Team to review forestry projects
Copyright 2000 Post-Courier (PNG)
December 12, 2000
AN independent team engaged to undertake a compliance review of the forestry proposals being processed by the PNG Forest Authority begun work last month.
The team is carrying out the project on behalf of the Government and ends in March next year.
Chief Secretary, Robert Igara said that in response to the efforts of the previous government to fast-track new forestry projects, Morauta government had imposed a moratorium on the development of new forestry projects until the review had been completed.
He said: “It was crucial for the long-term welfare of the country and its rural communities that future projects fully complied with the requirements of the new policy and legislation (came into effect in 1992), particularly in terms of project sustainability.’’
He said the team would focus on auditing compliance of the PNG Forest Authority with due process under the provisions of the Forestry Act, National Forest Policy, and the National Forestry Development Guidelines.
“The team will also undertake a broader review of the process in order to identify any inappropriate steps, and to provide recommendations for procedural improvements which might be made.
“The Forestry and Conservation Project, recently negotiated between the Government and the World Bank, provides for a number of opportunities to implement procedural improvements.
“This is expected to be a win-win situation for the Government’s management of the forestry sector, with both forestry conservation and forest industries benefiting from clear and transparent process,’’ Mr Igara said.