LOGGING IS sometimes used in a narrow sense in relation to the entire process of moving wood from the stump to somewhere outside the forest, usually, a sawmill or lumber yard. Conventional selective logging can damage up to fifteen (15) times the number of timber trees felled, and lead to significant changes in the dynamics of forest community and wildlife habitats. To minimize this effect and promote more sustainable logging practices, reduced-impact logging (RIL) is being practised and encouraged in all logging operations.  This initiative has led to a significant reduction of tree mortality and minimized destruction to the forest environment. Why Log?
Loggers harvest timber so that we can have paper, wood and many other products that come from trees. Recycling of paper and wood has certain benefits, but not all wood or paper can be recycled, and not all products can be manufactured from recycled material. There is, therefore, need for the renewable resource of raw wood and fibre that only trees can produce.
The primary benefit of recycling is the reduction of the amount of waste that is deposited into landfills, and is not necessarily intended to replace the growth and harvest of trees for the utilization of forest products.
Preserving some areas of forest may also be appropriate, if the purpose is for reasons other than to grow trees. However, it is important to recognize that trees do not live forever. If they are managed through scientific forestry principles, and harvested in accordance to best management practices (BMPs), trees can provide an abundance of renewable natural resource materials after being harvested, while also providing many environmental benefits.
RIL, for example, typically involves a 100-per cent pre-harvest tree inventory, which is used to ensure the efficient planning of log extraction routes, vine cutting to prevent damage to connecting trees, directional felling as well as a number of methods which ensure minimal waste and maximum efficiency.
Logging and forests
Forests harvested using RIL methods maintain forest wildlife communities that are almost similar to those in undisturbed forests. Generally, logged forests result in high rates of faunal species loss. This not only has implications for biodiversity conservation, but also long-term forest dynamics since many forest species play vital roles as seed dispersers, pollinators and ecosystem engineers.
Additionally, forests harvested using RIL help to sustain the economic, social and environmental aspects of timber harvesting.
In Guyana, about 80 per cent of the country is covered by forest, and a large portion of this remains untouched, with deforestation rates being considerably low. In other parts of the world, however, forestry operations have shifted dramatically, with intensified logging operations and more damage on forests occurring in recent times. Rapid rates of timber harvesting has led to substantial negative impacts on forest environments and ecosystems, as well as soil degradation, diminished water quality, and threat to species biodiversity.
In recognition of the economic value of the forests, along with an increased awareness concerning tropical forest degradation, Guyana has developed specific policies, principles and guidelines to improve forest practices. As a developing country, Guyana’s  forest resources are a major natural asset, which can be utilised to obtain revenue needed for the growth and development of the country. Through the Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), the country is challenged to maintain forests to help in the global fight against climate change, and receive financial resources for doing so.
The LCDS and forests

Under the LCDS, it is foreseen that forest‐related activities will not be required to stop.  The sector will, however, be required to strictly comply with standards set by the mining, forestry
and environmental laws and international best practices. Additionally, the Strategy will not affect Amerindian subsistence and traditional use of the forests. Through the Strategy, payment is being sought from the international community to maintain our forests. The revenues accrued to Guyana would support ‘green’ investments in: Low-carbon economic infrastructure; low-
carbon economic sectors; and communities and human capital.

Sources: http://www.biodiversityscience.com/2011/07/25/biodiversity-impacts-logging-guyana/
http://www.entrepreneurstoolkit.org/index.php?title=Reduced_Impact_Logging_in_Guyana
www.lcds.gov.gy
You can share ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email eit.epaguyana@gmail.com