Paradise forests under threat
In 2002 alone, PNG exported nearly two million cubic metres of logs valued at about $135 million Australian dollars. Forest products are one of the country’s largest sources of export revenue. But numerous reports have surfaced of illegal logging and violence against traditional owners who put up a fight…with allegations of government corruption further undermining the integrity of the industry. According to Green Peace, 70 percent of available forest resources in the country has been acquired by the logging industry, with Malaysian logging giant Rimbunan Hijau (RH) controlling the rights to an estimated 3 million hectares. RH has publicly refuted allegations of any wrongdoing, saying it’s complied with the regulations set out by the PNG Forest Authority and the Department of Environment and Conservation. But policy manager of the Eco-Forestry Forum Almah Tararia disagrees. She says traditional owners have complained that they never consented to the logging of their land or were forced into agreements by physical and mental intimidation.