Community forestry, industries development targeted
 
Georgetown, GINA, January 19, 2008.

Focus continues to be placed on sustainable forestry development in all aspects of the sector and plans are underway for internal restructuring at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to facilitate forest industries development.
            This is among the many activities to be implemented during this year as part of Government’s continued efforts to further develop the sector which contributes about six percent to the Gross Domestic Product and employs approximately 25 000 persons.
            According to Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud, who has responsibility for Forestry, attention will be given to increasing the sector’s efficiency, recovery rates and utilization of a broader range of species.
Additionally, GFC will place more emphasis on improving the quality of produce available locally and internationally and will accelerate its efforts to promote more value added activities and encourage a reduction in log exports.
            “Emphasis will be placed on activities aimed at quantifying the environmental services provided by our standing forests and also exploring potential market opportunities for these services under the direction of the Government,” Minister Persaud said.
            He added that the Commission will continue to look at the development of plantation type forests and restoration of degraded areas.
            Another major focus for the GFC will be continued community forestry development through which attention will be given to not only coordination of more Community Forest Organizations but provision of technical support to them.
            Monitoring activities will also continue since an additional 50 forest rangers have already been recruited. There are plans to have a minimum of two officers at each large concession to ensure better monitoring of harvesting activities.
            There will be continued upgrading of GFC’s Geographical Information System (GIS) Unit to that more accurate and timely information can be provided to the sector and decision makers.
            It is expected that the new Forests Bill will be passed in 2008 allowing GFC to carry out further activities to guide the sector’s continued growth while there are plans for an aggressive public awareness campaign to educate stakeholders on the important role of GFC as it relates to the sustainable management of the forests.
The forestry sector plays a significant role in the country’s development particularly in the rural and hinterland communities where forestry activities generate income for many households and contribute to the national economy.

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