The Project, the first of its kind in an Amerindian Village in Region 2, is valued at GYD 11,851,541. 

GYD 5, 421,900 was funded by the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The climate change project was aimed at enhancing the community's resilience, sustainability, and environmental stewardship, to make it a key player in climate change mitigation and sustainable development in Guyana. 

The launch was attended by the then United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Gerardo Noto, the GEF-SGP National Coordinator, Mariscia Charles, and other staff of UNDP Guyana.

At its core, the project focuses on building resilience to climate change through innovative, climate-smart agricultural practices, and fostering alternative livelihood development. With SGP’s financial support, construction and operationalization of crucial infrastructure, including a shade house for local vegetable production, a cassava processing facility, and the commissioning of a duck farming enterprise were realised. Additionally, training programs were implemented to build local capacity in sustainable agriculture and business management.

The project’s key objectives were: 

•             Mitigate Climate Change: Implement practices that avoid the clearing of new forested areas for agriculture and promote land degradation neutrality.

•             Youth Empowerment: Training and equipping youth with the necessary skills to manage climate-smart agricultural enterprises, while fostering expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and sustainable business practices.

•             Alternative Livelihoods: Provide new economic opportunities through cassava processing, duck farming, and vegetable production, while safeguarding the community’s well-being.

Key Achievements and Results

The project has already delivered remarkable outcomes that have lasting impacts on the community:

•             Sustainable Forest Management: The project ensured that only trees for non-farming use, such as building materials, were harvested, and all activities complied with the Guyana Forestry Commission’s regulations.

•             Shade House and Value Chain Development: A state-of-the-art shade house was established to grow greens and vegetables, supplying the local primary school feeding program and Mainstay Resort. Locally produced vegetables sold at prices 10% lower than external market rates, ensuring affordability and sustainability for the community.

•             Diversification of Agricultural Activities: The introduction of cassava farming, duck farming, and crop production helped to safeguard food security and provide diverse income sources.

•             Village Market Establishment: A village market was created to sell excess greens, vegetables, and other farm produce. This reduced transportation costs to nearby Anna Regina, benefiting local farmers and consumers alike.

•             Youth Employment: The project created opportunities for youth to become involved in economically viable businesses, including the shade house, duck farm, and cassava processing facility.

Environmental and Social Benefits

The project contributed significantly to the preservation of the environment while enhancing the socio-economic status of the community:

•             Mangrove Forest Conservation: A key aspect of the project was the sustainable management and use of mangrove forests, with no new lands being cleared for farming. Alternative livelihoods were developed on lands that were previously cleared and cultivated.

•             Village Rules for Sustainability: In collaboration with the community, the Village Council developed village rules that promote environmental sustainability, such as prohibiting the clearing of new forested areas for agricultural purposes.

•             Climate Change Education: The project fostered climate change awareness through consultations and education about local mitigation efforts, while it ensured that the entire community understood the importance of environmental stewardship.

Global Impact and Long-Term Sustainability

The project also aligned with international environmental goals, including efforts to restore degraded landscapes, support biodiversity, and reduce carbon emissions. The following targets were set for environmental and community impact:

•             2,883 hectares of degraded agricultural and forest lands targeted for restoration.

•             3,108 hectares of landscapes under improved management to benefit biodiversity.

•             30 community members adopted better practices in agriculture, land, and water management.

•             53 new or sustained farmer leaders were equipped to demonstrate improved agricultural and agroecological practices.

•             1 low-carbon, locally adapted community model was developed, benefiting the broader region.

Since being in operation, the Mainstay/Whyaka Cassava Processing Facility will continue to shine a bright future on the community of Mainstay/Whyaka. With its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and youth empowerment, this project has set a powerful example of how Indigenous communities can thrive through adapting climate-smart agriculture practices while contributing to the global fight against climate change.

The opening of those facilities represented the beginning of a larger transformation, and the Mainstay/Whyaka Village Council, along with SGP look forward to further expanding these initiatives to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all.