SABL forest clearance in Pomio, East New Britain. Image: Greenpeace
Source: The National
Northern Governor Gary Juffa has called on Forest Minister Douglas Tomuriesa to explain the findings of the special agriculture business lease (SABL) inquiry.
Activists in Papua New Guinea say the cancellation of two leases in Port Moresby highlights the government's inaction in scrapping other controversial leases covering millions of hectares of customary land.
Last week the Secretary of the Lands Department cancelled two leases over Ela Beach after the local MP publicly alleged they'd been obtained corruptly - a claim disputed by the lease holder.
The National Goals and Directive Principles of PNG are being used as a rubber stamp in development policies, according to academic, Patrick Kaiku, of the University of Papua New Guinea.
Lands Minister Benny Allan admits that the issue of the 99-year land leases has not been fully understood. He made the admission in Parliament yesterday when answering a question from Kairuku-Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo about colonial leases and what was being done about them.
"There's a lot of confusion with the leases," Allan said.
Mining in the deep sea for minerals is uncharted territory, but one company is well on its way to making it a reality. Now, the company is trying to convince skeptical audiences it's a good idea.
Even though the Commission of Inquiry into the land grab has found the SABL process was flawed, land grabbing continues while nothing has been done to cancel the leases and return the land to customary owners. Many communities are still not aware of what SABL is and how customary land is being stolen.
The SABL issue is simplified in this Fact Sheet for use in awareness at the community level.
