Too little too late

Forestry Commissioner announces more focus on social development

THE Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), as part of its 2007 focus, will be placing more emphasis on its Social Development Programme (SDP) to boost economic growth and alleviate poverty in communities which depend on the industry.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said it will be the continuation of a process started three years ago, that emphasised equitable geographical distribution of economic activities and diversification of the economy, in keeping with objectives identified in the National Development Strategy (NDS).

GFC Commissioner, Mr. James Singh told GINA its Community Development Officer will reconvene meetings of the Communities Liaison Committee, through which site visits will be made to identify and resolve some of the problems affecting forestry and other developments in various rural areas.

He said the SDP is based on objectives outlined in the National Forestry Policy, which states that the utilisation of forest resources must be planned and managed with full consideration of any potential social or environmental impact.

The SDP targets all hinterland and rural locations which are engaged in forestry operations and where economic activity is dependent on the business.

It is being executed in collaboration with agencies in the ministries of Amerindian Affairs, Local Government, Health, Labour and Agriculture and monitoring and evaluation by Office of the President, which is a critical aspect.

Under the SDP, President Bharrat Jagdeo determines the grant of State Forest Permits (SFPs) to communities, which would enable them to utilise the resources within in a sustainable and economic way.

The SFP is granted for a period of two years and does not spawn more than 8,000 hectares, GINA stated.

However, it is mandatory that the communities form associations, which must be linked to the local authorities such as Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and Village Councils in the hinterland.

GINA said this is one requirement that has to be met before the community qualifies for the issuance of an SFP.

Under the SDP, last year training was conducted in forestry laws, management and inventory, in a number of rural communities of Regions One (Barima/Waini), Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).

The exercise was undertaken with assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

GINA said the local forestry sector contributes approximately six per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs about 25,000 people.

It also plays a significant role in the country’s development, particularly in rural and hinterland places where forestry activities generate income for many households and contribute to the national economy.

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