British think-tank Chatham House says Papua New Guinea could improve its international reputation and its forest governance by negotiating a forest partnership agreement with the European Union.
Photo: Papua New Guinea is the world's second largest producer of tropical logs but its timber industry has been under fire. (Credit: ABC licensed)
“The days of illegal logging and land grabbing are over in Oro Province!”
From PNG Village
This was the warning given by Oro Governor Garry Juffa, to companies and individuals intending to develop natural resources of Oro or engage in agricultural projects.
They have been urged to seek the provincial government’s executive council’s permission first before sneaking in through the back door.
A new report on logging in Papua New Guinea by leading British think-tank Chatham House has found illegal practices are widespread and transparency in the industry is among the worst in the world.
While Chathan House found PNG's indigenous landowners have uniquely strong customary rights it says these are not being enforced.
The delay in executing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the controversial special agricultural business leases (SABL) has prompted landowners to protest.
Landowners from the areas of Pomata and Ralopal in East New Britain Province expressed their concerns in a peaceful protest last week.
While PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill sits on his hands refusing to cancel unlawful SABL leases and stop illegal logging, the Oro Provincial government is standing with its people against the Malaysian led land grab.
In a statement issued overnight, Oro Governor Gary Juffa has again committed his government to assist landowners:
"That the Oro Government stands by its people in fighting against land grabbing, illegal logging and is willing to support their court cases with its own legal team and attending as a party to all cases of such.
Customary landowners across Papua New Guinea (PNG) have lost over 5.2 million hectares of their land to foreign owned companies supposedly for Agro-forestry projects through the controversial Special Agricultural Business Leases (SABLs) and have long waited for the government to decide on the fate of their land through the implementation of the SABL Commission of Inquiry (COI) recommendations.
Last week 400 landowners from Pomio gathered to protest against the delay by the Prime Minister in implementing the recommendations of the SABL Commission of Inquiry Report.
The landowners marched to the District Chamber with banners and placards highlighting the controversial land grabbing that is on going in their area.
The landowners were blocked by the police from staging a peaceful protest at the Drina logging camp.
British think-tank Chatham House says Papua New Guinea could improve its international reputation and its forest governance by negotiating a forest partnership agreement with the European Union.
This was the warning given by Oro Governor Garry Juffa, to companies and individuals intending to develop natural resources of Oro or engage in agricultural projects.
