1.0 Introduction
The forestry sector
is another major economic contributor to the national economy, bringing
in a significant portion of the gross domestic product. This is
seen as a viable business for Guyana's forests contain many valuable species
of wood and is known for its hardwoods such as the Greenheart and
Purpleheart species
which are found mainly in Guyana.
1.1 Problems associated
with logging 
Though exploitation
of natural resources is necessary for Guyana's economic growth, the methods used
to extract them is the deciding factor in maintaining the health of the
environment and ensuring sustainable development. In relation to forestry,
there are methods which foresters can employ to extract timber and at the same
time keeping adverse impacts to a minimum - sustainable forestry. This will ensure that there
are more trees for future extraction. Keeping impacts on species of flora and
fauna at a minimum is also in the interest of foresters as many of these species
are vital for the propagation and growth
of commerically important trees species.
If logging activities
are not effectively managed, it can result in loss of species - both
plant and animal; as well as the erosion of topsoil which can lead to nutrient
loss, blocking of water
channels and eventual flooding. The water ways in the locations can also
be affected by siltation of the water, thus affecting the aquatic plant
and animal life as well as causing other problems downstream. In addition
the general degradation of the land, it is possible that the conditions
especially that of clear felling, or excessive felling, can lead to desertification
or a drastic change in the vegetative cover as well as the physical environment,
i.e. topography. Even carefully managed
logging activities have adverse effects with skid trails, access roads
and felling. Effects can also be anthropogenic, and in this case affect the
livelihood of the Indigenous people who live in or near to the areas being
logged. Sometimes conflicts occur between the Indigenous people and forestry concessions,
sometimes concessions granted to logging companies containing settlements.
One major non timber
product being harvested in Guyana is the heart of palm or the cabbage palm.
It is harvested from the Manicole Palm which grows in the interior forests
of the country. Foreign firms pay the indigenous people a meager sum for
every bundle of the harvest. This is a growing issue as the palm itself
is listed on the ICUN's red list of
threatened species.
1.2 Impacts of improper
practices on Guyana's economy
With today's higher level of environmental awareness
ion the international level, certain conditions and restrictions are now placed
by western countries upon the importation
of timber. If the wood is from an endangered specie of tree or not certified as being
harvested by environmentally friendly methods, then entry into the market will
be refused. Countries such such as Guyana who depend on this commodity as a
major income earner, must re-examine
their logging methods. If certain requirements are not satisfied,
they will loose a significant portion of the national earnings. Meanwhile, this
measure will hopefully encourage more sustainable logging in Guyana and
worldwide.
 |
| Plate
1. Forest trail from Linden to Annai. |
Home