Through a forest co-operation agreement with Guyana, the European Union will assist in sourcing a digital tracking system for this country’s timber and the programme will be launched soon, EU Ambassador to Guyana René van Nes last evening announced.
“The development of a comprehensive digital wood tracking system…will be launched soon. The digital system will replace the (comprehensive) paper-based system currently used. This completely digitalised system will be used by the Guyana Forestry Commis-sion to track wood products in near real-time, thereby allowing it to monitor legal compliance of Forest Sector Operators (FSOs) more effectively and efficiently,” he said during his address at an event to commemorate Europe Day, held last evening at the Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown.
He pointed out that a very important aspect of the EU’s co-operation with Guyana was that of the Forest Partnership.
With Guyana being one of three countries worldwide and the only one on the South American continent that has both a Forest Partnership and a FLEGT [Forest Law Enforce-ment Governance and Trade] Partnership with the EU, van Nes said that the EU’s aim is to together work “to use and enjoy the forests sustainably, while preserving them for generations to come.”
Using the Iwokrama Rain-forest Centre in Region Eight as an example where sustainable measures are in place, he saw firsthand sustainable forestry in practice, at a sawmill there.
Wamara
“They showed me some beautiful Wamara wood, a species that is not commercially harvested at the moment because there is no market for it. I immediately ordered a desk out of this wood, which will sit proudly in our new office in Georgetown as a confirmation that sustainable forestry is achievable,” he said.
Some projects are so successful, the EU Ambassador noted, that they receive additional funds.
“One of my personal favourites is the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, which (will receive) an additional Euro 1.8 million over the next years. This project ensures a sustainable future for wildlife, while supporting Indigenous communities in the Rupununi to maintain access to food in a safe and secure way,” he stated.
“This project has published a beautiful book titled Wildlife and People in the Rupununi which is a collection of engaging articles on the technical and scientific work completed by this programme. One key message of the book is the importance of empowering communities to become stewards in the conservation, management and sustainable use of their wildlife. This successful project has been implemented by FAO,” he added.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips who attended the event given that President Irfaan Ali is currently on duty out of town was presented with the first copy of the book.
For his part, Phillips said that the European Union has been a valued friend and developmental partner of this country for decades and this is predicated on the respect for democracy, human rights, the environment and the promotion of sustainable development. He said that cooperation and collaboration over the years has advanced across many sectors, resulting in beneficial cooperation in areas including trade and investment, forestry, coastal zone management and climate change initiatives. That the EU is an important trading partner and a valued source of foreign direct investment, was also highlighted.
It was also again stated that Guyana has asked the EU to observe the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
“Guyana looks forward to strengthening trade and investment ties with Europe under the CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). With the spectacular growth in our local economy, we are encouraged and heartened by the growing interest being shown by European investors in our economy. Moreover, the EU continues to play a significant role in supporting Guyana’s development priorities through assistance that has bolstered improvements in critical sectors such as health and forestry. Our recent collaboration, under the Global Gateway Initiative underscores our shared commitment to protecting natural resources and fostering sustainable development in indigenous communities. This support being provided under this initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to contributing to the socio-economic development of Guyana while fostering sustainable development,” the Prime Minister said.
“The European Union has long demonstrated its commitment to transparent and credible electoral processes. This commitment reflects its broader dedication to democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law, good governance and the promotion of inclusive and participatory political systems. Guyana remains resolute in upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law, as evidenced by our continued invitation to EU election observation missions to our country,” he added.
