The Prime Ministers failure to implement the SABL Commission of Inquiry recommendations by revoking the unlawful SABL leases and stopping the illegal logging of PNG forests was put into stark relief by the visiting head of the United Nations Development Program, Helen Clark, last week.

While in PNG, Clark spoke about the global importance of protecting PNGs forests as the third largest reserve of rainforest anywhere on the planet and the payments that are available from the international community under the REDD scheme. She also pointed out that the majority of people in PNG live in rural areas and depend on their forests for their subsistence and sustenance.

"Helen Clarks comments only emphasize the failure of the Prime Minister O'Neill to take action over the SABL land grab", says ACT NOW! Program Manager, Effrey Dadamo.

"The Commission of Inquiry found that 5 million hectares of forest have been stolen from the people and govern to foreign logging companies. Those companies are merrily chopping down the forests and shipping the logs overseas while our Prime Minister sits on his hands and does nothing to stop the theft and environmental destruction."

"The Prime Minister received the Commission recommendations last September but has done nothing. He must revoke the unlawful leases, return the land to the rightful owners and stop the illegal logging."