Financial downturn pushes forest body to seek help

May 14, 2009 News

In view of the present global financial and market crisis, the Forest Products Association (FPA) is seeking strong partnership and support from the government and other stakeholders.

A release from the FPA stated that it remains committed to sustaining the forest sector for the benefit of the country.

It adds that the current slump in the global housing markets has had a direct impact on Guyana’s timber export, demand and pricing.

This has already been voiced by the local manufacturing and shipping industries. The forestry sector is a very volatile market at the moment with no guarantees.

“It is during this dire state that we seek the strong partnership of the government of Guyana other stakeholders.”

According to the release, the FPA is cognisant and committed to the importance of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) and shares the internationally accepted broad base view on the matter.

“Our understanding of SFM is that it addresses the social, environmental and economical aspects of forestry practices.

Often times, the release added, the latter is overlooked which has a direct impact on the social and even the environmental aspects.

“Our goal and vision is to achieve this quality of practice but the enabling environment will be established and maintained.”

This, the FPA contends, necessitates a participatory forest management approach whereby a medium that facilitates open, fearless and profession discussion is established.

It also stated that resorting to mere theoretical approaches can prove to be counter-productive and detrimental for the survival and growth of this industry.

“All parties must remain open-minded and try to appreciate each others needs in order to better manage one of the nation’s most valuable resources.”

Therefore, it adds, the FPA will continue to seek the intervention of the government to review the Guyana Forestry Commission’s practices in managing and regulating the forestry sector especially during this current global financial crisis and market crisis.

According to the release, the FPA hopes to engage Minister Robert Persaud to discuss areas where we can be given some immediate relief to cope with the current challenges.

“The FPA would like to assure that despite the present global financial crisis where companies are failing or on the verge of doing so that FPA member companies are prepared to make sacrifices to sustain the sector to minimise retrenchment of employees.”