GPL, GFC sign $75M pact to advance reforestation in Reg. 10

The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), through its Program Execution Unit (PEU), today, signed a $75 million agreement with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to advance reforestation and environmental restoration efforts in the Dacoura area of Linden, Region Ten.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), eight hectares of previously replanted degraded land will be rehabilitated, and an additional five hectares will be planted with native tree species, a statement from GPL said.

Across these 13 hectares, the project is expected to support the growth of 13,000 to 26,000 trees, based on standard reforestation density.

These restored forest areas will significantly contribute to carbon storage and offsetting, with projections showing that they can collectively store 286 to 572 tonnes of CO₂ annually once the trees reach maturity.

Over a 20-year growth period, this represents an estimated 5,000 to 11,000 tonnes of CO₂ absorbed, strengthening Guyana’s long-term climate mitigation efforts.

Currently, three solar farms totalling 15 Megawatt peak (MWp) with 22 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage, under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program, are under development in Linden.

This initiative forms part of the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program (GUYSOL) commitment to offset environmental impacts from utility-scale solar projects and strengthen Guyana’s natural carbon sinks.

Beyond carbon benefits, the reforestation of Dacoura will help restore native biodiversity, stabilise soils, reduce erosion, and protect the local watershed that supports Linden. The expansion of green cover will also enhance resilience against climate risks and contribute to healthier ecosystems for wildlife and surrounding communities.

Leader of Executive Management, Kesh Nandlall, said GPL is proud to support initiatives like these. “The conservation and protection of our environment and natural resources must always be a priority, and we remain committed to advancing Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.”

Mr Edward Goberdhan, Commissioner for Forest, said the Guyana Forestry Commission welcomed the collaboration, noting the ecological importance of the Dacoura area and the value of restoring it for future generations.

GPL said it continues to support Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) by investing in natural climate solutions that preserve the country’s environment while advancing renewable energy development projects.