The European Union-funded Sustainable Forest Livelihoods (SFL) programme in Guyana has marked a significant milestone with the commissioning of a new portable sawmill facility, equipping the 164-member Upper Berbice Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd (UBMCSL) with the tools to add value to its timber resources and strengthen its forest-based enterprise.

The highlight of the commissioning ceremony was the handover of an LT70 portable sawmill, valued at approximately $18 million, together with nearly $4.7 million worth of joinery equipment, office supplies, personal protective equipment, and other timber-processing tools.

The investment is paired with training that UBMCSL members have completed in 2024 in reduced-impact logging, forest decision-making, and administration and record-keeping, along with support to finalise an operational and business plan to guide the sawmill’s day-to-day operations.