Photo Credit: PNG Forest Authority
The PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA) has announced plans to move the industry ahead and has asked the government for greater funds to put them into action.
They include the following:
- NATIONAL strategies for downstream processing of forest produce 2020-2024;
- PNGFA corporate plan for 2021-2030;
- SITUATION of the forestry sector;
- NATIONAL strategies for afforestation reforestation in PNG 2020-2024;
- REVISED PNG logging code of practice – second edition 2020.
Walter Schnaubelt, the Minister of Forests, has asked the government to increase money for the authority to carry out the plan.
He stated that the authority has faced challenges in bringing economic, social, and environmental benefits to resource owners during the past 21 years.
“But (the authority) continues to be insufficiently funded,” he added.
“For this plan to be effectively implemented, there needs to be a collaborative, holistic and inclusive approach and this must be support by sufficient and prudent management.
“I seek sufficient funding support to be invested in the implementation of these plans and its supporting strategies to improve monitoring and control of the development and use of PNG forest.”
PNGFA board chairman Keith Iduhu said companies had gained much from the sector.
“Over the years, we have seen the lucrative returns logging companies gained,” he said.
“Earlier this year, Schnaubelt warned companies and operators about their obligations in the various agreements.
“Many companies and operations extract from our natural resources yet do not pay up their dues as stipulated by law.
Reference:
Mauludu, Shirley. The National (4 August 2021). “Forest authority releases plans, requests funding”.
