Minister of Natural Resources Concludes 3rd JMRC Meeting on FLEGT VPA

This morning at Duke Lodge, Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, delivered the closing remarks for the third meeting of the Joint Monitoring and Review Committee (JMRC) of the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT VPA).

The Government of Guyana (GoG) reaffirms its dedication to the FLEGT VPA, ratified in 2023.

This agreement continues to yield significant benefits in forest management, utilization, and market access, both locally and internationally. The JMRC, responsible for overseeing the implementation of the agreement, convenes biannually to provide critical updates, address challenges, and seek resolutions.

Minister Bharrat emphasized the importance of these biannual meetings, noting their role in ensuring effective oversight and implementation of the agreement. “We value the efforts required to organize and execute these meetings every six months,” he stated. “These gatherings offer a valuable space for key updates and the discussion of challenges, as well as potential solutions.”

The event was attended by a distinguished group of officials and stakeholders, including the EU Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Rene Van Ness; Mr. Edward Goberdhan, Commissioner of Forests; Mr. Joan Nadal Sastre, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation (EUD); members of the EU Delegation; international partners; members of the National Implementation Working Group (NIWG); members of the press; special invitees; and staff of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

(Ministry of Natural Resources)