Australia is the largest single beneficiary of rampant and unsustainable logging and land grabbing in Papua New Guinea, according to leading community activist group, ACT NOW!

Joy Kisselpar | PNG Loop

Logging activities on all 44 land obtained under Special Agriculture Business Lease will cease as soon as the National Forestry Authority receives confirmation from Lands department that the SABLs have been effectively revoked.

Forest Minister Douglas Tomuriesa says at this stage 25 SABLs have been returned and revoked however NFA is yet to receive confirmation.

Comment: The Government is using the SABL scandal to push land registration, but land registration is a dangerous exercise as it can quickly lead to land alienation, and with corruption rife in the Department of Lands nobody should trust the government with their most precious resource...

Source: The National

OWNERS of customary land affected by the Government’s decision to revoke Special Agriculture and Business Leases have been urged to register their land and become title-holders.

ACT NOW! and BRG JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

ACT NOW! and the Bismarck Ramu Group have warned the Prime Minister that landowners will not be satisfied until they know the NEC decision to cancel the unlawful SABL leases and amend the Land Act has been implemented.

They are also calling on the National Forest Board to immediately revoke the Forest Clearance Authorities granted under the SABL leases and stop the illegal logging.

Source: Agricultures Network

Improvements in vegetable production, transport and marketing are important to the well being of small holder farmers in Papua New Guinea, and opportunities for strengthening the industry and enhancing performance can be achieved by use of value chain analysis.

Helen Szoke CEO Oxfam Australia writing in the Sydney Morning Herald

Australia's big four banks have a duty of care to the community, whether in Australia or overseas.

Illustration: Jim Pavlidis