The Ministry of Natural Resources is expected to benefit from a €1.3 boost in funding for forest governance after signing on Friday, an Aide Mémoire with the European Union (EU) under its Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA). This is considered a pivotal part of the Forest Law and Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) action plan.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, facilitated the agreement during the second Joint Monitoring and Review Committee (JMRC) meeting at the Guyana Forestry Commission. Minister Bharrat emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to the VPA, acknowledging its considerable contributions to date and its promising benefits for the future.
“The JMRC is ultimately responsible for the agreement’s implementation, offering crucial oversight in the process,” Minister Bharrat said.
He highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum in the implementation phase, despite another document being ratified under the VPA. “The current joint implementation framework outlines essential activities for the success of the license issuance. Adherence to these timelines is crucial, necessitating increased effort from all involved parties,” the minister elaborated.
Minister Bharrat also urged stakeholders to collaborate in operationalizing the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System (GTLAS), which forms the core of the VPA. He further affirmed the government’s commitment to legal and sustainable forestry practices, deeming the FLEGT VPA crucial for the sector’s development.
Significantly, Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana, Rene Van Nes, revealed an increase in the EU’s financial support to Guyana. “Acknowledging your excellent progress in implementing the VPA, the EU has decided to enhance its contribution. Initially set at €2.5 million, the funding has now been increased to €3.8 million,” Van Nes announced.
Moreover, Van Nes disclosed that the agreement would bring immense benefits to Guyana and its local counterparts, including additional resources like an Information Technology system. This system will enable online monitoring of forestry procedures, further strengthening the sector.
Initiated in 2009 with formal negotiations in 2012, the FLEGT VPA was ratified and officially signed in early 2023. It aims to ensure that Guyanese timber is EU-certified, adhering to the highest standards of sustainable forest management, thereby enhancing Guyana’s economic gains in the forestry sector.
