Logging makes K1.4bil and is done ‘properly’

THE forestry sector rakes in around K1.4 billion every year through logging but the forest cover remains intact, says Forestry Minister Douglas Tomuriesa.
He said there had been much criticism of the harvesting of trees but the country’s forest cover remained the third largest in the world.
Tomuerisa said during the International Forest Day celebrations organised by the PNG Forest Authority in Port Moresby yesterday said critics often claimed that “our forest is fast depleting”.
“But I can tell you that our forests are well intact. Just take a plane flight from Port Moresby to Alotau or to Tari or to other places around the country and you can see for yourself how intact our forest cover is,” Tomuriesa said.
He said although there were logging taking place, it was important that everyone was assured “they are done properly for the benefit of the present generation as well as the future generations”.
“We cannot take logging away because it is an industry that brings a lot of revenue into our country,” he said.
“It brings around K1.4 billion revenue into the country’s economy every year. That is quite a lot of money. And it’s a big industry.
“If we want to stop logging, then what other alternative do we have to sustain this industry?”
Tomiriesa said it was crucial that everyone worked together with the PNGFA to ensure forests were harvested sustainably.
“If you have an issue with a logging company, come to us at the PNG Forest Authority and we can sit down together and address it,” he said.