GFC integrating bar-coding with its monitoring methods
SN, Monday, December 31st 2007
The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) says it is implementing the Remote
Sensing and Bar-Coding system into its existing log tracking programme
in its promotion of sustainable forestry development.
The GFC project is funded by the International Tropical Timber
Organization (ITTO) at a cost of more than $100M, a press release from
the Government Information Agency said.
It uses modern tracking devices to combat illegal logging activities.
The GFC said this monitoring technique is being used in many South
American countries including neighbouring Brazil.
The project was approved by the ITTO earlier this year and, according
to GFC Head of the Planning and Development Division, Pradeepa
Bholanauth, it began last September with efforts to recruit the three
main consultants necessary for its implementation. Posts were
advertised for specialists in areas of Chain of Custody; Networking and
Bar Coding; and Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System and
applicants are currently being reviewed.
It is expected that once these positions are filled, the project will
move into the next phase which includes conducting remote sensing
imagery and geographic assessments of the current log tracking system
to integrate the Bar-Coding technology. This is expected to take place
in early January after which the Chain of Custody Specialist will be
required to formulate procedures to ensure strategic implementation of
the bar-coding system. This step will allow the GFC to better monitor
production of logs and other timber products extracted from a
particular location and make it easier to track the volume/quantity of
products harvested.
The GFC said the Bar-Coding System is part of its efforts to modernise
its monitoring capacity since it will feed into a central database
linked to a national wide-area network. This will allow for real-time
transfer of data and the availability of tracking information for the
regulatory agency and operators in the private sector. The project will
make detection of illegal logging and other non-compliant activities
easier both in transit and at point of sale, by scanning bar code
labels on log tags to determine if the tag being used is valid,
date/time last checked.
Similar checks will be done in the forest at tree stumps. Under the
system, raw materials and stumps are identified using a plastic barcode
tag that is attached immediately after logging or when being split into
pieces at timber collection points. These tags are scanned at the GFC's
check points to determine whether the produce is legal. The logs that
have been converted are transported to manufacturing plants where the
number and description are recorded on timber certificates and removal
licences. When the logs are collected at the manufacturing plants and
at timber yards the data is recorded. This recording is done in batches
per supplier, as these entities purchase materials from several
suppliers in multiple species and volumes. They can, however, be traced
by log tag numbers and bar codes to the source of origin in the forest.
Scanning and reconciliation will also be enabled at lumber yards,
sawmills and timber manufacturing operations.
The GFC said this initiative will enhance the work of its Forest
Monitoring Division which scrutinizes 22 forest stations located at
strategic points throughout Guyana. These include stations at Canje,
Springlands, Bamboo Landing, Kwakwani, Soesdyke, Linden and Bartica.
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