Press Release
EPA conducts workshop for Community Forest Organisations in Region 7
February 20th, 2019–Thirty four (34)participants representing Community Forest Organisation (CFOs) and Youth groups benefited from a capacity building workshop inBartica, Region 7, on Wednesday February 14, 2019. This workshop which was held in the Boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council,Region 7, focused on sensitisingCommunity Forest Operators on the Environmental Authorisation process. This was the sixth workshop under the European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (EU FLEGT) programme executed by the Environmental Protection Agency. The overall aim of the programme is to ensure all Community Forest Operators become authorised in keeping with the Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05, laws of Guyana.
Participants from the Bartica, Itabali and other surrounding villages in the region 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, a nearby Sawmill and Lumber yard was the site for the practical aspect of the workshop. Officers from the Agencyconducted practical exercises on noise monitoring, and highlighted best practices methods observed during a walk-through of the operations. Officers engaged participants on the major areas of concerns for the Agency and recommended mitigation measures to protect human health and the environment. Representatives from the Guyana Forestry Commission and Regional Democratic Council also participated in the workshop.
Further, the EPA reminds the general public that before harvesting and utilisation of forest resources, an Operator must first seek approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
