Project/activity information

The world is has become more aware and is promoting sustainable utilization of forest resources because of its role in mitigating against the impacts of climate change, hence there is the need to promote greater efficiency and address problems along the entire value chain of forest resource utilization, so as to ensure that the users of the resource achieve maximum benefit.

The Guyana Forestry Sector, through Guyana Forestry Commission has come a long way in charting a course for the sector’s development. Over the past 10 years, the sector has, by and large, concentrated on primary production, with very little emphasis on downstream value-adding. This has been due, in large measure, to the lack of industry capacity to move down the value adding chain. A comprehensive and integrated programme for the wood processing sector of Guyana is essential for the efficient and sustainable utilization of forest resources.

The Government of Guyana has embarked on a Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), where it is promoting increased processing and value-added production from its forest resources as the means to obtain greater benefits from utilization of the nation’s forest resources, and at the same time reduce deforestation and forest degradation. This focus of the Government is detailed in many policy documents produced by the Government of Guyana namely: The Low Carbon Development Strategy, Forest Act of 2009, National Forest Policy Statement of 2011 and National; Forest Plan of 2011 and is enhanced through the development of a Code of Practice for Wood Processing (Sawmills and Lumberyards) under a GFC/ITTO project: PD 513/08 (Rev.1 (I), titled “Enhancing the capacity of the wood processing sector to improve efficiency and add value in Guyana”

Guyana’s wood processing sector’s capacity to produce quality products needs strengthening, for increased efficiency and sustainable utilization of forest resources to be achieved. Enhanced capacity building and supporting policies along the industry value chain will encourage more efficient economic and sustainable utilization of the forest resource, thereby reducing wastage, pressure on the environment, whilst maximizing the market potential of Guyana’s wood products.

This project will serve to build the capacity of stakeholders (Management, Operators and Regulators) within the sector to improve sustainability, efficiency and competitiveness, and enhance the national system for inspection and certification that will facilitate local sale and export of lumber.