Guyana relaunches mangrove information system to track coastal protection
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The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute relaunched the Guyana Mangrove Information System (GuyMIS) to monitor and protect coastal ecosystems in Guyana.
This system was developed with support from the Global Green Growth Institute to provide a centralized database for environmental data. The platform hosts interactive maps, project records, research reports, and photographs to help officials identify where mangroves are located and which areas face the most erosion.
By consolidating this data, the government can decide where to direct resources and how to manage coastal defenses. The system also provides resources for students, researchers, and community groups to learn about the importance of mangrove forests for biodiversity and local livelihoods. Guyana has invested over $592 million in mangrove restoration and coastal protection since 2020, with an additional $285 million planned for 2026.
These efforts helped expand the country's mangrove cover to more than 23,000 hectares by the end of 2025. The new system aims to ensure these restored areas survive and continue to protect the low-lying coast from rising sea levels and climate change. The relaunch coincides with the second annual Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit in Guyana, where international delegates discuss biodiversity conservation. The success of GuyMIS depends on the continued cooperation of various agencies to provide regular data updates.
This initiative supports the Low Carbon Development Strategy, which seeks to balance the country's economic growth with the preservation of its natural resources.
