Govt urged to invest in scientific research preserving plants

THE Government must seriously invest in forestry scientific research to preserve biological diversity of its flora, says Forest Research Institute (PNGFRI) head Dr Martin Golman.
“The Government’s public investment on forestry research had been minimal in the past,” he said.
“This must change if forestry is to remain as a key economic production in the country.
“The lack of Governmental focus and attention has resulted in PNGFRI under-performing its mandatory role and objectives for the achievement of any real scientific milestones.
“We are trying our best to maintain the research institute’s core functions and continue programmes with the little allocation we get from the Government through the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority.
“We believe we can do more for the nation if there is a concerted re-focus by the Government on scientific research investment, especially in forestry science.
Golman said there was much scope for improvement based on the current strength and industry business opportunities available around.
The Institute’s research had large collection of the country’s rich flora collected over the years with 400,000 plant specimen and data documented since 1946.
PNGFRI synergy connects plantation forestry plots in Bulolo with PNG Forest Products under a business model serving as a perfect template plantation wood supply that gives value to timber products marketed both domestically and off shore.
Oil Search Ltd is investing in the Markham Valley, supporting the plantation of timber seedlings researched and supplied by PNGFRI to help business options by PNG Biomass Ltd for the production of bio-fuel for electricity power generation.
“This provides for PNGFRI’s cutting edge interventions by scientific forestry research to industrial forestry innovation that promises government options for the achieving the Research and Development (R&D) aspirations for the country in the sector of forestry,” Golman said.