SABL

Forests or the Illegal Logger – Who is Really Under Threat?

On 29 Nov, 2017 By ACTNOW

A bulldozer flattens the earth after forests have been cleared in West Pomio. Local landowners are protesting against the biggest land grab in PNG history. Under a lease system called SABLs (special agricultural and business leases) forests are being destroyed and customary land is being stolen. Credit: Paul Hilton/Greenpeace.

Population explosion makes protection of customary land vital

On 20 Nov, 2017 By ACTNOW

By Eddie Tanago

Papua New Guinea’s population is growing at an explosive rate, which makes retaining control of customary land vitally important. Customary land is very valuable. It sustains a huge economy and provides employment for 3 million local farmers. Customary land is also vital for food security and it makes people strong and self-reliant.

Pomio locals mobilise to stop logging giant

On 06 Nov, 2017 By ACTNOW

Photo shows an earlier (December 2016) protest by people in Pomata against logging

Malaysian logging giant Rimbunan Hijau (RH) is continuing it's efforts to log in the Pomata SABL area in the Pomio District. Local people say this is despite a court decision ordering all logging operations to stop pending the outcome of a court challenge to the logging permit.

PNG Farmers Fight Back Against Foreign Land Grab

On 31 Oct, 2017 By ACTNOW

By D. Amari Jackson - Atlanta Black Star

Government accused of lying over SABL land grab

On 31 Aug, 2017 By ACTNOW

ACT NOW! has accused the government of lying to the nation over the SABL land grab and says people across the country will be angry and disappointed.

ACT NOW! in SABL call to new Ministers

On 09 Aug, 2017 By ACTNOW

New Ministers called on to confirm SABLs cancelled, logging stopped and police withdrawn

ACT NOW! is calling on the newly sworn in Minister for Forests, Douglas Tomuriesa, the new Minister for Lands, Justin Tkatchenko, and new Police Minister, Jelta Wong, to confirm the cancellation of all SABL leases.

US retail one end of supply chain for illegal PNG logs

On 02 Aug, 2017 By ACTNOW

Bewani landowners walk across pile of felled logs, West Sepik Province

Bewani landowners walk across pile of felled logs, West Sepik Province Photo: Global Witness Media

Source: Johnny Blades, Radio New Zealand

Value of customary land highlighted

On 23 May, 2017 By ACTNOW

The value of customary land when left in local hands and the issue of compensation for the SABL land grab have both been highlighted in a seminar organised by ACT NOW!

The seminar featured Sydney University academic Dr Tim Anderson. Dr Anderson presented his report on assessing compensation for the wrongful loss of customary land.

The event was featured by all the TV networks in their evening news programs - their coverage can be viewed below.

Assessing compensation for the wrongful loss of customary land

On 22 May, 2017 By ACTNOW

The SABL land grab has once again raised the issue of compensation for rural communities when outsiders unlawfully occupy or cause damage on their land. How do you assess the losses when there are no market values for customary land in Papua New Guinea?

Pomio communities slam SABL support by 'company puppets'

On 30 Mar, 2017 By ACTNOW

People living in the Pomio district say the three local men who have been vocal in a logging company owned newspaper, supporting SABL leases and the operations of Rimbunan Hijau, do not represent the majority.

The local people say it is completely wrong to claim the Sigite Mukus Integrated Rural Development Project is an SABL success story, as claimed by Mathew Lila, James lelrea lutkal and Bruno Tevolman.

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