ESP to model carbon trading

EAST Sepik will be the first province to model carbon trading, PNG Forest Authority managing director John Mosoro says.
He was speaking at the opening of new forestry office in Wewak on Friday.
“With opening of this new office, an officer will be stationed here to see roll out of this programme (carbon trading), especially in terms of engaging with landowners.” Mosoro added that the Forest Authority will be looking at reviving provincial forest management committee and to implement forest plans for each of the province.
“East Sepik hosts a big portion of forest resource.
“In the provincial plan, we will divide the resources into different areas.
“We will have logging, downstream processing, and replanting of new trees.
“Reforestation, afforestation and plantation programme for the province will be stationed in Wosera Gawi district.
“Officer in charge will be liaising with landowners to use their land to plant 200,000 trees of different species in East Sepik.
“We will also roll out this same project in other districts if landowners and district administrators are willing to provide their land for this purpose so we revive reforestation in the province.”
Mosoro added that East Sepik will host a major downstream processing project.
“We would like to trial a major integrated downstream processing project in the province.
“A mill has been built but is yet to be certified. Another mill is at Kanduanum which was constructed following the discussions on downstream processing. This mill is specialised in plywood processing.
“I have also made a NEC (National Executive Council) submission for a 10-year concession for tax exemption. This is for another major mill to be established in East New Britain.”