By Mark DaCosta- The Amerindian People’s Association (APA) on September 25, 2024, voiced critical concerns regarding the involvement of Indigenous communities in carbon credit initiatives linked to Jurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD+) projects in Guyana. During a panel discussion at Climate Week 2024 in Manhattan, New York, Nicholas Peters, the APA’s Advocacy and Policy Officer, highlighted significant issues surrounding the consultation processes that govern these initiatives.
Peters expressed that while the sale of carbon credits could yield financial benefits, many Indigenous communities are questioning their role in these projects, particularly regarding their understanding of the implications for their lands and livelihoods. “We believe it is crucial for Indigenous Peoples to have a more central role in negotiating these deals and in planning their futures in ways that respect their rights and worldviews,” he stated.
The panel, co-hosted by Rainforest Foundation US and Rainforest Foundation Norway, aimed to explore the contributions and challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) within voluntary carbon markets. Joining Peters on the panel were experts from various organisations, including the UN Development Programme and representatives from Indigenous groups in Brazil.
A major point of contention raised by the APA pertains to the sale of carbon credits to oil companies, which Peters described as contradictory to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy. This approach raises serious ethical concerns, especially as the nation seeks to combat climate change while simultaneously engaging with major polluters. The APA’s position may reflect a broader apprehension about the effectiveness of these initiatives if Indigenous communities remain sidelined from key discussions.
The APA also highlighted a growing divide between the technical frameworks of REDD+ programmes and the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples. “While Indigenous peoples have rights, those rights are often overlooked in the complex systems of financial and climate response,” Peters remarked. He emphasised the importance of integrating the knowledge, needs, and contributions of Indigenous communities into any climate change strategies.
As Guyana continues to enhance its role in the global climate response, the APA is publicly advocating for more inclusive practices that ensure Indigenous communities are properly consulted and actively involved at every stage of project development. The association repeatedly warns that without informed participation from these communities, such initiatives risk failing to protect the interests of the people most affected by climate policies.
The Amerindian Peoples Association is a pivotal non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to representing the interests of Indigenous peoples in Guyana. Its primary focus lies in promoting the social, economic, political, and cultural development of Amerindian communities while advocating for the protection of their rights.
The APA’s work is widely known to encompass several key areas:
1. Indigenous Land Rights: The association actively seeks to secure and safeguard the land rights of Indigenous communities, advocating for equitable land tenure systems that respect traditional customs and practices.
2. Environmental Protection: The APA engages in initiatives aimed at environmental conservation and sustainable development, striving to protect Indigenous territories from threats such as deforestation, mining, and fossil fuel exploration.
3. Governance and Policy Advocacy: Engaging with government and policymakers, the APA seeks to influence legislation and promote the participation of Indigenous peoples in decision-making processes. This includes advocating for the principles of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC).
4. Capacity Building: The organisation provides training and workshops to strengthen the governance, leadership, and human rights knowledge of Indigenous communities, empowering them to effectively participate in development initiatives.
5. Community Development: The APA supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and economic development to enhance the quality of life for Indigenous peoples, while also promoting self-reliance within communities.
Through these efforts, the APA is generally acknowledged by right-thinking Guyanese to play a crucial role in ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard and respected in discussions around climate change, land rights, and community development. However, it may be noteworthy that the APA is the target of frequent attacks by officials aligned with the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime.
