SinceThrough a series of comprehensive programmes and policies, Guyana’s forestry sector has experienced significant growth since 2020. In fact, production within forestry increased by over $15.6 billion.

Guyana’s forests are home to over 1,000 tree species, with several being commercially significant. The primary timber species harvested and exported include:

Wamara (Swartzia leiocalycina), also known as Brown Ebony or Ironwood
Greenheart (Chlorocardium rodiei)
Purpleheart (Peltogyne venosa)
Shibadan (Aspidosperma album)
Mora (Mora excelsa)
Kabukalli (Goupia glabra)
Darina (Hymenolobium flavum)
Tatabu (Diplotropis purpurea)
Tonka Bean (Dipteryx odorata)
Wamaradan (Dicorynia guianensis)
Wallaba (Eperua falcata and E. grandiflora)

These timbers are exported to various international markets. Logs are predominantly shipped to China and India, while sawn wood and other processed products reach a broader range of destinations. In 2019, the United States accounted for 22% of export value, followed by China (18%), India (7%), Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and the Netherlands (each 5%), New Zealand and Singapore (each 4%), and the United Kingdom (3%).

Georgetown serves as the main export port for these timber products.

Before 2020, the sector was struggling, with over 15,000 forestry jobs lost. Now, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali reports that the sector not only regained these jobs but expanded, employing over 25,000 people.

During a live broadcast, President Ali called this a remarkable recovery.

He noted that more than 550 small foresters now manage over 2.5 million hectares of land. Additionally, 22 medium-scale foresters operate on 2.7 million hectares. In total, more than five million hectares are being used by small and medium-sized foresters.

To support this growth, the government has opened new, high-profit markets for forestry products and ensures local standards meet global expectations. From 2021 to 2024, over 150 small forestry concessions and five large concessions were issued.

President Ali criticized the previous administration for imposing a 118% fee increase and applying VAT on machinery, equipment, exports, and hinterland travel, which harmed smaller foresters. His government removed these taxes and revised the log export policy, allowing sawmillers direct access to international markets.

A $900 million revolving fund was also created in 2022 to help small and medium-scale loggers. So far, 13 people have accessed nearly $300 million from this fund.

The president added that the PPP government rescued the forestry commission by paying off inherited debts and ensuring timely worker payments without delays.

Source: thestkittsnevisobserver.com