Forestry review experts have started work: Igara
Copyright 2000, The National (PNG)
December 12, 2000
The independent team of forestry specialists engaged by the Government to undertake a compliance review of forestry proposal currently under process started its work last month, Chief Secretary to the Government Robert Igara said.
In a statement released yesterday, Mr Igara said the review team is scheduled to complete its work by March 2001.
The team will then report its findings directly to an Inter-Agency Committee set up by the Government earlier this year and chaired by himself.
The Morauta government had earlier imposed a moratorium on the development of new forestry projects pending the review.
According to Mr Iagara, the PNG Forest Authority has identified 32 new forest projects (including proposed extensions), which are currently at various stages of preparation to be reviewed by the team.
He said the review team will focus on auditing compliance of the PNG Forest Authority with due process under the provisions of the Forestry Act, National Forest Policy, and the National Forestry Development Guidelines.
The team will also undertake a broader review of the process in order to identify any inappropriate steps, and to provide recommendation for procedural improvements which might be made.
"The Forestry and Conservation Project, recently successfully negotiated between the Government and the World Bank, provides for a number of opportunities to implement procedural improvements," Mr Igara said.
"This is expected to be a win-win situation for the Government's management of the forestry sector, with both forestry conservation and forest industries benefiting from clear and transparent process.
"It is crucial for the long term welfare of the country and its rural communities that future projects fully complied with the requirements of the new policy and legislation, particularly in terms of project sustainability," he added.