal B: Target 5 Goal A: Target 4
SO7: Improve substantially biodiversity monitoring at the national level and within key productive sectors as well as the private sector
SO7.1 Continue to develop the EUFLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA). SO7.2 Continue the development and implementation of Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) system. SO7.3 Develop biodiversity indicators for the NBSAP. SO7.4 Implement better coordinated arrangements to monitor changes in state of biodiversity. SO7.5 Increase in self-monitoring and reporting by operators.
• By 2020, EU-FLEGT VPA in place. • By 2020, MRV system in place and
functioning fully. • Biodiversity indicators adopted by
2015. • By 2020, monitoring reports for large
projects submitted to the EPA
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Goal E: Target 19
SO8: Strengthen the information knowledge base and capacity for conservation, management and sustainable use of biodiversity
SO8.1 Compile and consolidate biodiversity data and information from local, international, web based sources, local and traditional knowledge. SO8.2 Continue forest carbon assessments and monitoring. SO8.3 Establish common data standards to allow sharing of information between different databases. SO8.4 Develop a database system for biodiversity which makes data freely available to users. SO8.5 Identify and define clearly the data and information needed to support decision-making and to meet international commitments to monitor and assess the status of biodiversity.
• Clearing House Mechanism fully functional.
• By 2020, a biodiversity information system established.
• By 2020, an updated and fully functional National Biodiversity Research Information System (NBRIS).
Goal E: Targets 19 and 20
SO9: Secure adequate resources from national, regional and international sources for the implementation of the Plan.
SO9.1 Prepare a resource mobilization plan to include both expertise and financial resources. SO9.2 Increase access to GEF, GSF and other funds designed for biodiversity.
• Resource mobilization plan prepared in 2014.
• By 2015, all of the initial GEF SGP allocation programmed.
• By 2016, at least 2 biodiversity related projects designed and submitted for GEF Council approval.
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Question 84. Is your country involved in the implementation of regional and/or international
initiatives targeting the conservation and sustainable use of associated biodiversity?
Data / information are not available.
5.6 CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Question 85. What training and extension programmes, or elements of programmes, at all levels,
exist that target the conservation and sustainable use of associated biodiversity?
Almost all agriculture sectors provide extension services to producers. See question 54 for details
on the extension program for rice farmers.
Question 86. What higher education programmes exist that target the conservation and
sustainable use of associated biodiversity genetic resources? List in Table 31 the institutions, as
well as the programmes.
Table 31: Higher education programmes specifically targeting the conservation and
sustainable use of associated biodiversity genetic resources in the country.
Institution Programme Level
Guyana School of
Agriculture
Diploma in Agriculture Science Undergraduate
Diploma in Livestock Production and Management
Undergraduate
Diploma in Animal Health and Veterinary Public Health
Undergraduate
Certificate in Agriculture Undergraduate
Certificate in Forestry Undergraduate
Certificate in Fisheries Studies Undergraduate
University of Guyana
BSc in Agriculture Undergraduate
BSc in Environmental Science Undergraduate
BSc in Biology Undergraduate
BSc in Chemistry Undergraduate
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Institution Programme Level
BSc in Environmental Health Undergraduate
BA in Geography Undergraduate
BSc. in Forestry Undergraduate
MSc in Environmental Management Postgraduate
MSc in Urban Planning and Management Postgraduate
PhD in Biodiversity Postgraduate
MPhil in Biodiversity Postgraduate
5.7 KNOWLEDGE GENERATION AND SCIENCE FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND
SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Question 87. List up to 10 major institutions within your country directly involved in research on
the conservation and sustainable use of associated biodiversity. Provide a concise description of
the institutions, of their key research programmes and, where possible, provide the number of
active researchers.
Research in agricultural institutions in Guyana is mostly focused on increasing production of
their respective production systems. Few studies carried may indirectly target the conservation
and sustainable use of associated biodiversity. Some of the major institutions that are involved in
research are listed in Table 32.
Table 32: The Research Institutions in Guyana that are involved in Research on Associated
Biodiversity
Research Institutions Production Systems
Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Irrigated Crops (Rice): Tropics (C1)
National Agricultural Research and Extension
Institute (NAREI)
Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA)
Livestock grassland-based systems,
Livestock landless systems, mixed systems:
Tropics (L1, L5, and M1)
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Research Institutions Production Systems
Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Irrigated Crops (Other): Tropics (C5)
Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Naturally Regenerated Forests: Tropics (F1)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) All existing production systems
University of Guyana All existing production systems
Guyana School of Agriculture All existing production systems
5.8 GAPS AND PRIORITIES
Question 88. With respect to information management, national policies, programmes and
enabling frameworks that support or influence the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity for food and agriculture and the provision of ecosystem services, and govern
exchange, access and benefits:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• Research focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and
agriculture and ecosystem services.
b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
• Lack of sufficient funding and trained personnel.
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
• Poor implementation of present policies timely and effectively
• There are no specific policy on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for
food and agriculture.
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• Developing policies / strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity
for food and agriculture.
• Promote awareness of the importance of ecosystem services and the conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture to policy makers and institutional
leaders so that focus can be placed in these areas in the future.
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Question 89. With respect to stakeholder participation and ongoing activities that support
maintenance of biodiversity for food and agriculture and collaboration between institutions and
organizations:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• The achievement of activities that support the maintenance of biodiversity for food and
agriculture.
• No monitoring on the implementation of action plans that support the maintenance of
biodiversity for food and agriculture.
b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
• Lack of funding and trained personnel
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
• Poor cooperation and limited sharing of relevant information across agricultural
institutions and other related governmental agencies.
• No specific policy or planned programs for the involvement of stakeholders in the
maintenance of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• Develop programs that allows for collaboration of agricultural agencies and other
associated governmental and non-governmental agencies on activities that foster the
maintenance of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
• Develop program that allow farmers to be more involved in activities that support the
maintenance of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
Question 90. With respect to capacity development:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• The agriculture degree and diploma programs offered at the University of Guyana and
Guyana School of Agriculture do not include any specific training course on the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
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b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
• Funding for training.
• The agricultural sector is focused mainly on production and thus there are limited
personnel with the knowledge and expertise on conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity for food and agriculture.
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
• Policies exist for capacity development however, implementation is slow.
d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• Highlight the lack of skill personnel.
• Incorporate aspects of agricultural biodiversity and ecology into programs offered at the
University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture.
• Provide training courses for extension officers so that farmers can be more aware.
Question 91. With respect to knowledge generation and science for the management and
sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture:
a) What are the major gaps in information and knowledge?
• Limited or no research done by various agricultural sectors on the management and
sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
b) What are the main capacity or resources limitations?
• Funding for research
• Lack of or no trained personnel in some agricultural institutions
c) What are the main policy and institutional constraints?
• There are no specific directives that promote research / studies for the management and
sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
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d) What actions are required and what would be the priorities?
• Develop policies that would guide agricultural research institution towards ecological
studies and those relating to effective management and sustainable use of biodiversity for
food and agriculture.
• Implement existing policies for capacity development
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CHAPTER 6:
FUTURE AGENDAS FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE
OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
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6.1 ENHANCING THE CONTRIBUTION OF BIODIVERSITY FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Question 92. Describe planned actions and future priorities to improve the conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture with specific reference to enhancing its
contribution to:
a) improving food security and nutrition;
b) improving rural livelihoods;
c) improving productivity;
d) supporting ecosystem function and the provision of ecosystem services;
e) improving the sustainability and resilience of production systems;
f) supporting sustainable intensification.
• The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the National Strategy for Agriculture
in Guyana 2013 – 2020, Millennium Development Goals, Food and Nutrition Security
Strategy for Guyana; all include planned actions for the conservation and sustainable use
of biodiversity for food and agriculture and will address the provisions listed in a to f
above. Better implementation and monitoring of these actions are required.
• There is a need for additional research and specific policies and legislations for the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
6.2 STRENGTHENING THE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF
ASSOCIATED BIODIVERSITY AND WILD FOODS
Question 93. Describe planned actions and future priorities to support conservation and
management of the components of associated biodiversity and wild foods including the
development of monitoring programmes and of information systems or databases.
• Develop policies / legislations or planned actions that supports the conservation and
management of associated biodiversity and wild foods as none exists.
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• Make available scientific data that highlights the economic and ecological use of
associated biodiversity and wild foods.
• Establish monitoring systems for associated biodiversity within the respective
agricultural production systems. Correlate the monitoring data with changes in climate
and occurrence of natural / human made disasters.
Question 94. Describe planned actions and future priorities with respect to implementing
ecosystem approaches for the various components of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
• Using an ecosystem approach for managing biodiversity for food and agriculture is a new
concept not only to farmers but also persons working in the agri-sectors. Awareness
programs should be developed for training of personnel in the various sectors. There
should also be programs to allow for the involvement of farmers/producers of the various
production systems in Guyana.
6.3 IMPROVING STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT AND AWARENESS
Question 95. Describe planned actions and future priorities to improve stakeholder awareness,
involvement and collaboration in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for food
and agriculture. Include a description of the major challenges that will need to be overcome.
• Implement existing policies and action plans related to the conservation and sustainable
use of biodiversity for food and agriculture.
• Improving stakeholder awareness and involvement in the conservation and sustainable
use of biodiversity for food and agriculture should be the concern of all agricultural
sectors and thus should be addressed through the consolidated efforts of all related
institutions and governmental agencies.
• There should be established programs to address conservation and sustainable use
throughout all production systems.
• In the interim, agricultural agencies can incorporate awareness programs into their
routine training, extension and knowledge transfer activities.
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Question 96. Describe planned actions and future priorities to support the role of farmers,
pastoralists, fisher folk, forest dwellers, and other rural men and women dependent on local
ecosystems in the conservation and use of biodiversity for food and agriculture. Replies should
include information on recognizing and enhancing the role of indigenous peoples. Include a
description of the major challenges that will need to be overcome.
• The National Strategy for Agriculture in Guyana 2013 – 2020 supports the development
of rural producers while the National Biodiversity Action Plan supports the development
and protection of the indigenous people, Amerindians. Proper implementation and
monitoring should be executed for all existing plans/strategies/policies.
• Program should allow for extension services and support to be provided to both: small
scale and large-scale farmers / producers.
• Studies should focus on women role in the conservation and use of biodiversity for food
and agriculture should be investigated.
Question 97. Describe planned actions and future priorities to improve recognition of the
contribution of women to the conservation and use of the different components of biodiversity for
food and agriculture, including associated biodiversity. Include a description of the major
challenges that will need to be overcome.
• It is perceived that the agriculture sector in Guyana is dominated by men. Policies should
be developed so as to encourage and allow for the involvement of women in the
conservation and use of biodiversity for food and agriculture. Policies should allow for:
o more female to be employed in the agriculture agencies;
o scholarships to be given to women in the pursuit of a career in agriculture; and
o support in the form of guidance and acknowledgement to the women
farmers/producers.
• Gender studies should be conducted to determine women’s contribution towards the
conservation and use of biodiversity for food and agriculture. Studies should also focus
on how women perception differs from men when managing production systems.