Source:  Azril Annuar / Malay Mail - 8th January 2020

Malaysian companies from Sarawak are allegedly trespassing while carrying out logging activities in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and contributing towards deforestation in the island nation, Sarawak Report (SR) wrote today.

The online investigative portal accused Sibu-based Rimbunan Hijau Group (RHG) and WTK Group as well as Amanab 56 Timber Investments Limited as among those stripping the resources of PNG.

Source: Loop Business 

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey has echoed Prime Minister James Marape’s call for the nation to embrace the emphasis on agriculture in the 2020 budget. 

He said significant funding has been allocated to the agriculture sector, including the K200 million allocation for SMEs, which is expected to also finance agriculture SMEs. 

Local Ni-Van women from Takara village preparing local laplap

Author: Joey Tau

The production and consumption of indigenous foods are important for our resilience and the survival as Pacific people, especially in challenging times of fast and easy foods.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre’s Amy Sinclair introduces a new portal that focuses attention on a resource-rich area remote from the rest of the world

By Amy Sinclair. Source - Ethical Corp

Source: Joey Tau - PANG

A celebration of Melanesian people and our land took place last week in Takara village, Vanuatu to commemorate a decade of resistance and protection of Melanesian values and ways.

The Melanesian Indigenous Land Defence Alliance (MILDA) was formed in 2009 by a collective of individuals who shared a vision and commitment to working together to protect customary land systems and Melanesian values.

The Sepik River, one of the last great pristine areas left on earth, is under threat from mining.

The government and Chinese mining company say the river will be safe.

Just like they said the Ok Tedi mine would be safe. 

They said the Panguna mine would be safe. 

They said Porgera and the Ramu mine would be safe.

Do you believe them this time?

From a local commentator

The sidelining of Bougainville Chief Secretary Joseph Nobetau, for what can only be deemed political reasons, should be seen as an alarming concern on the eve of the independence referendum. At a time when the world is watching and waiting to see just how Bougainville and the rest of PNG will respond to the referendum vote, it is unfortunate that what they will see is a Government intent on self-interest and power over the rule of law.

International research shows corruption is costing Papua New Guinea billions of Kina every year and it is ruining our economy and impoverishing the nation.

The best way for us to increase economic growth and boost the size of the economy is for the government to implement a comprehensive plan to tackle corruption.

To help the government and policy makers ACT NOW! has published an analysis of the economic costs of corruption and the measures needed to ensure we have an open and transparent government.

Prof Colin Filer from the Australian National University has exposed how Forest Clearance Authorities have taken over the forest resource allocation process in Papua New Guinea. 

According to Filer, these FCAs are now being issued without any accompanying Special Agriculture Lease since that scheme was itself exposed as a scam.