Solomons' sawn timber audits planned

There are hopes that an independent organisation can be set up to ensure timber production in Solomon Islands is sustainable and legal.

The export market for sawn timber from Solomons' community operators is continuing to grow but consumers' are increasingly demanding that it is sourced from legally and sustainably managed forests.

The New Zealand Imported Tropical Timber Group has had a number of contacts with Solomons' operators this year, leading to commitments to develop a system of third party legality assurance over the next two years.

The Group's Malcolm Scott says this will allow audits of sawn timber production.

"Which means that we can identify and track the timber from the source right through to the export container."