The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) renewed a State Forest Permit (SFP) to Batavia, Region Seven, after the village council reapplied for it to allow residents to utilise the land for economic activities.

A press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said Batavia is 8,853 acres and the government has granted the permit to propel the development of hinterland communities through the equitable distribution of state forests. The Ministry of Agriculture has also approved the re-issuance of the SFP and residents are expected to use the land to generate incomes, create employment and promote growth.

The village council met with GFC officers and residents to discuss forestry matters and agreed on an action plan to guide the operations of the forestry concession. The community also received bait for acoushi ants which affect crop cultivation.

Residents were also told of plans to promote agricultural development in the area and they sought clarification on issues affecting them. Batavia was given an SFP in 2004 and 2006.

GINA said over the years the GFC has allocated SFPs to several Amerindian communities including Capoey in Region Two, Port Kaituma in Region One and Linden in Region Ten. SFPs are granted for a period of two years and do not exceed 8,000 hectares. To qualify communities must form associations that are linked to the local authorities such as the neighbourhood democratic councils in rural areas and the village councils in the hinterland.

In December the Rupununi Loggers’ Association was allocated its first SFP for 15,000 acres of land around the Annai area. Orealla also had its SFP renewed last year. GINA said these measures are part of the government’s initiatives to promote sustainable development of the forestry sector, which contributes about 6% to the gross domestic product and employs about 25,000 persons.