The Government of Guyana has signed a groundbreaking agreement with Yale University’s Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, establishing a long-term partnership that aims to position the country as a global leader in biodiversity research and conservation.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalized on Wednesday at the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit in Georgetown, marks a strategic alliance that blends science, data, and policy to accelerate progress in protecting the world’s rapidly diminishing biodiversity.
Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Ms. Abena Moore, signed the agreement on behalf of Guyana, while Dr. Alexander Quillian, Managing Director of Yale’s biodiversity center, signed on behalf of the U.S.-based university.
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who made the announcement during his opening remarks at the summit, described the partnership as a “monumental step forward” in sustainable development. “The National Biodiversity Information System (NBIS) will help track and visualize biodiversity using maps and data,” he said. “It will guide how science can support smart decision-making and assist Guyana in protecting its precious ecosystems.”
A vision for a nature-based future
The partnership will support the creation of an International Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity Research in Guyana, and the development of the NBIS — a cutting-edge platform that will map, monitor, and analyze the country’s rich biodiversity. These tools are central to Guyana’s commitment to conserve 30% of its land and marine ecosystems by 2030 under the global “30×30” initiative.
Under the MOU, Guyana will also gain access to leading global biodiversity networks and institutions, including the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Map of Life, and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO).
President Ali emphasized the critical role of Indigenous communities in biodiversity protection, highlighting the work of the South Rupununi Conservation Society in restoring the critically endangered Red Siskin bird. “No biodiversity strategy can succeed without the full involvement of those who live closest to nature,” he said.
Rallying the region for conservation
The summit, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, brings together regional leaders and international experts to discuss the future of global biodiversity. Attendees include Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, and former Colombian President Iván Duque.
“This is not just a win for Guyana,” said President Ali, “but a new model for north-south and south-south cooperation. We are building the global biodiversity knowledge infrastructure from the ground up — and from Guyana out.”
The summit continues through July 25 and is expected to produce a regional declaration on biodiversity protection and nature-based development.
