THE Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) recently held a Seminar on Compliance for Licensing and the Code of Practice for Woodworking Facilities (Lumberyards and Sawmills) at the Multiplex Facility in Kingston, Georgetown. This initiative, facilitated by the Ministry of Natural Resources, aims to promote value addition and improve the quality of lumber produced by these facilities.

The seminar brought together Forest Sector Operators (FSOs), including sawmillers and lumberyard owners, who play a crucial role in the forest sector and the forest value chain. This segment is where primary value addition begins, before moving to further value-adding processes such as furniture making, woodworking, doors, flooring, decking, and prefabricated houses. The Ministry emphasised the importance of a steady supply of raw materials for value addition and secondary processing.
At the International Energy Conference and Expo last year, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, highlighted Guyana’s sustainable approach to energy sector development. He stressed that the key to maintaining a viable forestry sector while keeping deforestation rates low is through the production of value-added products. Bharrat noted the government’s efforts to create job opportunities for Guyanese and provide avenues for the private sector to offer goods and services.

Guyana employs several sustainable forestry practices to maintain the quality of its forests, as outlined in the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). These practices include exemplary codes of practice for timber harvesting, reduced-impact logging techniques, strong forest governance and legality practices, and meticulous pre- and post-harvesting planning. The forestry sector not only drives the economy but also demonstrates Guyana’s commitment to sustainable management.
In 2023, the GFC reported that Guyana produced approximately 446,000 cubic meters of timber products, sufficient to build more than 20,000 homes based on United States standards. Timber exports are expected to rise to US$31.4 million this year, marking a significant increase of approximately 53% (US$10.9 million).

Additionally, the forestry sector generated a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately US$86.32 million in 2023. With an anticipated growth of 3.9% this year, the sector’s GDP is projected to increase to around US$89.68 million, driven by sustainable practices and increased timber production.
While the forestry sector is vital for Guyana’s growing economy, the country’s forests also play a crucial role in the global fight against climate change. The seminar underscores the importance of sustainable practices and quality improvement in ensuring the long-term viability and success of Guyana’s forestry sector.