Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between the European Union and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade in Timber Products into the European Union

The Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between Guyana and the European Union is a legal framework aimed at improving forest governance and ensuring that only legally produced timber in Guyana is exported to the EU. Signed following negotiations that culminated in 2018, this agreement seeks to strengthen sustainable forest management, forest law enforcement and trade in timber products in Guyana. The VPA is expected to contribute to reducing deforestation and protecting biodiversity in Guyana, which has one of the largest forest covers in the world and a significant level of biodiversity. In addition, the VPA aims to improve transparency, law enforcement and the participation of multiple stakeholders, including local and indigenous communities, in decision-making. The VPA also establishes a Timber Legality Assurance System (GTLAS) that will ensure that all timber and derived products destined for the EU market comply with established legal requirements.