Vital to consult in detail

A proper consultation process is vital before signing of any agreements on projects regarding our natural resources.
The effectiveness of the whole project will depend on how much time and effort are made during the consultation process.
A good consultation process is complex, multifaceted, comprehensive and time consuming.
The signing of agreement comes after much consultation involving all parties concerned and must take place within the project areas. 
For example, the benefits sharing agreement for the LNG project in Kokopo is suspicious as vital issues such as land ownership boundaries were not identified.
It is the major landowners who have the upper hand in getting the most benefits while those who own minor portions are overlooked.
However, there is a saying: “It is the smallest blade that cuts the deep wounds”.
The government must be very cautious on such issues, otherwise we will have another Bougainville on our hands.
If no proper consultation is involved before signing an agreement, the end result is always chaotic.

JM Magena
Wellington