Despite a statement by logging company Baishanlin that it has only “upgraded” old roads and trails through existing forest concessions, it has been pointed out that a previous study had indicated the need to construct at least 180 kilometres of new roads through intact forests in the areas where the company now operates.
The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Sherwood Forrest Inc (SFI) which is controlled by Baishanlin had noted the need for a 250 km access road to the concession of which 180 km would be new road through intact forests. The ESIA was done in 2010 and updated in 2012. The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) board had approved a joint venture between Baishanlin and SFI in August 2009.
The controversial road in the Region Six forest “upgraded” by Baishanlin this year is now close to the Sherwood concession and an impact study is only now being done. The Sherwood concession adjoins other concessions owned by Baishanlin. One source with knowledge of the matter said that Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) officials had spoken of trails that were used to access rubber trees for balata decades ago being upgraded but pointed out that these would have
