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Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Guyana

Guyana maintains exceptional environmental credentials as a global biodiversity and climate leader, with over 99% forest cover (18 million hectares) storing 19.5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent. The country faces increasing climate vulnerability from flooding and sea-level rise while balancing rapid oil and gas development with its Low Carbon Development Strategy commitments.

Air Quality Index

Good

8.0/10

Stable trend

Guyana's air quality benefits from extensive forest cover and low industrial activity. However, mercury pollution from mining in hinterland regions remains a concern, particularly affecting indigenous communities. Limited air quality monitoring infrastructure means comprehensive national AQI data is unavailable, but forest-dominated landscape suggests generally good air conditions.

Water Quality

Good

7.5/10

Guyana's water resources are substantial, with the Guiana Shield hosting approximately 20% of the world's fresh water. However, coastal plains where 90% of the population resides face severe flooding and saltwater intrusion risks. Mercury pollution from mining operations affects water quality in hinterland regions, impacting indigenous populations and miners.

Limited comprehensive drinking water quality data available. Coastal vulnerability to flooding and storm tides necessitates climate-resilient water infrastructure investments. Government prioritizing drainage, irrigation, and sea defense improvements.

Recycling System

Comprehensive recycling infrastructure data for Guyana is not readily available in current government reports. The country's focus remains on forest conservation and low-carbon development rather than formal waste management systems. Recycling initiatives are limited, with waste management primarily concentrated in urban Georgetown areas.

Green Spaces

Guyana maintains the second-highest forest cover percentage globally, with 18 million hectares of pristine rainforest representing 99% of original forest extent. The country is one of only four globally verified to sustain High Forest Low Deforestation (HFLD) status and one of two in the Amazon Basin. Deforestation rates rank among the world's lowest, making Guyana a critical biodiversity refuge.

Forest Coverage: 99.0%

Guyana hosts the Guiana Shield, one of six countries sharing this pristine rainforest landscape storing 18% of world's tropical forest carbon and 20% of world's fresh water. The country is implementing mangrove restoration and marine biodiversity protection initiatives.

Environmental Policies

Guyana has established comprehensive environmental governance through its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan (CRSAP), and commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals. The country ratified the UNFCCC in 1994 and is updating its LCDS to include climate adaptation measures. Key focus areas include forest protection, renewable energy transition, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Key Policies:

•Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS)
•Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan (CRSAP)
•High Forest Low Deforestation (HFLD) commitment
•Gas-to-Energy Project for renewable transition
•Local Content Act for sustainable development
•UNFCCC signatory (1992) and ratification (1994)

Renewable Energy: Gas-to-Energy project targeting 300-megawatt gas-fired power plant commissioning by Q4 2026, expected to reduce electricity costs and emissions. Natural gas liquids separation facility and industrial ventures planned to transform gas resources into marketable products and domestic energy supplies.

Natural Disaster Risk

HIGH

Guyana faces severe natural disaster vulnerability, with 90% of population residing on coastal plains prone to floods and storm tides. Early 2021 flooding resulted in National Disaster declaration with significant livestock losses. Sea-level rise and extreme weather intensification pose escalating threats to infrastructure, livelihoods, and economy. Government prioritizing climate-resilient infrastructure investments including drainage systems, irrigation improvements, sea defenses, and mangrove restoration.

Flooding (coastal and riverine)Storm surge and tidal floodingExtreme rainfall eventsSaltwater intrusion

Climate Change Impacts: Guyana experiences accelerating climate change impacts including increased extreme weather frequency, particularly severe flooding events. The 2021 floods demonstrated vulnerability of coastal infrastructure. Rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal areas where majority population concentrates. Climate change intensifies precipitation variability, affecting agriculture and water security. Government's Climate Resilience Strategy identifies drainage, irrigation, sea defenses, and mangrove restoration as priority adaptation investments. The country's forest ecosystems, storing 19.5 billion tons CO2 equivalent, face pressure from development activities including expanding oil and gas sector, creating tension between climate mitigation and economic development.

Sustainability Initiatives

Low Carbon Development Strategy

Guyana's LCDS 2030 framework commits to maintaining forest cover and low deforestation rates while pursuing sustainable development. The strategy integrates climate adaptation measures for a country highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Updated LCDS includes provisions for prudent management of oil and gas sector proceeds to secure development leaving no one behind while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Gas-to-Energy Project

Strategic initiative targeting renewable energy transition through natural gas utilization. 300-megawatt gas-fired power plant and natural gas liquids separation facility expected operational by Q4 2026. Project aims to reduce electricity costs, improve reliability, lower emissions, and deliver competitive energy pricing for households and industries. Supporting industrial ventures include ammonia/urea plant and gas bottling company at Wales.

Climate Resilience Infrastructure

Government investing in climate-resilient infrastructure including drainage systems, irrigation improvements, sea defenses, and mangrove restoration. These priority investments address coastal vulnerability where 90% of population resides on flood and storm-tide prone plains. Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan (CRSAP) updated to reflect current climate risks and adaptation needs.

Local Content and Sustainable Development

Guyana updated 2026 framework to deepen offshore oil and gas participation while ensuring sustainable practices. Streamlined local content certification with faster processing timelines (5-21 days depending on company type). Formal review of Local Content Act underway to increase activities reserved for Guyanese companies and support local ownership in capital-intensive segments, balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.

Wildlife & Nature

JaguarVulnerable

Giant OtterVulnerable

Harpy EagleVulnerable

Arapaima (Giant Fish)Vulnerable

Scarlet MacawCommon

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