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– Agri MinisterThere is no widespread illegal logging in Guyana, officials say. Rather,Connor McDavid Team North America Jersey, there may be localized cases where persons would cut down a tree for personal use.Responding to questions Monday on the incidence of illegal logging,Pierre Pilote Jersey, Minister of Agriculture,ED Belfour Jersey, Robert Persaud, said that from all indications, it has been found that permission was not granted by the authorities, and these are very isolated cases. He disputed reports that commercial illegal logging is prevalent.To further prevent even these isolated cases, the Guyana Forestry Commission is doling out hefty fines to guilty parties.While the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has no direct control over what happens in the Amerindian-owned forests lands, the state-owned entity has still been advising the hinterland residents over best practices to ensure that sustainable forestry operations become a must.Recently, there have been criticisms that Guyana’s deforestation rate has climbed since Norway signed a lucrative US$250M deal to ensure that the country preserves its forests.According to Persaud, the GFC has introduced policies that allow for a number of training programmes for Amerindians and others,Jaromir Jagr Jersey, once they are requested. The regulatory body has also made its training centre in Kingston available for this purpose.Regarding monitoring,Sergei Bobrovsky Jersey, the Minister disclosed that while the GFC has no direct jurisdiction over some of the Amerindian forest lands,Kevin Shattenkirk Jersey, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the government-appointed Special Land Use Committee, which has been tasked with developing measures for better mining,Travis Moen Jersey, are all geared to improve the situation.The Guyana Forestry Commission across the country,Joe Mullen Jersey, has some 25 fixed stations and officers in the larger concessions to monitor activities. In addition,Artem Anisimov Jersey, there are scores of monitoring activities being carried out as part of the commission’s mandate. |
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