THE Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), has announced the commencement of the National Forest Restoration Initiative (NFRI).

This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Guyana’s commitment to building a low-carbon economy through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, the agencies said in a joint statement on Monday.
The NFRI aims to implement a coordinated approach to forest restoration, focusing on mined out, degraded, and deforested areas across the country.

By utilising native tree species for reforestation efforts, the initiative seeks to rejuvenate Guyana’s natural landscapes while promoting sustainable forestry and low-impact mining practices.
“Works have commenced in Region 10 in the Dakoura area, where approximately 23.3 hectares of land will soon be replanted with native species,” the joint statement revealed.

Among the species selected for the pilot phase are Tauroniro, Simarupa, Baromalli, Bloodwood, Awati, Kabukalli, Trysil, Kaditiri, Soft Wallaba, Futui, and Fukadi. To date, 1,484 seedlings of these 11 species have been planted over 11 hectares, with plans to plant an additional 1,660 seedlings by February 2024.

To facilitate these ambitious efforts, two Seedling Stations have been established at the Yarrowkabra Training Centre and in Wismar Linden. These stations will serve as crucial hubs for hardening seedlings collected from natural forests before they are transplanted to restoration sites.

A cornerstone of the NFRI is its focus on community involvement and capacity building. Youths from the West Watooka, Silvertown, and Half-Mile areas have been trained in seedling collection, care, out-planting, and restoration site management.

“Three individuals from these communities are currently working with the NFRI team to manage the Wismar Seedling Station and the Dakoura Pilot Site,” the statement highlighted, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to empowering local communities.

As the NFRI progresses, the team is also conducting data collection to analyse the performance of both the species and the restoration sites. This information will be invaluable in refining methodologies and guiding future restoration initiatives.

“Overall, the NFRI, – and by extension, the LCDS 2030 – stands as a beacon of hope for restoring Guyana’s ecosystems while empowering local communities. Through its holistic approach and ongoing community involvement, it not only addresses environmental concerns but also lays the groundwork for a more resilient and harmonious future in the region,” the joint statement said.