GLSC, GFC combine mapping and verification systems
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─ to meet legality of EU-FLEGT VPA
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, August 28, 2018
A new pilot project in Region Seven will seek to integrate and improve the mapping and verification system for the management of land leases and forest concessions.
The 12-month project between the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) was launched today with the hosting of an inception workshop for stakeholders at the GLSC headquarters, Durban Backlands.
GFC requested the collaboration as part of efforts to move forward the implementation of the European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Government and Trade (EU-FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA).
Chair of GLSC Board of Directors, Paulette Henry, noted that harmonising the two agencies’ work will allow for the GFC to meet its legality definition in Annex Two of the VPA while building the capacity of the GLSC in land information.
Henry noted the GLSC administers the leasing of state forests and minerals, a responsibility that is shared with GFC and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
“In preparing for the VPA it was recognised that there are key areas within the GLSC which is needed to be developed and expanded and which requires assistance in order to effectively execute the roles and responsibilities in relation to the VPA,” Henry said.
Guyana entered in the EU-FLEGT VAP negotiations in 2012 and is expected to initiate the agreement by the end of this year. The VPA is a trade agreement between the EU and Guyana to ensure the legal trade of timber between these countries, especially the United Kingdom.
Approximately 78 leases issued by the GLSC in Region Seven will be monitored and verified under the project which received grant funding of just under US$50,000 from the Food and Agriculture (FAO) FLEGT Direct Assistance Programme.
Tiffny Rhodius
Images: Karim Peters