Illegal logging

Finance firms supporting logging companies: Act Now!

These loans are likely to have helped companies buy the bulldozers and trucks used to destroy millions of hectares of tropical rainforest.

Over this time, multiple government reviews, court judgments and non-government reports have also raised red flags about widespread illegality in PNG’s logging sector.

Filings on PNG’s Personal Property Securities Registry (PPSR) show that two loan companies (named), have provided financing for logging trucks, 4x4s and other equipment, as well as property mortgages in Port Moresby and East New Britain.

Cracking Down on Illegal Logging Activities

He called for the investigation, charging, and harsh punishment of these individuals, whom he alleges are connected to logging companies operating in New Ireland.

Maigen accused Malaysian companies of monopolizing the logging industry in PNG and harming the country's people and infrastructure.

Acting Provincial Administrator and Forestry Enforcement Unit Chairman Moses Taram expressed his concern about the incident and announced a crackdown on illegal activities at logging camps.

Mori: Probe illegal logging operations

Mori was responding to questions from Oro Governor, Gary Juffa on an illegal logging in Oro Province.

Governor Juffa explained that even though, the company was given a suspension notice from the Managing Director of Forestry, and they ignored the directives and continued operations.

“How can it be that companies from other countries come into our country and completely ignore our laws and do what they want.

“Why is the relevant departmental heads are not acting to protect and prevent the rights of our people?” Juffa asked.

Loggers Have Permits Suspended

In a media statement issued today, Governor Gary Juffa applauded the swift action of the Conservation Environmental Protection Authority (CEPA) in suspending the permits.

Governor Juffa stated that the companies currently operating there were doing so with illegal permits and licenses procured fraudulently, given that all applications for various permits and licenses were null and void.

Way forward on illegal logging

Managing Director Tunou Sabuin of the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority said Papua New Guinea is one of the economies that have the best policies and legislative requirements, and operational procedures to manage and utilise its vast forest resources.

“Let us continue to strengthen our regional alliances between economies, regional and international organisations, civil societies, private sectors and industries on the management and development of PNG’s policy for the collective benefits of the region and the global community,” Sabuin said at the meeting.

SABL having direct impact on environment

Sipona comes from Malmal Village in west Pomio, East New Britain Province where logging has exploited their environment.

She explained that their forest is gone under SABL and the people in her village live as if they don’t own land.

The land in Malmal is under a 99-year lease agreement and they’ve been told by the developers that the land was now a state land.

Sipona highlighted that their drinking water and fresh water creeks have been contaminated because there are no buffer zones to protect them.

Juffa volunteers to shut down illegal logging activities

 

In a video post on Facebook, Juffa said if the Government was serious about cancelling SABLs then they must do so by physically shutting down illegal logging operations.

“Now the Government is saying it’s going to cancel the SABLs, I’m not convinced, I’m cynical,” says Juffa. “I want to see it really happen.

Minister dismisses claims of illegal logging in PNG

He dismissed a Non-Government Organization  (NGO) allegation that a quarter of logs exported from the country are illegal logs.     

“In PNG we have been accused for too long about illegal logging practices in the country.”

Mr Tomuriesa said that all logs exported from legal logging permit holders were  certified to international standard.  

“We are so fortunate that when our logs are cut, number one you have forest officers that go out and grade the logs, and check that the log is legitimate and from a consignment (permitted logging) area.