18:00 | Lima, Oct. 28 (ANDINA).
The Peruvian Exporters' Association (Adex) said it is time to explore new opportunities in forest plantations development and the use of other forest benefits, such as environmental services.
Adex President Juan Varilias said although Peru has a very important forestry potential, this sector is going through a critical moment as a specific legal framework for its use has not been established yet.
Indeed, Varilas explained that the new Forestry Law No. 29,763, enacted on July 22, 2011, proposes teh creation of a new institution named the National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor), with hierarchical and political independence.
"This institution could accelerate the process of regulation of this new law, the application of which is impossible without regulation," he said.
The 60 percent of Peruvian territory corresponds to the Amazon and over 80 percent is suitable for forestry in the coast, mountain and forest, said Varilias.
However, the forestry sector only represents one percent of Peru’s total exports, instead it should become an important pillar to combat poverty in remote areas of the country.
Finally, Varilas stated the challenge is to turn the forestry sector into a source of development and competitiveness for a suitable development of the Amazon and the country.
(END) JPC/JPC/LOG/LVT
Published: 10/28/2012