By Celestine Chacon | January 9, 2025
In 2024, a total of 4.7 billion dollars from carbon credit earnings was invested in 242 indigenous communities across the country.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, revealed this during her ministry’s year-in-review.
At the National Toshaos Council Conference, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that indigenous villages would receive 26.5% of carbon credit revenue.
This allocation resulted in significant financial support for these communities, with an additional $35 million distributed to smaller settlements.
Minister Sukhai highlighted that the funds are being used for transformative projects that aim to improve the livelihoods of Amerindian communities while ensuring environmental sustainability.
These initiatives include ventures in tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and arts and crafts, designed to create long-term economic growth.
In response to allegations of mismanagement of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) funds, Minister Sukhai firmly rejected these claims.
She stated that no credible evidence or cases of fund misappropriation had been presented to her office.
The Low Carbon Development Strategy, introduced by former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, seeks to empower indigenous communities to create sustainable economic opportunities while protecting the environment.
These developments mark a significant step in the ongoing effort to promote sustainable growth and economic empowerment for indigenous communities through carbon credit earnings.