EPA completes final three workshops under the EU FLEGT Programme
As part of the EU FLEGT Programme, the Environmental Protection Agencyconducted the final three workshops in Regions Three and Four. Seventy (70) participants from eleven (11) Community Forest Organisations benefited. These workshops were held at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) training facility in Yarrowkabra, Region Four and the Caria Caria Community Center, Region Three.
Through the FAO-EUFLEGT funded project “Providing Capacity Building Assistance to Community Forest Organizations (CFOs)on the Environmental Authorisation process in Guyana”, the Agency conducted twelve (12) workshops over a five (5) months period in eight(8) Of Guyana’s administrative regions. These workshops were attended by three hundred and nineteen (319) persons including loggers, community members, women and youths from forty eight (48) Community Forestry Organisations (CFOs).
This project utilised awareness and capacity building as a means of supporting Forest Operators on the process involved in obtaining an Environmental Authorisation in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana and the EUFLEGT-VPA legality definition (Annex11). This initiative involved a series of exploratory meetings in all relevant administrative regions followed by workshops with the identified stakeholders.
Throughout the workshops, participants were enlightened on the role and work of the EPA as well as the Environmental Authorisation process. CFO Representatives were also guided on how to properly complete the Environmental Authorisation application form. In addition, officers from EPA’s Waste Management and Air Quality programmes led practical exercises on noise, air quality and waste management. Officers engaged participants on the use of the noise meter and other equipment used in the fields; as well as, mitigation measures to protect human health and the environment. The Guyana Forestry Commission and Regional Offices were also represented at the workshops.
What is an Environmental Authorisation?
An Environmental Authorisation means an “Environmental permit, a prescribed process licence, a construction permit or an operations permit.” Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05, laws of Guyana. As is relates to forestry activities, it is a legally binding document to guide forest operators on best environmental practices before and during harvesting and utilisation of forest resources. The EPA is the only Agency in Guyana, with the Authority to grant Environmental Authorisation.
Do I still need an Environmental Authorisation if I have a Licence for the GFC?
Yes, although the Guyana Forestry Commission has jurisdiction for the forest, you still need an Environmental Authorisation to ensure all aspects of your operation protects human health and the environment.
Get Authorised!!!
The Agency advises all persons involved in developmental activities to be proactive and apply to the Agency for Environmental Authorisation to safeguard your health, the environmental and your investment. The Agency will be aggressively pursuing defaulters in 2019 and is advising all those persons who have expired permits to have them renewed promptly to avoid prosecution.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEAP Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
