(openPR) - Forestry Research Associates (FRA), a research and analysis consultancy, has reported on the decision from the Guyana Forestry Commission to introduce new restrictions on the export of logs and lumber.

Seattle, WA, August 26, 2011 -- Forestry Research Associates (FRA), a research and analysis consultancy, has reported on the decision from the Guyana Forestry Commission to introduce new restrictions on the export of logs and lumber.

FRA said the decision has been a somewhat controversial one as some of the forestry industry operators, and particularly the firms that carry out the exports themselves, claim they were not consulted on the decision.

The Forestry Minister, Robert Persaud, explained the decision to Demerera Waves Online News: “It is not a total ban but it is to ensure that we have adequate supplies for the local market and we have much more value added activity being done.”

The restriction on the export of logs will be implemented as of 1 September, according to FRA, whose analysis partner, Peter Collins, stated, “Although we understand the need for Guyana to ensure it has adequate stocks of timber for domestic use, the decision to restrict the export of logs to the extent that it has is causing some major concern in the industry.”

FRA added that the forestry industry accounts for ten per cent of the country’s GDP and, as such, the export ban could threaten the economy. Local forestry firms are calling for the government to deal with the increased demand at home by upping production, rather than banning exports. Mr Collins added, “It seems that a more sensible approach to meeting domestic demand in Guyana would be further investment in developing the country’s sustainable forestry industry in order to grow production and ensure that the people of Guyanna benefit as demand grows.”

FRA cited the successful sustainable forestry investment projects being run in Brazil, such as those operated by Greenwood Management, which help supply timber for the domestic market as well as more than enough for export.

Bulkan Timber Works Inc’s owner James Bulkan, told Demerera that he would have to close his lumber woks and may have to lay off 300 staff if the ban goes ahead in its current form. He suggested that the government could have given producers an ultimatum to put ten per cent of their logs aside for domestic users, or face a ban on exports.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
206-316-8394
info@forestry-research.com
www.forestry-research.com

Forestry Research Associates (FRA), a research and analysis consultancy, has reported on the decision from the Guyana Forestry Commission to introduce new restrictions on the export of logs and lumber.