{"version":"1.0","provider_name":"Ecotopia Teak","provider_url":"https:\/\/ecotopiateak.com","author_name":"market","author_url":"https:\/\/ecotopiateak.com\/index.php\/author\/market\/","title":"The lumber industry calls for trained personnel &#8211; Ecotopia Teak","type":"rich","width":600,"height":338,"html":"<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"ZsN6XGIOE8\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ecotopiateak.com\/index.php\/2024\/01\/31\/the-lumber-industry-calls-for-trained-personnel\/\">The lumber industry calls for trained personnel<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" src=\"https:\/\/ecotopiateak.com\/index.php\/2024\/01\/31\/the-lumber-industry-calls-for-trained-personnel\/embed\/#?secret=ZsN6XGIOE8\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" title=\"\u00abThe lumber industry calls for trained personnel\u00bb \u2014 Ecotopia Teak\" data-secret=\"ZsN6XGIOE8\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\"><\/iframe><script>\n\/*! This file is auto-generated *\/\n!function(d,l){\"use strict\";l.querySelector&&d.addEventListener&&\"undefined\"!=typeof URL&&(d.wp=d.wp||{},d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage||(d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage=function(e){var t=e.data;if((t||t.secret||t.message||t.value)&&!\/[^a-zA-Z0-9]\/.test(t.secret)){for(var s,r,n,a=l.querySelectorAll('iframe[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),o=l.querySelectorAll('blockquote[data-secret=\"'+t.secret+'\"]'),c=new RegExp(\"^https?:$\",\"i\"),i=0;i<o.length;i++)o[i].style.display=\"none\";for(i=0;i<a.length;i++)s=a[i],e.source===s.contentWindow&&(s.removeAttribute(\"style\"),\"height\"===t.message?(1e3<(r=parseInt(t.value,10))?r=1e3:~~r<200&&(r=200),s.height=r):\"link\"===t.message&&(r=new URL(s.getAttribute(\"src\")),n=new URL(t.value),c.test(n.protocol))&&n.host===r.host&&l.activeElement===s&&(d.top.location.href=t.value))}},d.addEventListener(\"message\",d.wp.receiveEmbedMessage,!1),l.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){for(var e,t,s=l.querySelectorAll(\"iframe.wp-embedded-content\"),r=0;r<s.length;r++)(t=(e=s[r]).getAttribute(\"data-secret\"))||(t=Math.random().toString(36).substring(2,12),e.src+=\"#?secret=\"+t,e.setAttribute(\"data-secret\",t)),e.contentWindow.postMessage({message:\"ready\",secret:t},\"*\")},!1)))}(window,document);\n\/\/# sourceURL=https:\/\/ecotopiateak.com\/wp-includes\/js\/wp-embed.min.js\n<\/script>\n","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/ecotopiateak.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/madera-panama_0.jpg","thumbnail_width":750,"thumbnail_height":440,"description":"The need for human resources for forestry tasks arises amidst an initiative to provide economic assistance during closed seasons. The possibility of providing economic support to lumber workers during closed seasons has sparked a debate about whether this alternative aligns with current needs or if the focus should be on training personnel for forestry tasks. \u00a0 Bianca Mor\u00e1n, former president of the National Association of Reforesters and Related, emphasized the importance of promoting technical education to cultivate a pool of trained personnel and improve the quality of life for those currently working informally in the profession. \u00a0 \u00ab99% of Panama&#8217;s wood exports come from commercial teak plantations where work goes on for 12 months a year because, after the extraction months, the personnel transition to working on planting and maintenance tasks,\u00bb Mor\u00e1n said. \u00a0 According to Mor\u00e1n, it has been proven that commercial plantations positively impact the economies of the communities where they are located because all employees have social security coverage and the environment is cared for. \u00a0 The expert highlighted that companies involved in wood trading require foremen, precision chainsaw operators, foreman assistants, mechanics, packing list data entry clerks, among others. \u00a0 In contrast, she pointed out that the lumber sector, related to native forest extraction, represents only 1% of the country&#8217;s wood exports (through piecework) and is carried out by informal workers, posing risks that lead to fatalities in the field and is a business on the verge of extinction. \u00a0 \u00abThe sale of wood from native forests is not only banned in Panama but in all premium markets around the world due to its impact on fragile populations, its contribution to deforestation, and degradation of water quality,\u00bb she explained. \u00a0 She added that operators in native forests are not eligible for credit from banks since this activity is considered harmful to the environment. \u00a0 Regarding the possible subsidy, Mor\u00e1n stated that it does not create any new job positions, does not promote employment, nor ensures economic freedom. \u00a0 In the National Assembly, there is an initiative aimed at protecting lumber and fishing workers. The project establishes a monthly monetary allowance from the state during the forestry suspension period or closed season. \u00a0 If approved, to access the aid, the individual must be exclusively engaged in these activities and be accredited by the Ministry of Environment or ARAP. The allowance should cover the basic needs of the worker, and if the closed season exceeds six months, the state will have to help the worker transition to another activity. \u00a0 Deputy Abel Beker, the proponent, stated that the proposal aims to support humble workers who rely on these trades and face severe penalties when they fail to comply with regulations. \u00a0 \u00abIf there&#8217;s a closed season, who provides assistance to them? In Costa Rica, they don&#8217;t cut wood, but they&#8217;re compensated for it. We can&#8217;t punish our people who cut wood to sell and buy a pound of sugar or chicken,\u00bb he remarked. \u00a0 On the other hand, Alexis Pe\u00f1a, General Secretary of ARAP, emphasized that the Ministry of Economy and Finance must have a more active role in this project as it needs to be clear where the funds will come from to ensure the monetary allowances are sustainable. \u00a0 \u00abWe need the support of the MEF to guarantee this project. We recommend analyzing this to assess its viability and sustainability,\u00bb Pe\u00f1a underscored. \u00a0 About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles"}