Solomon Islands: Greenpeace and SIDT Challenge Silvania
Misinformation Campaign
9/23/99
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Title: Solomon Islands: Greenpeace and SIDT Challenge Silvania
Misinformation Campaign
Source: Greenpeace and Solomon Islands Development Trust media
release
Status: Copyright 1999, contact source for permission to reprint
Date: September 23, 1999
Byline: Felix Narasia, SIDT Ecoforestry Unit Coordinator, phone:
(677)22289
Samantha Magick, Media Officer, Fiji, Greenpeace Pacific,
Phone: (679) 312861
Honiara: Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) and Greenpeace
today released fresh research information in a challenge to the
advertising campaign by Silvania Plantation Products on the proposed
Vangunu oil palm plantation.
"They seem to be trying to brain-wash Solomon Islanders into thinking
that this project will have social and environmental benefits. All
indications point to this being an environmental and social disaster
zone should it go ahead," said SIDT Ecoforestry Unit coordinator,
Felix Narasia.
"Of huge concern are the social issues where imported labour will
likely ignite a repeat of what we are experiencing on Guadacanal.
Expanded village-based enterprises like ecotourism and ecotimber can
easily provide as much local employment as the proposed oil palm
scheme," said Mr Narasia.
Recent research by Greenpeace and an independent Social Impact
Assessment expert found there to be a stark contrast in the social
impacts of large-scale industrial activities compared with small
village-based enterprises. Large-scale industrial operation impacts
reported include: a breakdown in village social structures, a focus
on cash economy rather than subsistance, more social problems, and
major distrust and disruption to village collectivity.
Employment comparisons found that just two of the 12 small-scale
development options identified, ecotimber and ecotourism, could
provide over 1200 local jobs and sustainable livelihoods. This
compares with the 5000 jobs listed in the company proposal that
assumes expansion onto an additional 10,000 ha of customary land.
"Also, the fact that no Environmental Impact Assessment or
Feasibility study has been completed before the signing of the
Agreement by the government and company is totally putting the motor
before the canoe. Marovo is environmentally a very sensitive area and a proposed
World Heritage Area. Marovo landowners and Solomon Islanders need to know
with absolute certainty that there will be no risk of any significant
impact," said Narasia.
Contact:
Felix Narasia, SIDT Ecoforestry Unit Coordinator, ph: (677) 22289 or
Samantha Magick, Media Officer, Fiji, Greenpeace Pacific, ph; (679)
312861