Guyana can comfortably produce over 1,000,000 cubic metres of timber without interrupting conservation efforts, but the country’s current production level is just about 400,000 cubic metres.
This disclosure was made by Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Commissioner James Singh on Thursday, during a Performance Review Workshop held by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, at which the heads of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) also made presentations.
Singh said that while a much larger production volume can be achieved, Guyana has never seen production levels above 500,000 cubic metres. Nevertheless, the deficient production level contributed US$40.1 million to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) last year, and saw its highest ever figure of US$56.8Million in 2008. “The sector can do much more, and 2013 brings initiatives to improve production,” said Singh as he laid out steps that have been taken and will be taken during the current year to fill the gap that has long existed in the local forestry industry.
Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud said that these gaps have been recognised and remedying them will be one of the ministry’s priorities during 2013. He said
