National Forest Policy Statement

The National Forest Policy Statement (1997)

A new National Forest Policy was approved by the Government in 1997. This is the first official policy statement since 1953 and was developed over a period of two years through a process that involved extensive consultation with interest groups. The new policy responds to significant changes in Guyana's economic, social and political environment over the last fifty years and addresses the country's national and global responsibility for the sustainable management of the forests. The policy recognizes the vital role of the forests in maintaining the earth's climate and ecosystems and that they are an increasingly important source of income and wealth for national development. Forest laws are being reviewed and updated to support the implementation of the new policy.

The overall objective of Guyana's National Forestry Policy is:

The conservation, protection, management and utilization of the nations forest resources, while ensuring that the productive capacity of the forests for both goods and services is maintained or enhance.

Specific objectives are to:

promote sustainable and efficient forest activities which utilize the broad range of forest resources and contribute to national development while allowing fair returns to local and foreign entrepreneurs.

Achieve improved sustainable forest resource yields while ensuring the conservation of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the environment.

Ensure watershed protection and rehabilitation: prevent an arrest the erosion of soils and the degradation of forests, grazing and reforestation; and protect the forest against fire, pests and other hazards.

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