Guyana Forest Value Hubs

2025 - Present

This initiative – led by Pilot Projects – is designed to incentivise forest conservation by strengthening local and global value chains for forest products in Guyana! The Forest Value Creation Hubs connects small timber and NTFP producers with reliable domestic markets and internationally recognised group certification to boost high-end niche exports. The Design Innovation and Training Hub integrates traditional crafts with international design expertise, training artisans to create high-value furniture and interior products.

This project, in partnership with an extensive Guyanese consortium, addresses key infrastructure, institutional, and market barriers. It aims to enhance economic opportunities for forest and coastal communities while promoting forest-positive management practices. This project builds on the participation of Georgetown (Guyana) as part of the Cities4Forests network, and the city’s support of far forests through their Conservation Timber Works pilot and Partner Forest program. Visit our page on the official project launch to learn more about the event!

Explore images from our recent Forest Value Hubs visit to Guyana:

In the Media

Phase 1 Complete — 2025

One year of intensive on-the-ground work across Georgetown and the Rupununi produced concrete foundations across five interconnected workstreams, establishing the community trust, technical designs, and market assets needed for full implementation.

Two Interconnected Hubs Designed and Inaugurated

Forest Value Hub (Annai, Region 9): Co-designed with the Annai Central Village Council, Annai Loggers’ Association, and Makushi Yemunkun Cooperative. Schematic design complete with a participatory roadmap for sawmill training, kiln drying, and financial management.

Design, Innovation & Training Hub (Georgetown): Housed at Liana Cane Furnishings, partially constructed with a dedicated training studio and solar kiln. Officially inaugurated in October 2025.

The Rainforest Collection

A signature furniture line — Pomeroon Chairs, Liana Lounge Chairs, and stools made from sustainably harvested NTFPs (nibbi, kufa) and timber. Product catalog published and distributed at the Guyana Biodiversity Summit, Guyana Building Expo, and GUY EXPO. The Surama Woodworking Centre successfully produced stool components to LCF’s quality standards, proving the inter-hub supply chain works.

Skills Training and Capacity Building

13 people trained in NTFP processing (7 women, 6 men) using a train-the-trainer model. 3 indigenous woodworkers trained at Surama Woodworking Centre. 66 community members across 5 Annai villages surveyed on traditional knowledge in the Makushi language. 15 safeguarding participants trained across the full consortium.

Forest Certification Pathway

The Annai Community Forest (15,542 ha) is positioned to become the first indigenous-managed forest in Guyana certified under the PEFC-endorsed Guyana National Forest Standard. Phase 1 ratified an FPIC protocol covering 21 indigenous villages, held two certification outreach sessions, engaged GFC consultant Godfrey Marshall to design the management-level inventory, and secured a signed Letter of Agreement from the Annai Central Village Council. Successful certification would protect an estimated 4 million tonnes CO₂ in avoided emissions.

Research and Knowledge Infrastructure

Market research report “Unlocking Sustainable Value in Guyana’s Forestry Sector” produced with Columbia University’s SIRI program. Annai Forest Baseline Report documented 179,906 board-metres of annual timber production. Financial modelling tool developed for Forest Value Hub investment analysis.

Governance, Gender Equity, and Social Inclusion

GEDSI SWOC workshops held with 44 participants, producing a Gender Assessment Report and GEDSI Policy Guidelines. BHI Core Group of 12 members established. Safeguarding Code of Conduct ratified by all partners with an online Grievance Mechanism. MEL Framework with GEDSI-specific indicators completed.

Phase 2: Implementation — Now Ready to Execute

The hard work of community trust-building, participatory design, and baseline research is complete. Phase 2 will translate this foundation into lasting institutions and economic impact:

1. Complete the forest inventory and PEFC certification for 15,542 ha of the Annai Community Forest — the critical path to premium market access and up to 4 Mt CO₂ avoided.

2. Operationalize the Forest Value Hub in Annai with sawmill equipment, kiln infrastructure, and training that will improve timber recovery rates and create new revenue for 19+ community producers.

3. Deliver the RIL & GPS Mapping Certificate Course for 15 Bina Hill Institute Youth Learning Centre students, already integrated into the GFC’s official training schedule.

4. Formalize the Design Hub as an independent nonprofit anchored by Liana Cane Furnishings, creating a sustainable institution for sector-wide training.

5. Execute the Rainforest Collection commercial pipeline — catalog ready, buyer interest established, turns design innovation into hub revenue.

6. Complete GEDSI training and policy recommendations to the Guyana Forestry Commission, embedding women, youth, and persons with disabilities in forest governance.

Consortium and Partners

Pilot Projects Collaborative (Lead) · Liana Cane Furnishings · Bina Hill Institute · Annai Central Village Council · Makushi Research Unit · North Rupununi District Development Board · E-Tree Solar · Guyana Forestry Commission · Columbia University SIRI Program