Forest authority releases plans, requests funding

The National Business

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
THE PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA) has released plans to drive the sector forward and request the Government to allocate more funding to implement them.
They include the:

  • PNGFA corporate plan 2021-2030;
  • NATIONAL strategies for reforestation and afforestation in PNG 2020-2024;
  • NATIONAL strategies for downstream processing of forest produce 2020-2024;
  • REVISED PNG logging code of practice – second edition 2020; and,
  • STATE of the forestry sector.

Minister for Forests Walter Schnaubelt requested the Government provide more funding to
the authority to implement the plan.
He said that in the past 21 years, the authority continued to be challenged to bring in economic, social and environment benefits to resource owners.
“But (the authority) continues to be insufficiently funded,” he added.
“For this plan to be effectively implemented, there needs to be a collaborative, holistic and inclusive approach and this must be support by sufficient and prudent management.
“I seek sufficient funding support to be invested in the implementation of these plans and its supporting strategies to improve monitoring and control of the development and use of PNG forest.”
PNGFA board chairman Keith Iduhu said companies had gained much from the sector.
“Over the years, we have seen the lucrative returns logging companies gained,” he said.
“Earlier this year, Schnaubelt warned companies and operators about their obligations in the various agreements.
“Many companies and operations extract from our natural resources yet do not pay up their dues as stipulated by law.