US adds Malaysia’s Sime Darby to palm import ban list

By Lauren Moffitt / Argus Media

US customs has barred entry to raw palm oil and derived products supplied by Malaysian producer Sime Darby Plantation and affiliated entities from yesterday, citing evidence of forced labour in its production process.

Nogat Coal PNG

Today, The Pacific Climate Warriors in conjunction with the Nogat Coal Campaign, organised a protest at the AGM of Australian energy company Mayur Resources. The ASX-listed company is planning to develop a coal industry in Papua New Guinea (PNG) – including a coal-fired power station on the doorstep of Lae, the country’s second largest city. If Mayur’s plan succeeds, PNG would be the first Pacific country with a coal industry. 

While the government boasts of K100 million placed with Bank of South Pacific to support small and medium scale enterprises (SME) this money is inaccessible to those working in the informal sector who need it the most.

As Naomi’s story illustrates, a lack of financial literacy, appropriate training, and financial inclusion means many entrepreneurs who work hard every day to make just a few Kinas remain completely excluded from the support they need.

Naomi’s Story

The large welcome that has greeted the passing of the ICAC legislation by Parliament shows the dire urgency to eradicate the plagues of corruption that consume the fabric of our society. It has been long awaited, and the passing of the bill has paid off the hard work put into achieving this milestone. For Papua New Guinea, an ICAC will be a first promising step on a long road to open and accountable government.  

1.  The Forestry Act 1991 is 30 years old and has been weakened by many amendments.

2.  Very limited implementation: most operations are old concession types - Timber Rights Purchase (TRP) / Local Forest Area (LFA). 

3.  Under the Act our forest resource has been depleted; unsustainable harvests + extensive forest clearance. 

4.  Act is completely outdated as the national and international context has changed: 

In November 2019 the Marape government committed to increasing taxes on round log exports as a response to decades of tax evasion and tax avoidance by the logging industry.

Poject Sepik Awareness on the Frieda Copper and Gold Mine, Upper Sepik River Village 2018

By Duncan Gabi / Project Sepik