Improving the Guyana REDD+ Monitoring Reporting and Verification System: stakeholders perception

Abstract

In 2009 Guyana developed and tested their REDD+ Monitoring Reporting and Verification System (REDD+ MRVS) to satisfy a Memorandum of Understanding between Guyana and the Kingdom of Norway. Despite being a developing country, it has been one of the few countries to progress its MRVS substantially with comparatively similar results to independent auditing standards. While socio-political support has helped efforts to implement a national based monitoring system challenges of improving stakeholder coordination and collaboration can potentially undermine efforts to maintain a robust system. The effectiveness of the REDD+ MRVS was assessed to determine end users demands, and system output applications. We employed a qualitative methodological approach using the Borich needs assessment model. The results revealed that the overall structure of REDD+ MRVS was mostly likely to reduce the efficiency in reporting the outcomes of the MRVS and its value as a tool to aid in natural resources management. Stakeholders believe that Guyana's REDD+ MRVS has the potential to improve natural resource management in Guyana. However, to boost the system's credibility, monitoring, data exchange capabilities, and the timeliness of the assessment should be promptly addressed. Further, the role of Indigenous communities in real time monitoring remains a central idea to be explored.