Four international charities have pledged US$12.5 million to support conservation in Guyana, including plans to permanently protect 1.5 million hectares of forest in the Akarai-Rupununi Corridor.

The pledge from the Bezos Earth Fund, Andy's Amazon Fund, Nia Tero and Rainforest Trust was made by Rainforest Trust Chief Executive Officer Dr James C. Deutsch at the second Global Biodiversity Alliance Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal.

"Today, on behalf of the Bezos Earth Fund, Andy's Amazon Fund, Nia Tero and Rainforest Trust, I'm delighted to announce a collective pledge of US$12.5 million," Deutsch said.

He said the funding comes with conditions. "Our financial commitment is conditional on legally enforceable, permanent protection for the corridor against mining and other activities incompatible with conservation," he said.

Deutsch added that the protection must uphold Indigenous peoples' rights, including free, prior and informed consent, and ensure that Indigenous communities and local residents meaningfully shape conservation planning, governance and management.

He described the money as "a very small down payment" towards securing the future of the corridor, which forms part of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali's broader forest conservation plan. The four organisations are interested in supporting long-term financing arrangements, strengthening the public institutions that manage protected areas, and empowering Indigenous peoples and local communities as essential partners, he said.

Deutsch said the commitment could encourage sustained public-sector investment, attract additional philanthropic support and establish a long-term financial partnership to protect Guyana's natural heritage.

Ali told the conference that Guyana is advancing plans to conserve more than one million hectares of pristine, biodiversity-rich forest over the long term. He said the proposed area could effectively double the land under permanent protection in the country.

"To give our international guests a sense of the scale, this is an area of forests larger than many countries," the President said, describing it as one of the most intact and ecologically significant landscapes in the region.

He said the initiative would contribute significantly to Guyana's commitment to conserve at least 30 per cent of the world's land and ocean by 2030.
"For us, this is not simply a numerical target. It is about protecting our natural heritage while creating opportunities for our people," Ali said.

The President stressed that the plan must respect the interests of communities, be guided by science and remain consistent with national development priorities. He said the landscape should show how large-scale conservation can support scientific research, sustainable livelihoods, responsible investment and new economic opportunities.

The Global Biodiversity Alliance, led by Ali, was launched in July 2025 with 17 founding members. Ali said membership has since grown to 147 as the initiative seeks to mobilise financing, partnerships, science and practical solutions for biodiversity conservation worldwide.