GFC promotes use of lesser used timber species in Guyana

The Natural Resources Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), on Monday hosted a public awareness session to promote the use of Lesser Used Species (LUS) of timber found in Guyana.

The event, which was hosted at the GFC Multiplex in Kingston, Georgetown, was aimed at educating stakeholders on the existence and benefits of LUS, while encouraging the integration of these unconventional choices into both the local and international markets.

Delivering the feature address at the public awareness session, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman highlighted the significance of Guyana’s forestry sector.

“Guyana is internationally recognised as a source of legally sourced and sustainably managed forest produce. Our prime commercial timbers are internationally renowned for their durability, density, decorative and aesthetically pleasing characteristics.”

However, he went on to say, “It is also factual that although Guyana possesses an excess of 1000 tree species, there is an overreliance on using about 30 traditional commercial species only.”

As such, Trotman noted that the Government was currently reviewing several building policies, which will facilitate the use of the lesser known local lumber, not only to minimise the cost of construction but as an effort to add value to Guyanese timber.

Also speaking at the LUS session was the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) President Shyam Nokta, who indicated that there has been a decline in the forestry sector in the recent years. With that, Nokta highlighted the benefits of incorporating LUS into the market.

“From an economic standpoint, it makes sense. It will help to widen the options that are present to markets and to make use of a wider range of available timber species,” Nokta pointed out.

Moreover, the GMSA President noted, “From an environmental standpoint, it will help to reduce the pressures on species that currently enjoy high demand in the markets and thereby allow for fewer threatened or vulnerable species.” This, he stated, will enhance and protect the standing forests that exist in Guyana.

The speakers all highlighted that owing to challenges such as lack of information, strategy and unwillingness on the public’s behalf, these LUS have been unable to thrive despite their compatibility, especially when compared to the traditional choices. As such, the session on Monday served to design and implement an action plan, which will see successful integration of the wide variety of Guyanese timber in the international market. It also forged collaborations with the Government and other public, as well as private, stakeholders to ensure that the vision of expanding the timber varieties used in construction in Guyana is realised.

Among the LUS which were promoted at the event were Fukadi, Dalli and Wadara, which can be used for furniture, interior and exterior designs and light carpentry. Additionally, there were Limonaballi, Burada and Morabukea used for heavy construction and Darina, Dakamaballi and Wamara, perfect for flooring and wall panelling. These are to be incorporated with top species such as Greenheart and mora which are popular exports from Guyana.