GFC begins consultations for stricter forestry practices

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) hosted its first meeting with local stakeholders on Wednesday as it moves to establish a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) within the European Union (EU) aimed at realising stricter forestry practices that will see the exclusion of illegal timber from the market.

The consultations will also include informing the local interest groups about the European Union Forestry Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (EU FLEGT) programme and the soon to be implemented National Log Export Policy 2012-2014, a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release said. Eight sessions have been planned.

In his address to the gathering at the GFC Multi-Complex Hall in Kingston, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud said the move is part of the