The people of Ause area in the Aitape district of Sandaun Province have given up 45,000 hectares of their customary land to a proposed plantation forest development.
The developer will adopt selective harvesting technique of timber of larger DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) of 50+ cm as well as adhere to all other practices set out in the Logging Code of Practice.
This follows an agreement by PNG Forest Authority with PNG Hills Ltd to establish 800,000 hectares of plantation forest by 2050.
The project will assist in natural regeneration of new high value seedlings to be reforested into gaps created as a result of selective harvesting and count towards the country’s low carbon emission pathway – serving as an environment buffer for carbon sink.
The project also aims to protect and conserve the natural habitats for endemic animal species such as the endangered Tenkile (tree kangaroo) found only on Torricelli and Bewani Mountain ranges, which will support the work of the Tenkile Conservation Alliance based at Lumi.
Under this project, the role of PNG Forest Authority at no cost to itself is important in supervising and training locals of the Ause area as well as other areas within Aitape, to participate in the managed natural regeneration (reforestation) activities to establish high value species timber plantations.
Governor Tony Wouwou and the landowners fully support this project proposal as it will generate employment opportunities and transform their area into a major agro forest plantation area that involves a multi stakeholder ownership.