Guyana renews commitment to closing global forest finance gap

As part of the Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) activities taking place during New York Climate Week, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, on Wednesday delivered opening remarks at the Ministerial Session on the Forest Finance Roadmap Progress Report.

The Forest Finance Roadmap for Action was launched in New York in September 2025 which also set six solutions to help close the forest finance gap. This discussion will reaffirm FCLP Ministers’ commitment to accelerate action across all six solutions.

During his presentation, Bharrat thanked all members present for their proactive engagement and contributions over the years and under Guyana and UK’s co-chairmanship. “Forests are among the world’s most valuable assets. They underpin climate stability, biodiversity, water, food, health, livelihoods, and economic prosperity. For forest-rich countries, they are also a foundation for sustainable development,” he stated.

He further added that Guyana has contributed actively to this effort over the past twelve months. “Our experience shows how forests can be treated as productive national assets while supporting economic growth. Through the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, jurisdictional carbon market initiatives, and efforts to strengthen the value of standing forests, Guyana has helped demonstrate practical approaches that align conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.”

Investing in forests is not only an environmental priority; it is an investment in global security and economic resilience. This is why FCLP members, alongside the Government of Brazil and UNEP, launched the Forest Finance Roadmap. One year on, FCLP ministers remain firmly focused on closing the forest finance gap. Launching the Roadmap was only the start. The Partnership is maintaining political attention on delivery, accelerating action across the six solutions, and building progress.

The finance gap can be closed. The solutions are ready. What is needed is sustained political leadership, enabling policies, and investment at the scale required to deliver on the roadmap and ensure forests receive the value and finance they deserve.