Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) has requested the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to continue supporting the successful administration and close-out of projects under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), which is set to conclude at the end of 2026. This initiative will ensure that GRIF-funded projects remain on track for successful delivery, that results are effectively monitored and reported, and that governance mechanisms function efficiently.

Building on the learnings and best practices from the first phase, this project will provide the Government of Guyana and donor partner Norway with critical technical and operational support to enhance project implementation, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve overall project outcomes. The initiative is demand-driven, with both governments expressing strong support for GGGI’s continued involvement in GRIF implementation.

By advancing project delivery and ensuring effective coordination, this initiative will contribute to Guyana’s sustainable economic development, climate resilience, and low-carbon growth, aligning with national and international environmental commitments. Additionally, GGGI will play a key role in streamlining processes, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and providing strategic guidance to maximize the impact of GRIF-funded projects, ensuring their long-term sustainability and success.

The project aims to enhance the monitoring and reporting of outcomes from GRIF-funded activities in Guyana, strengthening the visibility and impact assessment of carbon-finance-funded projects.

These services will provide ongoing strategic support for active projects under the Guyana-Norway Partnership Program, ensuring more effective implementation and fostering positive development outcomes.

The Guyana-Norway partnership of 2009 and the establishment of the GRIF in 2010 were part of an ambitious exercise to advance Guyana’s low carbon development plan (the Low Carbon Development Strategy, which was released in 2009 and updated in 2011 and 2013) and to maintain Guyana’s extremely low rate of deforestation.
During the development of the Secretariat itself, the commitment of both the Governments of Guyana and Norway and the early development of projects and subsequent disbursements have been positive; the GRIF has also experienced several serious challenges. These challenges include delays in the preparation of projects, low levels of disbursement, risks surrounding high-value projects, and poor project implementation.

The Governments of Guyana and Norway have agreed to secure administrative support for some of these functions from GGGI, where GGGI will report jointly to both Governments and will be engaged from Q1 2021 to:

a) Support GRIF Implementation Progress Monitoring and Decision-Making
b) Support GRIF Steering Committee
c) Produce and Maintain GRIF Website and increase awareness

Outcome 1: Enhanced Monitoring and Decision-Making
Improved coordination, capacity building, and monitoring systems.
Higher disbursement rates and increased project completion.
Regular progress assessments to track implementation.
Identification and resolution of implementation challenges.
Strengthening the capacity of implementing entities to meet agreed standards.

Outcome 2: Strengthened Data Management for Carbon Finance
Development and training on data management tools for carbon finance tracking.
Enhanced data collection and reporting systems.
Improved accuracy and availability of information on project progress.
Ensuring alignment with national and international transparency standards.

Outcome 3: Increased Public Awareness and Access to Information
Strengthened communication and outreach efforts.
Improved public awareness of the partnership’s objectives and achievements.
Greater transparency and accountability in GRIF activities and results.
Enhanced stakeholder engagement to support Guyana’s sustainable development.

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