The King hears about King’s Foundation projects in Georgetown during his State Visit to Guyana
The King’s Foundation, King Charles III’s nature, sustainability and heritage charity, showcased its work to support sustainable urban development in Guyana during His Majesty The King’s State Visit to the country.
Working in partnership with the Government of Guyana, The King’s Foundation has developed practical proposals to support the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). A central part of this work is the Georgetown Urban Framework Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for the capital as a resilient, connected and inclusive city.
The Foundation is also advancing seven demonstration projects in Georgetown, translating the wider framework into practical, site-specific initiatives that show how sustainable design, heritage revitalisation and ecological resilience can work together. During his visit on Friday 30 October, His Majesty heard about elements of these projects, including the proposed Biodiversity Building at Homestretch Avenue, near the Botanical Gardens.
Designed by The King’s Foundation, the Biodiversity Building is envisioned as a flagship example of sustainable architecture and climate adaptation. The proposed low-carbon, timber-based structure will demonstrate the potential of certified sustainable Guyanese timber, highlighting its benefits for biodiversity and forest communities. The building is intended to become the headquarters of the Global Biodiversity Alliance and an exhibition and learning centre celebrating Guyana’s mangroves and biodiversity. His Majesty viewed prototypes for key elements of the building and met Guyanese craftsperson Nigel ‘Bobel’ Thomas, a 2026 graduate of The King’s Foundation’s Building Craft Summer School at Dumfries House. Bobel created a bespoke heritage shutter intended to feature in the new building.
The visit also showcased the Foundation’s work to support sustainable, culturally grounded development through the proposed Harmony Village and Centre for Indigenous Knowledge in Moraikobai. Inspired by His Majesty’s Harmony philosophy, the initiative seeks to demonstrate how Indigenous values of stewardship, self-sufficiency and collective wellbeing can inform contemporary approaches to development.
His Majesty also heard about the Healthy Streets Districts and Active Travel Network initiative, which seeks to transform key streets in central Georgetown into safer, greener and more shaded routes for walking and cycling. The project includes plans for tree planting, improved drainage and better access, with a focus on biodiversity associated with the city’s existing waterways.
The Foundation’s work in Guyana builds on a longstanding commitment to sustainable development and international collaboration. Guyana’s first Low Carbon Development Strategy, launched more than 15 years ago, helped establish the country’s position as a leader in forest conservation and climate action. The King, then Prince of Wales, helped raise international awareness of the importance of forest protection and sustainable development through The Prince’s Rainforest Project.
Through its international projects, The King’s Foundation brings together expertise in sustainable placemaking, architecture, urban planning and traditional building skills to support communities in creating places that work for people and nature.
“Our partnership with the Government of Guyana represents an exciting opportunity to help shape a sustainable future for Georgetown while celebrating the city’s remarkable heritage and natural environment.
Ben Bolgar, Executive Director for Projects at The King’s Foundation
“The projects emerging from the Urban Framework Plan show how thoughtful planning, rooted in local culture and ecological understanding, can deliver real benefits for communities.
“It was particularly encouraging to showcase these projects to The King during his recent visit to Georgetown, so His Majesty can see the benefit these developments will have first-hand. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government of Guyana to further this important work and create a sustainable future for their cities.”