Belize and Guyana Team Up for Climate Action

At COP30 in Brazil, Belize and Guyana proved that small countries can make big moves in the fight against climate change. At a joint side event called “Building Climate Resilience in Belize and Guyana”, leaders showcased a partnership that shares knowledge, technology, and strategies to tackle rising seas and extreme weather and protect forests.

Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Orlando Habet, said, “Ambition equals resources,” noting that countries like Belize did little to cause climate change but still struggle to secure funding.

Guyana highlighted its globally recognised Low Carbon Development Strategy, which protects forests and manages carbon markets, while Belize shared its community-driven climate planning, Biennial Transparency Report, and new Carbon Markets Initiative Bill.

Guyana’s Minister Vanessa Benn urged bold action, stressing that Caribbean nations are moving forward despite limited funding. “Caribbean countries like Belize and Guyana are advancing ambitious mitigation and adaptation agendas, but the scale of available financing remains far below what is needed… Still, we are not waiting to act,” she said.