Guyana’s National Forest Restoration Initiative (NFRI) is making significant strides with over 2,500 trees already planted as part of the government’s efforts to restore degraded and deforested areas across the country.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, acknowledged the financial challenges of the project but emphasized its necessity for the development of the forestry sector. “It is a costly venture, but it is a necessary one. We are focusing on reclaiming and reforesting many mined-out areas, particularly in the bauxite belt,” the minister stated during a mid-year press conference held at the Guyana Forestry Commission Complex in Kingston, Georgetown.
The initiative has already begun to take root in Linden, where over 2,500 trees have been planted across 20 to 30 acres of land. The project will continue to expand into other mined-out areas in Region 10, as well as in Regions One, Six, and Eight, particularly around the Mahdia township.
The reforestation effort includes planting native species such as kabukalli, soft wallaba, tauroniro, simarupa, baromalli, bloodwood, and awati. This initiative is a key component of the government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which aims to promote a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
To support the reforestation activities, the ministry established two seedling stations earlier this year—one at the Yarrowkabra Training Centre along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway and another in Wismar, Linden. Community involvement is central to the project, with youths from West Watooka, Silvertown, and Half-Mile receiving training in seedling collection, care and management of seedling stations, out-planting, and monitoring and management of restoration sites.
Minister Bharrat also highlighted the completion of the National Forest Inventory last year, which will enable more efficient management of the forestry sector. “This inventory will enhance how we manage the forestry sector and the allocation of forestry concessions,” he said.
Additionally, the Guyana Forestry Commission has been collaborating with the European Union on a promising mangrove restoration and protection project. The minister underscored the importance of this initiative, particularly in light of Guyana’s vulnerable coastline and the threat posed by rising sea levels.