EPA conducts workshop for Community Forestry Organisations in Region 2
January 08, 2018 – Thirty (30) representatives from Community Forest Organisation (CFOs) in Region 2, participated in a capacity building workshop on Friday, January 04, 2019. This workshop which was held in the Boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council in Region 2 and focused on sensitising Community Forest Operators on Environmental Authorisation process. This was the third 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 Section 14 of the Environmental Act. In accordance with Section 14 of the Environmental Protection Act Cap. 20:05, laws of Guyana, before development consent is granted, in this case harvesting and utilisation of forest resources, an Operator must first seek approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This approval is in the form of an Environmental Authorisation which is a legally binding document to guide forest operators on best environmental practices before and during harvesting and utilisation of forest resources.
Participants from the Pameroon-Supenaam 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 EPA’s Waste Management and Air Quality programmes led practical exercises on noise, air quality and waste management. 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.
The next workshop will be held at the Learning Resources Centre in Mabaruma, Region 1 during January 09-11, 2019.
