The Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) worth GY$75 million with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to enhance reforestation and environmental restoration initiatives in the Dacoura area of Linden, Region 10.
The agreement aims to rehabilitate eight hectares of previously replanted degraded land while also planting an additional five hectares with native tree species. This project is anticipated to support the growth of between 13,000 to 26,000 trees, based on standard reforestation density.
The restored forest areas are expected to play a significant role in carbon storage and offsetting, with projections indicating that they could collectively sequester between 286 to 572 tonnes of CO₂ annually once the trees mature. Over a 20-year growth period, this could result in the absorption of approximately 5,000 to 11,000 tonnes of CO₂, bolstering Guyana’s long-term climate mitigation strategies.
In addition to the reforestation effort, three solar farms with a total capacity of 15 Megawatts peak (MWp) and 22 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery storage are currently under development in Linden, as part of the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program (GUYSOL). This initiative aims to offset the environmental impacts of utility-scale solar projects and reinforce Guyana’s natural carbon sinks.
Beyond the carbon benefits, the reforestation efforts in Dacoura will aid in restoring native biodiversity, stabilizing soils, reducing erosion, and protecting the local watershed that supports the Linden community. The increase in green cover is also expected to enhance resilience against climate change and foster healthier ecosystems for local wildlife and communities.
Kesh Nandlall, Leader of Executive Management at GPL, expressed pride in supporting such initiatives, stating, “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.”
Edward Goberdhan, Commissioner for Forest at the GFC, welcomed the collaboration, recognizing the ecological significance of the Dacoura area and the importance of restoring it for future generations.
GPL continues to support Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) by investing in natural climate solutions that both protect the environment and promote the advancement of renewable energy projects.
