S HARING E XPERIENCES ON THE FLEGT/VPA G EORGETOWN , G UYANA 18-19 N - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

SHARING EXPERIENCES ON THE FLEGT/VPA GEORGETOWN, GUYANA 18-19 NOVEMBER, 2014

Joint Presentation of Indigenous Peoples Organisations - Guyana (GOIP, NTC, NADF,TAAMOG, IPC, APA)

CONTENT OF PRESENTATION

Background Engagement in the FLEGT/VPA Process Experiences & Challenges Next Steps

THE CONSTITUENCY STAKEHOLDER GROUP AND THE BACKGROUND TO FLEGT/VPA IN GUYANA

Established out of the National Preparatory

Workshop of October 2012;

Prior involvement of organisations took place

during Guyana’s scoping period;

SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENT

There has been six (6)meetings of the group within

two (2) years;

Except the NTC and the IPC the other members do

not sit on the NTWG;

It was reiterated that the group can be ‘co-opted’ as

the need arises;

Recommended and participated in the “Amerindian”

workshop in March 2013;

Discussions have taken place on the Draft Legality

Definition, Communication and Consultation Strategy, Scoping of Impacts Study and Outreach Sessions;

All groups support that the sustainable use of forest

resources for livelihoods and economic purposes is important;

CHALLENGES AND EXPERIENCES

Differing positions of group members e.g on period and

content of process; the establishment and representation of NTWG; timelines of Roadmap; requests to sit on the NTWG;

Representation on issues surrounding land conflicts and

land tenure have not been clearly addressed;

Absence of a Terms of Reference has created uncertainty

as to the power or mandate of the group since this group is not a “Sub-Committee” of the NTWG;

Seeking accountability and transparency has not

materialised; e.g requests to have the minutes of the NTWG has not been realised.

Group has realised that financial assistance is needed to

enhance greater understanding and better participation of indigenous communities by independent groups.

NEXT STEPS

A way forward to minimise negative impacts and

maximise benefits for indigenous communities;

Encourage the financing of the group to

contribute towards independent awareness sessions in indigenous communities;

Understanding that the FLEGT/VPA is not

designed to resolve land titling and land conflicts but that the process needs to take on board clear commitment towards ensuring land tenure security in the final VPA and within clear timelines.

THANK YOU