The Global Biodiversity Summit 2025 concluded today at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, capping two days of high-level dialogue on biodiversity protection with a vibrant exhibition that brought grassroots innovation and sustainable development into sharp focus.
While leaders and experts discussed global frameworks to halt biodiversity loss, it was the on-the-ground solutions showcased in the exhibition hall that offered some of the most compelling visions for change.
Among the standout exhibitors was the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, which highlighted its unique model of community-led forest management. Anne-Marie Ford, a representative of the centre, emphasised the collaborative nature of their work in one of Guyana’s five protected areas—a 371,000-hectare stretch of rainforest.
“Our mandate is to protect biodiversity in Guyana, and we do this by conserving and managing the forest wisely,” said Ford, adding, “We work with 21 Indigenous communities in the North Rupununi through a formal partnership with the North Rupununi District Development Board. Together, we co-manage the forest, combining traditional knowledge with conservation science to ensure sustainable use.”
Ford noted that this model is not only effective in safeguarding biodiversity but also serves as a powerful example of how inclusive governance can empower local communities while preserving vital ecosystems.
Also featured at the exhibition was the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), an international organisation supporting countries in meeting climate and biodiversity goals through policy, technical expertise, and sustainable finance.
Daniel Muñoz-Smith, GGGI’s Caribbean Representative, outlined the organisation’s long-standing collaboration with the Government of Guyana.
“Guyana has been a founding member of GGGI since 2012, and we’ve had an active partnership since then,” Muñoz-Smith said.
“We support a wide range of sustainable development initiatives—from REDD+ and forestry to energy, mangrove restoration, and low-carbon development planning.”
One of GGGI’s key contributions has been the mobilisation of resources for coastal mangrove restoration.
“These projects not only strengthen resilience against flooding but also enhance carbon sequestration and support biodiversity along Guyana’s coastline,” he explained. “By embedding ourselves in government ministries, we help develop and implement strategies that align with national climate and biodiversity targets,” he said.
The real-world initiatives presented by Iwokrama and GGGI are a reminder that global ambitions must be rooted in local action.
Their work underscores that solutions to biodiversity loss require partnerships that are inclusive, evidence-based, and grounded in the lived realities of the people and places most directly connected to the natural world.
Conservation International at the summit
A section of the exhibition
