Authorities raise alarm over surge in fires, warn against threat to forest & wildlife

See full statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Guyana Forestry Commission: 

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) have noted an alarming increase of fires in many hinterland and urban locations. These fires are a great risk to the environment since it causes severe damage to the forest, and negatively impacts wildlife as well. Many of these fires have been observed in hinterland and urban locations but can spread to the forest.

Some of these fires are man-made (anthropogenic) and deliberately set in some instances. The Forests Act 2009 Part 3 Clause 24, clearly states that no person may “throw down a lighted match or lighted and flammable material” or “do anything else likely to result in any forest produce being burnt or damaged”.

Any person(s) found to be involved in such activities will face the full penalty of the law.

Additionally, Clause 27 (2) says that it is the duty of persons who see fires burning to speedily inform a forest or fire officer of this event. Clause 28 (1) (a) also informs that person(s) observing a fire burning in the forest should take all possible steps to extinguish the fire.

Further, Clause 29 (1) (a) states that a forest officer may require persons who are within a reasonable distance of the fire to assist in getting the fire under control.

The Forest Resources of Guyana are the patrimony of all Guyanese and provide shelter for humans and animals. It is an evolving ecosystem with a rich, diverse biodiversity. Additionally, they provide logging and other employment opportunities which empower indigenous and other hinterland residents, improving their quality of life. The forests also provide important carbon storage functions and other environmental services.

Forests are also a key component of the LCDS 2030. As such, the important role that forests play in our daily lives cannot be over-emphasized. The deliberate destruction and devastation of Guyana’s forest will therefore, not be tolerated.

The urgent assistance of the public is required to report and assist in preventing the spread of fires detected and to prevent new fires.