EU FOREST LAW ENFORCEMENT GOVERNANCE AND TRADE

Stakeholder Consultation Session on FLEGT in Regions Two, Four, Seven, and Ten. Georgetown, Essequibo, Berbice, , Jawalla, Annai, and

Draft Report

Kenny David Head, FLEGT Secretariat Assistant Commissioner of Forests Forestry Commission Prepared; October 10th,2015 This project has been funded with support from the Department For International Development (DFID). This communication reflects the views only of the author. DFID cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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CONTENTS

List of Acronyms...... ….. 3 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………. .5 Purpose of Session …………………………………………………………………………………6 Summary of Sessions …………………………….……………….………………………………..7 Stakeholder Feedback……………………………………..…………………………………………….12 Content of Presentations………………………………...………………………………………………33 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………....………………42 Next Steps………………………………………………………………………………………..………42 Pictures of Sessions………………………………………………………………………………………43

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List of Acronyms

COMSTRAT - Communication Strategy COP - Code of Practice CDC - Community Development Council DFID - Department For International Development DCoF - Deputy Commissioner of Forests EU - European Union EFI - European Forest Institute EUTR - European Union Timber Regulations EC - Export Certificate FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FLEGT - Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade FPDMC - Forest Products Development and Marketing Council FTCI - Forestry Training Centre Inc. FSC - Forest Stewardship Council FMO - Forest Management Organization/Operator GFC - Guyana Forestry Commission GGMC - Guyana Geology and Mines Commission GTLAS - Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System GPS - Global Positioning System GYD - Guyana Dollars GLD - Guyana Legality Definition GRA - Guyana Revenue Authority IPC - Indigenous Peoples’ Commission IA - Independent Auditor IFM - Independent Forest Monitoring

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JMRC - Joint Monitoring and Review Committee LCDS - Low Carbon Development Strategy MOIPA - Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs NTWG - National Technical Working Group NTC - National Toshaos’ Council NIS - National Insurance Scheme PPEs - Personal Protective Equipment REDD+ - Reduce Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation SFP - State Forest Permission TMC - Timber Marketing Certificate TIN - Tax Identification Number VC - Village Council VLO - Verified Legal Origin VPA - Voluntary Partnership Agreement WTS - Wood Tracking System

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Introduction

Illegal logging and its associated trade are responsible for loss of revenue, environmental and social damage worldwide. In recognition of its contribution to this global issue, the EU in 2003 developed its FLEGT Action Plan. An important aspect of this Action Plan is the development of Voluntary Partnership Agreements with timber producing countries, the aim of which is, to ensure that only legally produced timber and timber products are exported to the EU. Under this arrangement a country voluntarily enters into the VPA process and after proceeding through the different phases, the agreement becomes law with the EU and the partner country. Several countries in West Africa, South East Asia, Central America and South America have since signaled their intention to enter into the VPA process and eventually signing a VPA. In South America, Guyana has been the first country to enter the VPA process. In 2012, after a series of engagements with key internal and external stakeholders, the Government of Guyana made a policy decision to enter the VPA process with the EU and envisaged eventual signing of a VPA in 2017. Since this decision, a series of initial follow up activities were undertaken in Guyana: an assessment of Guyana’s Legality Assurance System was completed, the National Technical Working Group was formed to steer the VPA process, stakeholder engagement activities were conducted and the FLEGT Secretariat was set- up to support the NTWG in advancing the VPA process. In pursuing this process, Guyana aims to formulate a pragmatic VPA which captures the parameters of strong forest governance, sound environmental principles, legality and wide stakeholder input. Three negotiations have been held, the first was held in 2012, the second in 2013-2014 and the third in 2015. Additionally, several annexes (Annexes I, II, III, IV, VI, X) of the VPA have been developed and are in their draft form. Two projects; the Scoping of Impacts Assessment and the Communication and Consultation Strategy have been completed and stakeholder engagement activities, a critical component of the VPA process, have continued. Subsequent to the second negotiation, the National Technical Working Group commenced work in June 2015. The 3rd round of National Level FLEGT Consultation Sessions aimed at updating stakeholders on the proceedings of the third Negotiation while receiving their feedback on the VPA process and various VPA annexes that were drafted. This document reports on nine of those sessions held in Region one, seven, eight, nine and ten; Essequibo, Berbice, Imbaimadai, Jawalla, Annai, Karasabai and Kamarang in 2015.

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Purpose of the FLEGT Session

The Sessions were designed to achieve the following: 1. To introduce, enhance knowledge and share general information on EU FLEGT

2. To present and gather feedback on the following updated documents: a) Annex 1 - Product Scope b) Annex II - Guyana Legality Definition (4th Draft) c) Annex III - Conditions Governing the Release for Free Circulation in the Union of Timber Products Exported from Guyana and Covered by a FLEGT License d) Annex IV- Requirements and Technical Specifications for FLEGT Licenses e) Annex VI - Terms of Reference for Independent Audit of the TLAS. f) Wood Tracking System

3. To outline the progress of Guyana’s VPA process especially in relation to negotiations between Guyana and the European Union, the Roadmap for Guyana EU FLEGT VPA process, stakeholder engagements

4. To specifically highlight the outcomes of the third negotiation between Guyana and the European Union held in Georgetown, Guyana in April, 2015.

5. To provide a platform for stakeholders to raise concerns, seek clarifications and state recommendations and expectations pertaining to Guyana’s VPA and its progress thus far.

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Summary of Sessions

The FLEGT Secretariat on August 3rd 2015, commenced National EU FLEGT Consultations with stakeholders in Hinterland . . Two teams comprising members of the National Technical Working Group and the GFC were engaged in discussions with indigenous stakeholders and forest operators, some of whom included: - Sawmillers, Lumberyard dealers, Regional Democratic Councils as well as other state forest operators (Miners and Farmers) within the various areas. The cluster based approach was used for dissemination of information. This report is based on the clusters completed by team two (2). See table 1 for a list of these clusters

 Schedule The sessions were based on the 2015 EU FLEGT Consultation Schedule and the Joint Roadmap for the VPA process. TABLE ONE (1) Regions Cluster Date of Meeting (2015) Team Members No. of Cluster Berbice July 28th -30th Kenny David (Head of FLEGT Secretariat) Esther Sam (NTWG-Legal Affairs) 3 Quintyn Patrick –GFC Laura Singh (NTWG- Forest Products Marketing Council ) Essequibo August 3rd – 5th Kenny David (Head of FLEGT Secretariat) Esther Sam (NTWG-Legal Affairs) 1 Quintyn Patrick –GFC Laura Singh (NTWG- Forest Products Marketing Council ) Annai August 31st –Sept 1st Kenny David (Head of FLEGT Secretariat) Esther Sam (NTWG-Legal Affairs) Quintyn Patrick –GFC Laura Singh (NTWG- Forest Products Marketing Council ) Karasabai September 3rd -4th Kenny David (Head of FLEGT Secretariat) Esther Sam (NTWG-Legal Affairs) Quintyn Patrick –GFC Laura Singh (NTWG- Forest Products Marketing Council ) Imbaimadai August 10th – 11th Kenny David (Head of FLEGT Secretariat) Esther Sam (NTWG-Legal Affairs) 2 Quintyn Patrick –GFC Laura Singh (NTWG- Forest Products Marketing Council )

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Jawalla August 13th -14th Kenny David (Head of FLEGT Secretariat) Esther Sam (NTWG-Legal Affairs) 2 Quintyn Patrick –GFC Laura Singh (NTWG- Forest Products Marketing Council ) Kenny David (Head of FLEGT Secretariat) Kamarang September 13th-14th Esther Sam (NTWG-Legal Affairs) Quintyn Patrick –GFC 1 Laura Singh (NTWG- Forest Products Marketing Council ) TOTAL 9 Additionally, GFC Forest Station Officers within the various cluster areas above attended the sessions and assisted in logistics.

 Agenda Each cluster based session was conducted over a two (2) day period focusing on; 1) Providing a detailed overview and update of Guyana’s VPA process since formal negotiations started in 2012.

2) Fostering discussions with regards to the 11 Annexes of the VPA, and more specifically, gathering feedback on the following annexes; g) Annex 1 - Product Scope h) Annex II - Guyana Legality Definition (4th Draft) i) Annex III - Conditions Governing the Release for Free Circulation in the Union of Timber Products Exported from Guyana and Covered by a FLEGT License j) Annex IV- Requirements and Technical Specifications for FLEGT Licenses k) Annex VI - Terms of Reference for Independent Audit of the TLAS.

3) The Wood tracking System and improvements for tracking timber flow throughout the supply chain were also presented and discussed. This included; accounting for imported/in-transit timber, GPS co-ordinates and stock inventory for Agriculture Leases and Mining Permits.

4) On the final day of consultation, a small capacity enhancement session was carried out with the participants to prepare them to conduct a Community Level FLEGT awareness sessions within their respective villages/community associations. Participants were briefed on the procedures for reporting feedback to the FLEGT Secretariat taking into consideration;

a) Recording feedback using the feedback matrix, b) Accounting/budgeting, c) General logistics preparation and d) The use of the reporting template and FLEGT Information video to facilitate the meeting.

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Each participant was reimbursed for accommodation, cost of travel to attend the session, and a subsistence allowance, all for the duration of the session attended. Additionally, in order to conduct these community level sessions, one representative of a village/community association was provided with 30,000 GYD to offset the cost of holding such a session. Stakeholders made useful comments/recommendations/inputs for further development of the VPA. These were duly noted and will be recorded into the NTWG’s centralized database for stakeholders’ comments, the “Feedback Matrix”.  Attendance TABLE TWO (2) Number of Gender Regions Cluster areas Organizations in Attendance Participants (per day) (per day) Canje Creek Loggers Association R&L Sawmill UBFAPA Amaco Inc Macadeem Amerally Sand Hill AVC 6 Berbice Mara Association Group Loggers Association Orealla Village Council Kimbia Village Council AVR Mackbe Sawmill 24 F- 7 M – 17

4 Georgetown Nazir Tropical Timbers 115 F-70 SFP Holders M-45 R. Ruben Sawmill Linden Agriculture & Forest Producers Association C.F.P.A.A U.B.F.P.A B.B.H.F.P.A APA TIGI Spencer Lumber Yard & Sawmill Yarrowkobra Coal Burners Association Iwokrama Parsaram & Son Lumber Yard Muritaro AVC AFAPA Y SINGH LUMBER YARD PIONEER INVESTMENTS

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PARAPIE COOMACA Choos Tropical Products West Watooka Natural Resource Association St.Cuthberts Logging Association Davos lumber yard CPT JETTOS Liberty Hall Warida Famers GOIP EPA BAI SHAN LIN G&I Sawmillers Armapunita community forestry society Rock stone loggers association Vaitarna Variety woods ECO woods FTCI

Imbaimadai Imbamaidai Landing Omanik 17 F – 6 7 Kambaru M –11 Wax Creek Chinoweing Jawalla Kambaru Jawalla Phillipai Quenabang Kamarang Kuiku M-22 69 F-47 Kako Wamaradong Kanwarrawatta Kamarang compound

Karasabai Paipang M-29 9 Karasabi 43 F- 14 Rukumuptu Tipuru Tiger pond Yurong paru

9 Annai 40 17M-23F Toka

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Annai Yakarinta Rupertee Fairview NRDBB Kwatamang Massara

2 Anna Aurora Small Loggers Association 42 23F-19M Regina Burabaro Small Loggers Association New Haven Siriki Sand Association CVC State Forest Permission Wakapoa Village Council Mainstay Loggers association Thomas Enterprise Council Akawani Village Council EKDA SFP BSLA Upper Pomeroon Chain Saw Logging Association RPLA Abdool Jamiel Azim Village Council Nandkishore Singh Lumber Yard ASLA GHSSLA M. Insanally SFP P. Saichara Kiln Drying Association CCYDLC Michael Lowe SFP Supernaam Fairfield SLA TOTAL 350 167-F 183-M Statistics are based on the average number of participants in attendance per day over the two (2) day period. F – FEMALE M – MALE

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TABLE THREE (3) Cluster Questions Comments Responses Essequibo When it comes to the law, Even from the source of the timber the law how do it apply, how does it applies, cutting and felling of trees. These filter down? Laws are our own and have to be complied with for us to be legal. Essequibo Why 5 years before we The VPA should start looking at It can be shortened, you don’t want to agree revisit the Agreement? Nebe and Kofa now on something then revisit shortly after. Timelines are negotiable. Most VPAs are 5 or 7 years. Essequibo Would codes be used on the The codes are already used by customs and document? these would be known worldwide Essequibo What happens if the There must be negotiation between buyer agreement is signed and and seller and the buyer will inform the someone wants to ship seller what docs. He/she needs to supply. something to the EU that Note the product scope is not limited and isn’t on the list? other products can be added when the agreement is revisited. Essequibo Tagging is done as usual. Is When the agreement is signed we agree to there an Independent body the terms of auditing; there will be an that verify or they would independent audit. We have to agree with take GFC word the EU when the Independent party will come to audit. Essequibo What makes FLEGT different FLEGT is international while VLO and VLC is from VLO, VLC company based. FLEGT will however seek to recognize these other certification schemes Essequibo What happen if you want to It can happen, just inform someone from transfer materials from one the GFC of the operation. There must be a village to another? unique document to show the movement Essequibo The use of water way to do Concessionaire must be informed and once extraction; need to clear the its for personal (traditional) use then this is creek to bring out produce. okay How can I bring it out for my personal use? Essequibo As it relates to Under age Lumber entering the EU without persons labour, Amerindians are being paid is illegal. Amerindians (or any being exploited other person) must be paid before the wood enters the EU Essequibo Small concession doesn’t have Again these are the reasons why you need money to pay Amerindians to have contracts in place; these can be used before the wood enters the EU. in the event that there is a problem with Advances given and persons payments for example. never show up

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Essequibo What species of lumber is Broad spectrum… Dried lumber/timber. required by the EU? Value Added Products. At this point we are supplying mainly roundwood and sawnwood but there is work being done with other products the EU may require Essequibo What about communities They can supply any product they want to that does have a legal title? the EU once its covered by the VPA- Product list Essequibo What about villages not Demarcation is quite critical since it would demarcated according to the bring legal origin into question if not in description of the title? place; these need to be resolved or have a legal arrangement in place Essequibo Would the monitoring be Monitoring is not specific to any wood, it’s done before or after export? the system. To make it follow all the policies and procedures somebody will verity when the shipment comes to Forestry. The idea of course is to have the monitoring done before the export to prove legality. Essequibo EU gives guidelines which we Yes, hence the birth of the Annexes; but to have to honour? note that the content of these Annexes are up to the partner country Essequibo If when complete would Basically, once the checks and balances are there be rejection from the done in country for the specific products, EU in terms of the law and the EU will not reject. If the license for any one item which they example has a problem then the licensing might not approve? authority will resolve the matter Essequibo Wearing steel tip boots when felling trees, the logger need to feel free as possible in the event something is to happen Recommend light boots, canvas or long boots Gloves, the flexible one and not the stiff one Essequibo How rigid would the EU be in Very rigid, because you don’t want produce terms of demarcation when coming from areas where it’s not suppose it comes to boundaries? to. Guyana is also rigid on demarcation. Essequibo An area which is state lands Persons who have mining claims are able to which will be used by GGMC enter the supply chain. SFA holders have stakeholders in the future, first right to timber. These rights can be how can we make use of the given to the claim holder by the SFA holder. trees? Essequibo How long does the 24 hrs. under the current system, 2 days or verification take in terms of longer depending on what information we the FLEGT license? have available. Of course you want a system that is as fast as possible and credible.

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Essequibo Before you export you need Clearly a receipt, permit is needed to show receipts, permits etc, in the origin. If this does not exist then clear event you don’t have a reasons for this would need to be provided receipt? and verified. Essequibo If a supplier has his FLEGT Based on the agreement EU can’t question License and ship overseas product at arrival in the EU. However, the and there is question of the burden would fall on Guyana as a country. source of shipment, where would the burden fall? Annai Any company uses FSC? Yes and there are others who are looking to use FSC as well in the future. Annai Has Guyana signed onto No, we have simply signed an MOU which FLEGT? says we are serious about the Negotiation of the Agreement; the Agreement is still being consulted on. Annai Is FLEGT discouraging No its not. IN fact other licenses such as the companies from using other export license will remain in place; under licenses? the law. Annai How can GFC facilitate Annai The GFC can provide the relevant training with Timber Agreement? and capacity, once requested, to ensure the logging is done according to established procedures. Agreements are usually between buyer and seller. Annai How can we be part of the Recommend more collaboration Companies cab be part of FSC by contacting FSC? with the international the organization and indicating their communities interest. This first step will clarify what FSC is all about and what needs to happen going forward. Annai Can GFC sponsor 2 student to GFC has always provided support in this attend schooling as it relates regard and would continue to do so. Of to Forestry and FLEGT course there are guidelines under which this can happen and these can be discussed in more details directly. Annai How is FLEGT and LCDS FLEGT was birthed under the LCDS through related? the REDD+ initiative. Redd+ is seeking to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. Illegal logging will cause greater deforestation and degradation. So FLEGT helps REDD+ to be achieved Annai What criteria does the EU The criteria for legally is based on Guyana’s use to know our timber is laws. If these laws are broken then it is illegal? Would this influence considered illegal under the agreement. This our Forest Act does not influence our forest act except if there are areas where further work needs to be done. This is of course up to Guyana.

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Annai Where is DFID? The local office is located on Georgetown and the contact information can be shared with you. The main office is UK based. Annai How does FLEGT affect the FLEGT does not affect the COP except by COP? providing another avenue for checks to ensure it is being followed. Annai What will happen if you want The Agreement is between Guyana and the to export to a country who EU. If the other country wants to export the will be exporting to the EU? EU then they also needs to have a VPA or other arrangement in place. Annai Why aren’t all the If some as listed in the document but not conventions listed in the the acronym then this needs to be done. Acronyms? Annai As the Government changes The agreement can remain the same unless would it affect the the new government wants something to be agreement? Would it changed. Of course there has to be good change? reason for the change/ suspension of the agreement. GFC should also have copies of the Amerindian Land Title Annai Why is the minimum age 15 This needs to be relooked at the legal level; but NIS Registration is 16? there may be a discrepancy which we need to look at. Again these are some of the things which VPAs help to correct. Imbaimadai In mining there is paper trail Yes, it is similar is it similar to forestry? Imbaimadai In terms of illegal logging, The entire produce; usually because it is what will be ceased the extremely difficult to say which part is legal entire produce or just the and which is illegal. addition? Imbaimadai What happens to trees once they are removed from an area for mining to happen? The trees are pushed to another area, burned or camps are made with them. Imbaimadai What would happen if Before the logs are stripped into boards someone strips a log into Forestry should be notified so verification boards then transport it? can be done. In your case as you pointed out GFC is not in this area as yet Imbaimadai For Amerindian lands, do No, only state forest owners. Amerindians they pay royalties? only pay $1 for the permits Imbaimadai For proposed areas, do they No. For proposed areas, persons working have the same right in there would be reallocated until an cutting and removing agreement was concluded which gives them timber? rights to the proposed area. Imbaimadai Would the EU be sending After the system is set up there is third party monitoring agents? verification. It’s part of the agreement, how

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and when they would check the system. We would also pilot test the system, we don’t want to say the system is working and it’s not. They expect when they come the system is working. Imbaimadai Who would be responsible in Forestry has jurisdiction (we are not the event something went qualified to check for cocaine, the law gives wrong after the license is us boundaries), we have staff trained to issued? ( Shipping of illegal verify quality of produce when it’s done you substance in the timber) will be issued a license. The GRA/ Customs also has a role to play before the timber leaves. Guyana will be held responsible if something were to go wrong. Imbaimadai There should be a group of Yes, once a license is not given, there will be persons who decide and issues a clear reason(s) why it was not given. license. Allows more transparency. If a license is not given there should be a general reason why it wasn’t given Imbaimadai Are there other countries in Yes there are. It’s the 28 countries that we Europe that are not part of are negotiating with under the VPA who the EU? currently make up the EU. Imbaimadai What’s with the Government The idea with VAP is the more you add value and the Value Added its more money coming back to you as a Products? country. The persons who get the greater value are the ones who buy and make products from the raw materials. Imbaimadai Only persons who cut logs Yes, the law states only holders of are exporting logs? concession can export logs Imbaimadai There is some mineral under Some trees when planted as post It’s those things we need to discuss further. the earth what do we do would start shooting out Burying is an option but we need to consider with these trees? What’s the feasibility and how do we get the best value best path? from the resource. Imbaimadai Sometimes you mine in one area put aside the timber but you don’t have the time to look over the timber and its gets stolen. Imbaimadai You have permit there is a Yes you do and make contact with the third party (loggers) don’t Forestry Commission. Them being allowed have a concession but want to harvest, if at all, needs to go through a to do logging on your process. concession for commercial purposes. Do you have the right to stop them? Imbaimadai Imbaimadai 11th Aug 2015

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Imbaimadai If you have a shipment but When it comes to lumber any No you can’t add to the shipment what can the shipment didn’t leave one can export but when it happen is that license is cancelled and and you have some more comes to logs you need to be a another generated which will cover the total products you want to add concession holder or part of a shipment. can you add that to the reservation shipment?

Imbaimadai Can a concession holder buy No, He can only export logs from his logs from another concession concession and export? Imbaimadai Tagging is something got the It was something that was there all the time; EU Initiative or it was the tagging system was set up since 2000 by something that was there all Guyana. the time? Imbaimadai Size of the concession that Size varies depending on the nature of the will be given to the logger? operation Imbaimadai In the mining Industry person For large areas, an inventory must be done prospect areas does the but for the smaller areas that isn’t always same thing happen for the required. Concessionaire are given time to forestry operations? visit the areas to determine the level of stocking/ number of good trees available. Imbaimadai Going on local marketing Could GFC impose a condition There are 2 Species we limit export on, Crab looking for wood but there is where you must sell a % to the wood and Locust. If it’s dressed we allow it a short due to export. Is foreign market? to be exported. We limited export of logs to there a system in place for a who holds the concession % of the wood left on the Forestry purchase a percentage If there is a shortage, efforts are made to local market for domestic and hold it for a certain time but ensure that local market is adequately use? if it don’t sell it can be export and stocked. Of course there has to be a balance the money used for structural between what the local market will pay and development. *Replicate Gold maybe what you will earn from exports. Board system(Consolidation Yard)

Imbaimadai Do Forestry tell you where to There is general information available on find what? where you would find certain species but you the stakeholder can ask for GFC assistance it getting a better understanding of what trees are available. Imbaimadai As of now are we exporting Yes, but under the EUTR which is really timber to the EU about the buyer making it clear what he wants the seller to present for legality. Imbaimadai If you should find corruption The would bring an impact on the The implications are significant. If something what systems are in place to underworld (those who try to illegal leaves port GT and reaches the EU it deal with corruption? smuggle illegal substances) makes the entire country look bad. EU is negotiating with the Government and not

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individuals. The system is brought under questioning.

Imbaimadai Is there going to be any Forestry has a training center which can be training program for future utilized at your request for training in exporters under the FLEGT different areas of forestry. Agreement?

Jawalla How do we compare or Activities must be done in a way that reduce distinguish between FLEGT emission from deforestation and forest with the Norway Agreement? degradation under the Norway Agreement while EUFLEGT tries to eliminate illegal logging which will aid in the overall protection of the forest. Jawalla The VPA, the last GFC we EUFLEGT does not say we have to sell the learn about REDD+ they are timber and cut more trees; it says if you looking to reduce emission. If want us to buy your timber it must be legal. EU continues to buy we will Even under REDD+ harvesting is still taking never reduce emission. What place. The elimination of illegal harvesting is is the nature of the VPA and a good thing in this regard. EU? Jawalla Capacity wasn’t there in Understand that the GFC does already have terms on monitoring mining, a system to monitor the forest and how it is how does we guarantee used. This system will be used as the base monitoring when it comes to and built further depending on the level of Forestry? monitoring we may need under the VPA. Jawalla Is there any Law when it All ACTS that would be necessary Yes, the Forest Act is one. There are other comes to Forestry? when it comes to FLECT.. Forest laws which also have an impact such as the Act, Labour Law etc for labour laws. communities Jawalla What are the consequences Before the shipment leaves, a license is if the license becomes void? logged with the EU and one go with the shipment. If it becomes void, then a decision is taken and a new one may be issued Kamarang Did this organization meet Yes we are talking to everyone; those with everyone? directly and not so directly involved in forestry. Kamarang What agreement did the We want to hear their Again the comments matrix which I will others come up with? suggestion we can make an give to you will help you to see what the input comments are made over the last few years. Of course once there is ,clear understanding, you can make your comments as well. Kamarang It is our interest as stakeholders We will continue to talk to you over time. to understand what is said. We We have been here before and have should sign some agreement for received inputs from your people. Many the continuity of the workshop of them are not here. We want continuity

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for those persons who doesn’t and we have made some provisions for understand. this which we will discuss later.

Kamarang Maybe after the workshop the This sounds like a very good idea and of rep of different communities course we can also clarify key areas if not come together and discuss understood. things that we didn’t understand so we can go back with one message. Kamarang Is there any funding from Yes there is some funding on FLEGT and the EU to the government FLEGT related projects. This is not of Guyana and is it related directly related to the LCDS although to LCDS? some of the monies are coming from Norway.

Kamarang What species of Lumber Mostly tropical hard woods which has can we supply EU with? traditionally has a god place on these markets. What they are looking for is still open. What we are trying to do now is promote lesser used species as well. Kamarang Are they using Guyana, in For the EU it’s all about promoting the terms of Guyana having the trade. As I indicated, FLEGT is simply largest Jaguar and lily? making the path to trade easier. How much trade happens over time is controlled by many factors. Kamarang Our seniors are well informed On that note you should ideally visit the and I feel disadvantage as youth GFC website where there is a lot of even though I’m on the net information which can be found on the every day I have never seen process in Guyana anything on EU FLEGT. Kamarang Young persons can be trained so they can come back and inform others in the villages? Kamarang What quota is required by The EU does not set any quota, it’s the the EU GFC who works out your quota and you cannot cut more than was calculated. There are checks to ensure you do not over harvest as well. Kamarang Seeing we have the LCDS, Again you need to remember that the if we would not as a country LCDS never says to stop cutting. WE are exploit more than what is allowed to harvest up to a certain limit. set FLEGT simply allows us to access the EU market within the same cutting limit; in other words we can chose to sell our product to another market. We will not

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over harvest. Please remember our laws say we cannot over harvest. Kamarang When villages have to We have manage community lands and agree to supply the market, we have never paid royalties. I saw in the document we Once lumber/logs are for sales according have to pay royalties. to the regulations royalties have to be paid. Kamarang GFC can sponsor youth so they would be able to come back and assist the other in understanding Forestry. Funding isn’t available to send our youths to further their education.

Kamarang Are you saying that Guyana We are still negotiating, we don’t want to and the EU are in the tell the EU we are doing “X” and we are negotiation stage or an not, hence nothing was signed and all the Agreement has been documents are in draft stage. You will also signed? have a chance to see the document which we are going to sign and be allowed to make comments. Kamarang Though we may not be You can make recommendations, note not involved in logging we can everything is taken on board; there will be make recommendations times where compromise will be on both sides. If not, we explain why it cannot be taken. Kamarang Even though we don’t do You have to look at one law against logging concessions are being another to make sure there is no conflict. given out. For example, when Consultation must be done with the laws are being changed we are relevant stakeholders. I have seen not involved we just hear about indication that the Government wants to what happen and will happen, involve stakeholders. FLEGT is one law persons are given permission to where stakeholders are involved in its mine formulation Kamarang Interpretation of the ACT is what we have conflict with. Kamarang Any deadline for the March 2016 – we want to sign agreement? the documents ( compiled documents) March – Dec 2016, you will be able to make inputs Kamarang EU should establish some Note that there is an EU office here and office to check to make sure no they will play a role is setting up the illegality happens system. Once the system is set up, only periodic checks will be done. It is

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expected that the systems in place will function as they should. Kamarang Is Amerindian lands No. The laws defines private lands as considered private lands? separate from private lands. They are still your lands and the timber to be used by you how best you see fit. Kamarang If we want to do logging, Yes they will. It’s the only way we can be the Village Council will sure of where the timber is coming from. have to do tagging? Kamarang What about communities We know our boundaries and Communities has to be demarcated, what that are not demarcated but the people in the office don’t will be accepts is what is on the title have a valid title Find the description on the document. legal title which should be with the plan. Kamarang Areas that are savannah Yes, it actually happen e.g. Mainstay has lands that are village. Can I a piece of state land. Under the state land apply for a concession out we can’t cut bullet wood but on village of the Savannah? lands we can cut any amount. Kamarang From experience, enforcement has the problem and not the law. Mining get into conflict with communities and no one enforces the law Kamarang Do we have enough people Provide: Labour ACT, Safety There is a need for more human resources to monitor what is and Health but this is also being looked at under the happening in out areas? arrangement. Even if we have they should be updated. Kamarang When the lumber is ceased The produce is then in the custody of the who controls the illegal state. The issue can be resolved by the stuff? Who owns it legally? court of an agreed compensation can be paid for the produce to re- enter the supply chain. Kamarang What percentage of the I do believe that there is greater Amerindian understands understanding now that this session has what is being said? taken place. Based on the questions asked, clearly there are many who are on par with what is being said and have made useful contributions already. Again as some of you indicated, many persons in times past did not return to communities with what they has learned and hence the process has not been as effective as it should have been.

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Kamarang Even if we get the ACT To get a full understanding make understanding the ACT arrangement with the Chief Labour may be difficult Officer and let them guide you. Again there are some basic areas where it may be possible to receive some funding for. Georgetown Will the VPA subject Every shipment will require a new license stakeholders to a one off but the license is based on the shipment licensing as with the case of being cleared for export to EU the EXPORT licenses or is there a renewal process for each export? Georgetown Will non EU markets Non EU shipments will not require a require the FLEGT FLEGT license, this is strictly for the EU. licenses? Georgetown How aware are the GFC There are plans for similar sessions to be Forest officers on ground of held in house to make officers more aware the FLEGT VPA process in of FLEGT. Guyana? Georgetown Has Guyana been No system has been put in place to deal requesting certificates for with importation of the Timber in terms of imported timber, how do certification, however, this is currently we keep abreast with those being looked at at the level of the Guyana imports? revenue authority. Georgetown Can we add products such Yes, more products can be added to the as NTFPs to the product list currently being negotiated. list? Georgetown For logs being approved by No tag can be reused for newly harvested GFC but rejected by buyer, produce. Each tree will have a tag attached can the tags be reused for to stump and produce after being new produce to be harvested, hence whatever is cut from that exported? tree should carry the particular sequence of numbers, and this should not be replicated. Georgetown In terms of tracking timber More than one trucks can used on one and movements without removal or transshipment permits documents, how do we deal document , provided that that movement with produce coming from is in a convoy, or a trip sheet is issued in the forest on several conjunction with a permit that allows for transportation? multiple transportations Georgetown How will the VPA benefit The FLEGT license will allow for us financially, will the stakeholders to tap into the European market in Guyana be market which will otherwise be preferred over other inaccessible without the licenses .a market markets as a result of that will eventually become wider and signing onto the VPA? more demanding.

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Georgetown What percentage of All documents are as a consequence of stakeholders input is there stakeholders’ input, after consultations on in the development of the current documents, amendments are documents currently being made, and these changes are reflected in used for the VPA the matrix of comments that shows what negotiations? comments are taken on board and what were not and why. Georgetown Legal piece of wood looks Mechanisms employed by the GFC are the same as an illegal, in the use of hammer branding which carries such cases what systems a unique number, in addition to the spray will be put in place to paints for lumber. For logs the unique tag distinguish between the two sequence is used via bar code scanner. and ensure compliance? Georgetown Some Amerindians are The use of poisonous substances for accustomed to using fishing by indigenous peoples is not a very poisonous substances for prevalent practice, however, because of fishing ,this we know can the effect it may have on other environs cause damage to other this practice will be looked at in greater underwater animals and details. people who utilize the stream ,What about the use of poisonous substance for fishing for traditional use ? Georgetown What is the difference between Amerindian and Indigenous peoples, what is traditional use according to the Amerindian /indigenous people? Georgetown Has forestry been Yes, persons have approached forestry for approached by non- uses such as fishery, charcoal, agriculture traditional people for the and tourism. use of the forest produce apart from logging? Georgetown In terms of land clearing and the practice of slash and burn by indigenous communities, what is the prevalence of this activity and how is this dealt with by the forestry commission? For blocks being allocated The normal procedure for this is for the for mining, there are times Amerindian village write a letter of when trees are cut for request to the GFC seeking permission to traditional purposes cut in a named quantity who will then

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without the permission of issue tags for the required amount that is owners but has to be provided it’s for non-commercial use accounted for by the holders in terms of tagging, how do we deal with these stumps in cases where GFC would institute fines? Georgetown Can the GFC have more Yes the GFC will try as best as possible to sessions to enlighten the accommodate stakeholder’s sessions stakeholders of the VPA so across the country on FLEGT. that better management practices can be employed by stakeholders? Georgetown Are there currently any There are restrictions currently to the EU restrictions for produce from Guyana. from Guyana to the EU market? Georgetown Who will be held GFC doesn’t get involved in third party accountable for third party negotiations simple, however, for negotiations when the chain confiscated timber the licensed holder will of custody for a particular be held accountable for any confiscated shipment that maybe produce. confiscated by forestry? Georgetown What can the GFC do about GFC doesn’t get involved in third party third party agreements that agreements, however, if the need arises have been breached for any GFC can act as a mediator for the parties particular export produce? involved to resolve conflict should they require the assistance. Parties can and are encouraged to use written contracts before entering into business. Georgetown For the VPA is it possible Yes it is possible for an independent party for a third party to do to do verification checks. verification checks for custody as outline by the COPS? Georgetown Who issues a custody in event of FLEGT licenses being found to be tampered with? Georgetown How would the IFM deal That is considered as timber found adrift hence its will be considered state property with situation where there is un-verified logs found during their audit?

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Georgetown What section of the LAS will the EU focus on in there verification? Georgetown What will be the validity of Each shipment will require a new license. the FLEG license Georgetown How will the VPA deal with breaches unearthed after a shipment has left the shores of Guyana? Georgetown What support measures are needed to ensure the systems currently in place are working and will continue to work? Georgetown In light of illegality Though not equipped with the proper occurring in the forest how mechanism to ensure 100% verification can we ensure 100% through our checks and balances and verification? audits ,random sampling of each area is done that gives a fair idea of what happens on ground Georgetown What’s the deadline of the Like the other Annexes of the VPA, there submission of the draft are specific deadlines which are given to documents? allow for the actual document to be developed. However, the documents are subject to change until the VPA is signed.

It is extremely important that stakeholders understand the basic concepts so that they are able to make meaningful contribution during discussions. The National Technical Working Group, having recognized that stakeholder feedback/input is hinged on their awareness of the EU FLEGT VPA, has made significant strides to ensure that each cluster based consultation session starts with the presenter providing a baseline understanding of What FLEGT is, what it seeks to achieve and Guyana’s involvement in the VPA process since 2012.

This first presentation therefore sets the proverbial “stage” for all other discussion which follows. Nevertheless, in order to provide this “baseline Understanding”, for the first part of the presentation, the presenter fostered discussions on the following;

Page | 25 a) The meaning of the acronym F.L.E.G.T V.P.A in relation to the EU FLEGT Action Plan, the initiative and response to curb illegal logging. b) The negative impacts of illegal logging and the EU’s move towards gradual reduction in the trade of illegal timber and timber products c) The synergies between REDD+ and the EU-Guyana FLEGT VPA d) Addressing the issues of illegal logging; economic, social and environmental damages through FLEGT. e) Development of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement as it relates to;  Establishing a working timber legality assurance system  Its adaptability to in country circumstances i.e. different laws and different forest management operators.  Negotiations with both local and international stakeholders to determine what is legal, what is implementable and what works  3rd party verification and Joint Peer Review (Guyana and EU) to check the system and monitor its operation against agreed standards. f) Countries involved in FLEGT – Countries that have shown an interest in FLEGT, those that are in negotiations and those that have already signed a VPA. g) Benefits of FLEGT to Guyana

Having broadened the audience’s knowledge on the FLEGT through discussions on the point listed above, the second part of the presentation sought to focus more on Guyana’s progress to date on the EU FLEGT VPA since March, 2012 when a policy decision was made to enter into negotiations with the EU for a VPA.

As part of the update, the following points were discussed; a) The Guyana Forestry Commission being identified as the lead agency for the process and its involvement in the development of the VPA b) The formation of the National Technical Working Group (NTWG), an outline of its thirteen (13) member agencies and a description of the group’s function in relation to advancing the VPA process. c) The formation of the FLEGT Secretariat, its composition and location, and its objectives.

Page | 26 d) Development of the Joint Roadmap and Key Milestones achieved thus far; status of development of annexes (whether drafted or not), EU-Guyana Negotiations , Technical Meetings (Video Conferences) and Technical Sessions (with the European Forest Institute) e) Status of EU FAO FLEGT Projects, and what they entail – Specifically,  Completion of the Scoping of Impacts Assessment  Finalization of the Communication and Consultation Strategy (COMSTRAT) f) Brief overview of all drafted annexes (Annex 1 – Product Scope, Annex 2 – Guyana Legality Definition, Annex 3 - Conditions Governing the Release for Free Circulation in the Union of Timber Products Exported from Guyana and Covered by a FLEGT Licence, Annex 4 - Requirements and Technical Specifications for FLEGT Licences, Annex 6 - Terms of Reference for Independent Audits, Annex 10 – Information to be made Available to the Public). g) Expected dates for completion of the 1st draft of all remaining annexes. h) An update on the 2013/2014 round of National Level Stakeholder Consultation - the key items discussed (and to which feedback was received on), the way in which consultations were carried with regards to the use of the COMSTRAT and respect for stakeholders’ FPIC, NTWG’s involvement and statistics in terms of completed clusters and number of stakeholders targeted. i) Development and use of the Feedback Matrix to capture information received during consultation and map changes in the Legality Definition by stakeholder input. j) 2015 NTWG consultation on Annexes II, VI and X k) Support mechanisms for the VPA process i.e. the involvement of donor agencies; FAO, EFI and DFID with regards to financial aid and the provision of technical expertise; EFI’s technical team and the development of a FLEGT Facilitation Support office to lend technical support to the development of key VPA annexes. l) Parameters of the VPA which focused on the coverage of FLEGT Licenses under the EU – GUYANA FLEGT VPA, the development of the VPA by building on the existing Legality Assurance System of Guyana and the use of the VPA TLAS with regards to domestic and export markets. m) Next steps – Key Milestones to achieve in the coming months as stated in the Joint Roadmap.

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Presentation two (2) - “VPAs: The Bigger Picture”

This presentation was solely based on the eleven (11) annexes of the EU – Guyana FLEGT VPA. Being of a technical nature, the main objective of the presenter was to outline in the best possible way (where stakeholders can understand what the annex is about and make recommendations or comments on its contents) how each annex describes in detail the practical steps for implementing the core commitments in the VPA.

The following annexes of Guyana’s VPA were discussed during this presentation;

1) Annex I – Product Scope 2) Annex II – Guyana Legality Definition and Regulatory Framework 3) Annex III - Conditions Governing the Release for Free Circulation in the Union of Timber Products Exported from Guyana and Covered by a FLEGT Licence 4) Annex IV - Requirements and Technical Specifications for FLEGT Licences 5) Annex V – Description of the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System (GTLAS) 6) Annex VI - Terms of Reference for the Independent Audit of the GTLAS (drafted) 7) Annex VII – Implementation Schedule 8) Annex VIII – Supporting Measures for Implementation 9) Annex IX - Criteria for Assessing the operationality of GTLAS 10) Annex X – Information to be made Available to the Public 11) Annex XI – Joint Monitoring and Review Committee (JMRC)

Stakeholders were provided with a copy of all drafted annexes before the date of the scheduled meeting so that they have ample time to peruse the documents and make provide informed feedback on the date of the meeting. All drafted annexes were discussed in detail with the full use of each of the actual document. These drafted annexes are; Annex I, II, III, IV, VI and X.

Additionally, despite not having a physical document for the remaining annexes (which were not yet drafted – Annex V, VII, VIII, IX and XI), the presenter ensured that participants understand the core concepts of each those annexes (in relation to the VPA), what they seek to do and what they are likely to entail in terms of content. By doing this, participants were able to make

Page | 28 recommendations on what they feel should be included in the first (1st) draft of these annexes. This helps the NTWG to understand the expectation of the various stakeholder groups even before the annex has been drafted and will thus assist greatly on what its contents will be.

At the end of the presentation, participants were able to have answers to the following questions;

1) What are the products covered under the EU – Guyana FLEGT VPA? 2) What are the different sources of timber covered under the Guyana Legality Definition? 3) Under this annex, what will the EU competent authorities do on receipt of a FLEGT license from Guyana? 4) What is the general format of FLEGT License? 5) What are the components of the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System (GTLAS)? 6) How often will independent audits be carried out in Guyana under the VPA and why? 7) When does Guyana expect to commence the implementation phase of the VPA and how long after then will FLEGT license timber from Guyana be on the export market? 8) What are some of the supporting measures assistance can be granted for under Annex VIII? 9) How does this annex IX relate to the EU under the VPA? 10) In VPAs signed to date, what does the lists of information to be made available to the public often include? 11) What is the JMRC and what does do in relation to the VPA?

Presentation three (3) - “Guyana’s Wood Tracking System”

Recognizing that “Supply Chain Controls” is one of the five (5) main components of the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System, the need to ensure that stakeholders are aware of the importance, structure and procedures of maintain traceability of timber and timber products throughout the supply chain is ever present regardless if a stakeholder does not currently form part of the commercial supply chain. This was based on the premise that some stakeholders, though not engaged in commercial trade of timber in Guyana or do not export directly to the EU, have the potential to become part of the commercial timber flow of the country as financial resources become readily available and the demand for timber from Guyana increases. As a result, it was

Page | 29 essential that stakeholders understand beforehand the various requirements that must be met in order to transport and sell timber and timber products both domestically and internationally.

To do this, a presentation on Guyana’s National Wood Tracking System was made at each cluster based session. The presenter commenced the presentation with the following questions;

a) What is a Wood Tracking System? b) What does it do? c) How does it work?

By soliciting feedback from participants to answer these simple yet pivotal questions, the presenter was able to;

a) Determine stakeholders level of awareness of the Guyana National Wood Tracking System and b) Whether or not stakeholders form part of the commercial supply chain of timber.

The presentation focused heavily on the nine (9) critical control points at which wood-flow is monitored. These critical control points’ help to ensure the integrity of wood flow by maintaining legality of the produce through a system of documentation and field verification exercises which all form the basis for a good system of traceability. The critical control points which were discussed in detail are;

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These critical control points were also discussed by drawing on the relevant indicators of the Guyana Legality Definition so that their synergies within the Guyana Legality Assurance System can be brought into perspective. The following questions under each control points were answered;

 Source of Timber and Allocation of Logging rights

What are legally designated areas from which wood is sourced?

 Stock Inventory

What are the different types of inventory which are required to be done by relevant Forest Management Operators (FMOs) before harvesting commences?

 Log production

How does the approval to harvest, the issuance of tags and the determination of the volume allowed to be extracted from the source area correlate with log production?

 Tree Felling

How does tree felling differ in relation to the different sources of timber?

 Log Transport

What removal documents are required for the different FMOs in order to facilitate the transportation of timber outside of the concession?

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 Confiscated Timber

What is the legal pathway that produce suspected to be in breach of regulations must take in order to be allowed to re-enter the commercial supply chain?

 Primary Processing and sale of timber

How does the Guyana Forestry Commission monitor inputs and output volumes as a tool (through a system of reconciliation) to establish the legality of wood kept and sold at processing facilities?

 Export of Wood Products

What is the process an exporter must go through, and the various export documents that must be filled and verified in order for a shipment of wood to be cleared for export?

 In transit Wood Products

What are in transit wood products and how does Guyana ensure it does not get into the local supply chain?

 Imported wood products

What are the main documents required for imports and the System of Procedures of the Guyana Revenue Authority for clearing imports?

Additionally, the correct procedures for using tags, conducting scaling exercises to determine key volume measurements and recording this information unto the production register were also individually described. The different GFC inspections which are carried out in relation to the determination of legality along the supply chain were also briefly mentioned. These GFC inspections include;

a) Monthly Stump Inspection b) Impromptu Inspections c) Check – in transit verifications

Presentation four (4) - “The Guyana Legality Definition”

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Being the first (1st) component of the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance system (Annex V- GTLAS), the NTWG felt that it was necessary to foster a more detailed discussion on the Guyana Legality Definition (Annex II) has it is arguably one of the most important annexes forming the basis of the VPA, and having a significant impact on all stakeholders involved in the commercial supply chain of timber to the European Union (EU). As previously mentioned, Annex II seeks to answer the question; “What makes timber legal?” As a result, based on the different FMO types which were present in the audience, the presenter would select the relevant Legality Matrix that will be discussed; indicator by indicator. The advent of the legality definition as a product of Indictors established for Independent Forest Monitoring under the Norwegian Agreement was also mentioned to build an appreciation/support for Guyana’s existing system; one that is deemed both credible and advanced by EFI and IFM audits.

Firstly, the structure of the Legality Definition with regards to Principles, Criteria, Indicators, Verifiers and Legal References were all discussed to show the relationship between compliance and verification of compliance. This presentation focused heavily on the different Forest Management Organizations (or source of timber) and the development of specific matrices.

During the discussion of any Legality matrix for any particular FMO, the presenter stressed on;

a) Guyana’s land allocation system b) Land tenure and use rights c) Verification of legal rights to harvest and trade d) Social and Environmental requirements

Additionally, description of the Legality matrix focused on;

a) The FMOs’ compliance with Forest Operation Obligations b) The FMOs’ legal rights to harvest and respecting of other parties legal use rights c) The FMOs’ compliance with fiscal and social obligations

It was also important to note that while this annex is still in its draft form, stakeholders have the chance to make recommendations or provide feedback through different channels on its content, but are encouraged to have an appreciation for the same as much consultation have been made with key stakeholder groups in the forest sector and civil society; both within Guyana and

Page | 33 internationally, seeking feedback. These included; loggers, logging associations, Amerindian communities, saw millers, timber exporters, Government Agencies and other stakeholders.

It was important to note that the Legality Definition is country specific, is based on the National Laws of Guyana, and that the requirements of the GLD are what the stakeholders agree to over the duration of the VPA negotiation.

Apart from explaining the Legality Matrix, the presenter also took the opportunity to detail the relevance of the Regulatory Framework which supplements the applicability of the Guyana Legality Definition. All requirements of the GLD which must be met for each FMO must be met based on applicable National Laws. These applicable National Laws make-up the Regulatory Framework of the EU – Guyana FLEGT VPA.

Additionally, some of the recent updates to the framework were also discussed. These include; • A new Forest Act was developed 2009. • Code of Practice (COP) for Processing operations, 2012 • COP for Mining and Agriculture areas, 2014 • COP for TSAs and WCLs, 2014 • COP for SFPs, 2014 • COP for Amerindian Villages which is being developed - and will seek to establish a set of minimum standards for these operation types in keeping with General SFM Principles

Presentation five (5) - “Independent Monitoring”

Additionally, Independent Monitoring forms the final component of the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System and was therefore subjected to a separate presentation as the Guyana Legality Definition and the Wood Tracking System. During this presentation, two main annexes were discussed;

1) Annex VI - Terms of Reference for the Independent Audit of the GTLAS (drafted) 2) Annex IX - Criteria for assessing the operationality of GTLAS.

Discussions on these two annexes together helped stakeholders to understand that the Voluntary Partnership Agreement will operate through a system of consistent checks, and where 3rd party

Page | 34 verification is essential to ensuring the operationality of the system and by extension, its integrity to be able to curb illegal logging over the long term.

Understanding fully that stakeholders might not know the meaning of Independent audits, it was therefore essential to use various analogies and scenarios common in Guyana to provide a baseline conception in order to facilitate discussions around the above annexes. Independent Audits under the VPA were often compared to IFM audits under the Norwegian agreement as stakeholders were aware that the disbursement of funds under this agreement is only possible if Norway can conclude that Guyana is sustainably managing its forest by Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation – REDD+.

The following points were important to mention;

a) The Independent Auditor (IA) is not part of the country’s premier forest sector regulatory body (GFC), is not engaged in forest management in Guyana (e.g. logging) and is not a part of the Government. b) Independent Monitoring aims to provide credibility to the FLEGT licensing scheme by checking that all aspects of Guyana’s Legality Assurance System are operating as intended. The IA is therefore responsible for checking the operationality of the;

 Guyana Legality Definition  The National Wood Tracking System  Verification systems  Licensing systems

c) The IA points out systemic failures identified in the VPA-LAS and provides professional advice/recommendation to mitigate such failures d) Guyana’s proposal to the EU is to expand the role of the IA conducting IFM audits to also carry out Independent Audits under the EU-GUYANA FLEGT VPA. e) Two types of Independent audits will be done;

 During the implementation phase of the VPA (commencing 09/2016 – 09/2017), Guyana will be subjected to its first VPA audit with the aim of determining whether

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or not all of the components of the GTLAS are in place. From when the first FLEGT License has been issued (considering that the 1st audit was successful and all components were in place), an annual audit will be carried out every year after the 1st audit to determine whether or not the components of the GTLAS are working as how they were designed to work.  Annex VI -outlines the scope and principles of the 1st independent audit in Guyana under the VPA, and to frame these in the terms of reference for the auditor. Annex IX – this annex details the scope of a joint assessment to check that systems are functioning as intended and to assess preparedness of EU authorities to handle license vérification as goods enter Europe.

f) There will be transparent, publicly available information on the procurement process and a credible system for engaging the services of the IA (Bidding). g) The third-party monitor must have considerable experience in forest management, chain of custody verification, audits, and has requisite qualifications. h) Civil Society can play roles in relation Independent Monitoring. i) The IA must preparing both detail and summarized report of all findings for public consumption. j) The IA reports to the JMRC k) The auditor shall act objectively and should reject any political, commercial, financial and other pressures that could compromise their impartiality.

Given the fact that Annex VI has been drafted, it was necessary to go through the entire document focusing on the following;

a) Required qualifications b) Independence from interests linked to the forest sector c) Relations with stakeholders d) Tasks, methodology and sources of information e) Reporting principles, procedure and schedule

Conclusion

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Since entering into formal negotiations with the EU in December 2012, Guyana has been making significant strides to ensure that the EU – Guyana VPA process continues to advance, and that key milestones established within the Joint Roadmap are achieved based on agreed timelines. Through hard work, perseverance and commitment to the process, the NTWG and FLEGT Secretariat has been maintaining this momentum and will continue to work steadfastly to improve trade relations between Guyana and the EU for our timber and timber products. The EU FLEGT program requires that all stakeholder groups be represented adequately throughout the process, both at the local and international level. Recognizing this, the NTWG and FLEGT Secretariat actively promotes wider stakeholder input/participation as testament to a successful VPA. Every consultation session is structured in such a way that it indorses; transparency, ownership of the process, Free Prior and Informed Consent, accountability, and fosters collaboration. This helps to ensure that stakeholders have a fair and equal opportunity to voice their concerns and issues with the surety that these concerns and issues will be discussed at a high level so that progress can be a realistic goal.

FLEGT sessions are no longer seen as just forums to consult with stakeholders but has become the premier platform for building stakeholders’ capacity on sustainable forest management and National Laws in Guyana and to acknowledge FLEGTs’ support in this regard. This knowledge, being transferred to key stakeholders groups therefore adds positively to the way different stakeholders approach legality in Guyana, and further cements the concept of FLEGT and what it seeks to achieve over a longer term.

Therefore, in conclusion, Guyana will continue its efforts in promoting FLEGT among the different stakeholder groups; both private and public with the aim of having holistic development of the VPA process through active stakeholder inclusion. The 3rd round of Consultation for the year 2015 (06/2015 – 10/2015) for the Amerindian Villages; Moruca, , , , Kato, Campbelltown, Lethem, , has surely been a success with regards to feedback.

Next Steps

 Publication of Consultation session report - After approval from the National Technical Working Group, the report will be published. Reports will also be sent to communities.

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 Discussion at the National Technical Working Group Level – These discussions will analyze the feedback received from stakeholders to inform future activities.  Follow-up with participants who had requested further information.  Table major concerns at the 4th EU – Guyana Negotiations

Pictures of Sessions

REGION ONE (– Jawalla)

REGION ONE – Imbaimadai

REGION (2) – (RDC Building)

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REGION SEVEN (7) – Karasabai

REGION EIGHT (8) –Annai

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REGION (4) – GEORGETOWN

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REGION (6) – BERBICE

REGION TEN (10) – KWAKWANI (Empowerment Centre)

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KAMARANG REGION (7)

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