Pilot Certified Forest Management Units

In Guyana and Suriname, FSC certification is already considered by some forest operators. WWF Guianas has been providing technical and financial assistance for their pre-feasibility assessment. The increased credibility of certification is an important factor related to high-end market access, and/or donor/lender requirements.

The success or failure of the operators will have an important impact both in-country, where they have the potential to become model operations for sustainable forest management, and in "green markets", where their performance will likely influence buyers interest in expanding purchases from the Guianas.

Matching funds, training and technical assistance are provided to qualified operations. To improve the feasibility of certification and reduce the costs of certification for small concession holders and community forests, joint-ventures between local and/or international enterprises, as well as group certification schemes are developed.