Guyana, a nation with more than 75 per cent of forest cover, is seeking to capitalize on in the emerging market for carbon offsets for forest conservation. Recently it offered its rainforest as a giant carbon offset to the uk government in return for economic aid.

The assistance will be used to convert the South American nation to a "green' economy, said President Bharrat Jagdeo. "We are a country with the political will and a large tract of standing forest,' Jagdeo said. "I'm not a mercenary, this is not blackmail and I realize there's no such thing as a free lunch.' The uk government says it is considering Guyana's offer to secure the future of its forests in return for green technology and development aid.