IN celebration of International Day of Forests, the Ministry of Natural Resources through the Guyana Forestry Commission on Friday hosted a brief ceremony and exhibition at the Watooka Guest House, Linden.
International Day of the Forest is typically observed on March 21st annually, and this year, under the theme, ‘Forests and Economies,’ Guyana joins in that celebration.
During the ceremony, it was said that Guyana is one of the leading voices in environmental stewardship, through strong policy guidance, strong forest-management practices and a robust system of forest management, forest monitoring, and timber tracking.
Additionally, Guyana has followed international best practices and guidance through the low-carbon development strategy, which has enabled us to sign on to a number of international agreements.
Guyana’s forestry sector has moved tremendously over the past years along the value chain, from being a primary producer, supplier and exporter of primary products, to one that has emerged and developed to a very “high-end and sophisticated sector and plays a major role in the country’s economic development.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, said that Guyana has truly balanced the model of economic development and environmental sustainability.
He said that while we continue to expand oil and gas and the mining sector, the government will continue to develop Guyana’s forestry sector.
“So, while we will continue to mine our gold and other minerals, we will do so in a responsible and a sustainable manner. While we continue to explore and produce hydrocarbons, we will do so in a responsible manner and fulfil demands as long as it exists,” Minister Bharrat expressed.
He continued, “We will also continue to expand the forestry sector, but in a responsible and sustainable manner, and move towards more value added, because at the end of the day we have a responsibility to the people of this country to ensure that you too can enjoy the comfortable life that you see many others are enjoying.”
According to the minister, the only way we can truly achieve this is if we explore and produce our natural resources in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Minister Bharrat stated that the most selfless act human beings can do in their lifetime is to plant a tree, which will not benefit us now, but the future generations to come.
