Forestry policies launched

THREE strategic policy documents launched by the PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA) in Lae on Friday are aimed at achieving full benefit for the people, says Forest Minister Salio Waipo.
The documents are PNG Timber Legality Requirements, Forest and Land use Change in PNG and the National Forest Development Programme 2023-27.
Addressing managers from provinces who gathered for a two-day forest research conference in Lae that ended on Friday, Waipo urged them to drive the industry forward.
“As we launch these policy documents now, these become the guide to drive the industry forward,” Waipo told them.
He told participants and provincial forest managers to go back to their respective provinces and perform their mandated tasks diligently for future generations as well.
Waipo acknowledged the Government for the support given to ensure that important policy documents were recognised by the National Executive Council (NEC) to drive the sector forward.
He said the policies should guide forest managers to ensure the Forestry Department led a new direction.
“Whatever that you learnt from this conference has to be implemented, and remember that what each of you do in the forestry sector is for the benefit of our people,” Waipo said.
National Forest Authority (NFA) managing director John Mosoro said in 2021, Prime Minister James Marape launched the first Forest Authority Corporate plan and two other strategic documents on different aspects of forestry.
“Now we are witnessing three other strategic documents being launched. These are the national forest policies and just recently, the National Forest Development Plan was approved by NEC,” Mosoro said.
He said the strategic policy documents launched should be implemented fully by respective line managers so that the sector is driven forward and people benefited.