Guyana Signs Historic Biodiversity Pact With Yale University

The Government of Guyana has signed a landmark agreement with Yale University’s Centre for Biodiversity and Global Change, launching a transformative long-term collaboration aimed at protecting the planet’s biodiversity.

‘The move comes as the broader region looks to ensure a sustainable, nature-based future.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed Wednesday at the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, formalizes a new strategic alliance that blends science, technology, and policy to advance global conservation efforts.

Miss Abena Moore, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, signed on behalf of Guyana, while Dr. Alexander Quillian, Managing Director of Yale’s Centre for Biodiversity and Global Change, signed on behalf of Yale University.

The partnership is expected to support the development of Guyana’s proposed International Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity Research and the creation of a National Biodiversity Information System (NBIS) — a cutting-edge platform designed to map, monitor, and visualize biodiversity across the country. The system will play a key role in helping Guyana achieve its goal of protecting 30 percent of its land and marine ecosystems by 2030.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who announced the agreement during his address at the summit, described the initiative as a critical step in using science to guide sustainable development. “The NBIS will help track and visualize biodiversity using maps and data,” he said. “It will guide how science can support smart decision-making and assist Guyana in protecting its precious ecosystems.”

The agreement also grants Guyana access to some of the world’s leading biodiversity institutions, including the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, the Map of Life project, and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) community.

President Ali emphasized the vital role of Guyana’s Indigenous communities in biodiversity conservation, singling out the South Rupununi Conservation Society for its work restoring the critically endangered Red Siskin. “No biodiversity strategy can succeed without the full involvement of those who live closest to nature,” he said. “In the Rupununi, conservation has built pride, income, and identity through ecotourism, education, and protection of species.”

With nearly half of the world’s biodiversity already lost, President Ali called for bold, resilient partnerships to shape a sustainable future. The new agreement with Yale marks a significant milestone in positioning Guyana as a global leader in climate and conservation science