Logging companies are exploiting a loophole in Papua New Guinea’s ban on exporting natural timber logs, according to a new report. Source: Australia Network News
The Oil Palm and Deforestation in PNG report, co-written by Australian and PNG researchers, has found some companies using Special Agricultural and Business Leases (SABL) as a cover for logging operations.
Under the SABLs land can be cleared, and the logs exported if the purpose of the clearing is to plant Palm Oil plants.
One of the report’s authors, James Cook University academic Dr Greg Nelson told Pacific Beat many of the companies involved showed little evidence of being able to develop plantations.
“A lot of them did seem to be logging companies,” he said. “There was quite a few players where we couldn’t find any evidence they had any capacity to develop plantations and mills.”
Dr Nelson said the situation had left many customary land owners feeling powerless.
“The customary land owners often feel as though they have been left out of the negotiations and don’t have a fair right and say in what’s happening with their land.”
