[{"bbox": [85, 152, 1145, 210], "category": "Text", "text": "management of the Sea and River defence sector and the provision of technical support for the design and construction of low crest structures such as groynes and breakwaters on accreted foreshores."}, {"bbox": [85, 239, 1147, 471], "category": "Text", "text": "A participatory approach is ensured in the implementation of all sea and river defence programmes through managerial oversight from the Sea Defence Board (SDB). The membership of the Board comprises of representatives from key stakeholder agencies with responsibility for diverse aspects of coastal zone management. This includes Ministry of Public works, NAREI (Ministry of Agriculture) the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Communities, Ministry of National Resources, Regional Administrations, Guyana Sugar Cooperation and entities within the Private Sector. Consultation of and collaboration with local communities and MSME will also be sought to increase sustainability of plans and solutions."}, {"bbox": [85, 499, 1147, 702], "category": "Text", "text": "EPA operating under the Department of Environment (DoE) / Ministry of the Presidency has the national mandate for Integrated Coastal Zone Management. In collaboration with the DoE and other stakeholders, EPA established in 2019 the inter-institutional Coastal Marine Management Committee (CMMC) for the coordinated implementation of the new ICZM Action Plan and for the establishment of management strategies that drive development and sustainability of coastal and marine environments. While this has been a commendable initiative, EPA/DoE lack staff and means to make the important CMMC fully operational."}, {"bbox": [85, 730, 1145, 819], "category": "Text", "text": "The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), operating under the Ministry of Natural Resources, is mandated to implement the Guyana National Forest Policy Statement (2018) and the Guyana National Forest Plan (2018) and to coordinate contributions of other entities to its implementation."}, {"bbox": [85, 846, 1145, 964], "category": "Text", "text": "In the spirit of Guyana's policy on inclusive green economic development, coastal communities will be involved in the development of free from deforestation and degradation value chains for such mangrove products as honey, shellfish, charcoal and eco-tourism. Partnerships between communities and private companies will be stimulated for product development, market links and investment."}, {"bbox": [85, 992, 485, 1019], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2.3 Additional Areas of Assessment"}, {"bbox": [85, 1035, 297, 1065], "category": "Section-header", "text": "### 2.3.1 Public Policy"}, {"bbox": [85, 1096, 344, 1125], "category": "Section-header", "text": "#### Relevance and credibility"}, {"bbox": [85, 1154, 1147, 1355], "category": "Text", "text": "The reference policy for this action is the Sea and River Defence Sector Policy. Mangrove Restoration Management is enshrined under the Sea and River Defence Sector Policy, which emphasises very clearly the importance of natural types of flood defence mechanisms. These are incorporated into the strategic interventions aimed at coastal protection. The policy under Priority 1 recognises that there is a need to develop knowledge on alternative flood protection solutions such as redesign and incorporation of mangroves, to enhance the effective flood defence functions and protect or enhance environmental resources."}, {"bbox": [85, 1386, 1147, 1619], "category": "Text", "text": "Additionally, Guyana's Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, still a draft, and currently undergoing a national public consultation, has identified the critical importance of the mangrove ecosystem as part of the Sustainable coastal zone protection. The LCDS 2030 envisions that the main activities under this component will entail (i) Mangrove monitoring and research; (ii) Development and implementation of a restoration programme for mangroves; (iii) Review, revise and support the implementation of mangrove conservation programmes, policies and legislation; (iv) Review and harmonize existing legislation and define functionalities of entities relating to mangroves; (v) Capacity building to utilize technology (remote sensing) to support mangrove monitoring."}, {"bbox": [1038, 1680, 1145, 1706], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 7 of 27"}]