Workshop to improve quality of wood processing

Guyana Chronicle article, 02 October 2007

http://www.guyanachronicle.com/news.html
Workshop to improve quality of wood processing
Government in its continuing quest to ensure sustainable forestry
development is currently focusing on improving wood processing standards and
procedures for sawmill owners, lumber dealers and others involved in the
processing.
The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) recently hosted a workshop at Skeldon
to promote the enforcement of regulations among stakeholders of Region 6
(East Berbice/Corentyne).
This is the second session being held in the country with forestry
stakeholders involved in processing activities to better understand the
regulations which will be put into effect from January, 2008.
The regulations were initially outlined for implementation in January, 2007.
However, a one-year period for total compliance was granted.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud with responsibility for forestry
said "this is part of government's move to create a modern and sustainable
forestry sector that will meet the requirements set at the national and
international levels".
He noted that forestry activities in Guyana have a global impact and there
is need to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in accordance with
international requirements. The minister noted also, that the forestry
sector was growing in a national context in terms of contribution,
employment opportunities, local and foreign exchange and investment.
Guyana has become a reliable supplier of wood products.
The Agriculture Minister pointed out that the GFC Act which was passed in
the National Assembly and the draft forest Bill focuses on a renewed role
for the Commission to ensure compliance with necessary regulations and
guidelines at all levels.
Persaud is encouraging stakeholders to ensure that they work with the GFC
and comply with the regulations, assuring that the GFC will ensure
wrongdoings are addressed and wherever there are breaches, they will be
corrected. This process has already started, the Minister noted.
Another focus is on the value-added production to create more economic
benefits rather than at reducing log exports. A national log export policy
would be finalised shortly while there will be greater monitoring of logging
activities.
There have already been reductions in log exports which have not affected
overall export of forest products. However, while there is a decrease in
log exports there is an increase of export of value-added production, the
Minister explained.
During the workshop, Commissioner of Forestry, James Singh delivered a
presentation on the importance of the regulations and noted some of the
inefficiency which currently existed and which will be corrected.
Singh highlighted some of the issues that will be targeted under the
regulations, including the need for more mechanization, the use of modern
facilities and technology, better consumer loyalty, improved safety and more
processing activities.
Last year, regulations were published for other stakeholders to comply with
effective from January 1, 2007. Concession holders were mandated to prepare
a Forest Management Plan and an Annual Operational Plan, which must be based
on a 100 percent inventory of the concession.
In addition, they are required to ensure that all their employees are
knowledgeable about GFC guidelines and that these are properly implemented.
These include proper completion and timely submission of documentation
(removal, permits, transshipment, sawmill returns etc) and strict compliance
with log-tagging procedures.
Over the years, government has been updating policies and laws relating to
the forestry sector. In 1996, a National Development Strategy was drafted.
This provides guidance for the development of the sector by identifying
national development objectives and constraints.
The forestry sector contributes more than six percent to the Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) and employs approximately 25000 persons, particularly in rural
communities where forestry activities generate income for many households.
(GINA)