The PNG Forestry Authority (PNGFA) yesterday hosted the two-day National Forestry Sector Forum at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of Papua New Guinea’s forestry industry and the Government’s proposed round log export ban policy.
The purpose of the forum was to inform key forestry sector stakeholders, including Forestry Industry Participants (FIPs), landowners, civil society organizations, government agencies, and other stakeholders, on the National Government’s policy directive on the round log export ban.
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The forum also aimed to assess stakeholder perspectives on the proposed export ban policy and the country’s transition towards downstream processing and value-adding of timber and non-timber forest products.
Discussions focused on anticipated impacts, opportunities for sustainable revenue generation, and the long-term future of the forestry sector.
Another key objective was to identify feasible and stakeholder-supported alternative revenue generation opportunities that can be structured into a transition plan to ensure economic and operational continuity across the industry.
The expected outcome of the forum is the development of a Transition Plan for Downstream Processing aimed at implementing the National Government’s policy directive on the round log export ban through a stakeholder-informed approach that supports a balanced and inclusive forestry sector.
The proposed plan will strategically integrate regulated log exports alongside downstream processing, environmental services, plantation development, and sustainable forest-based enterprises.
It is expected to foster economic resilience, promote sectoral diversification, and strengthen forest conservation efforts as part of a long-term vision for Papua New Guinea’s forestry economy.
Speaking at the forum, Acting Managing Director of PNGFA, Mr. John Mosoro, said the Government and PNGFA had spent the last three years preparing reforms aimed at transforming the forestry industry from heavy dependence on round log exports to downstream processing and sustainable forest management.
Mr. Mosoro said the reforms followed the direction established during the 2019 Forestry Summit and aligned with Government policies focused on economic growth, sustainable resource management, and greater landowner participation.
He announced that PNGFA is currently reviewing the Forestry Act 1991 to modernize the legislation and incorporate areas previously not covered under the law, including carbon trading, REDD+, climate change initiatives, reforestation, and downstream processing.
“The objective is to move from long-term export dependence to downstream processing and value addition,” Mr. Mosoro said.
He revealed that the revised Forestry Act will soon be presented to Parliament and will include stronger compliance measures, stricter penalties for non-compliance, and improved monitoring systems.
Mr. Mosoro also highlighted the National Executive Council’s approval of the National Reforestation and Afforestation Programme, which aims to utilize grasslands and degraded land for tree planting and future industrial timber production.
He encouraged landowners to recognize the growing value of grasslands for forestry and carbon trading opportunities.
“If your grasslands determine your land’s readiness, your land is very important now for forest resources,” he said.
The Acting Managing Director said PNGFA is also expanding its focus beyond timber harvesting to include climate change and carbon financing initiatives, including REDD+ and carbon trading projects.
Mr. Mosoro further announced plans to strengthen forest monitoring systems through modern satellite technology and enhanced compliance measures to better detect illegal logging and monitor forestry operations nationwide.
On landowner participation, he said, PNGFA intends to expand training opportunities through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes to equip landowners and young people with forestry management skills.
“We train them so they can manage their own forests and participate meaningfully in the industry,” he said.
Mr. Mosoro also defended the forestry industry’s contribution to the national economy, saying the sector had generated billions of Kina in revenue over the years and significantly contributed to infrastructure development in remote parts of the country.
He noted that forestry companies had assisted in constructing roads, bridges, schools, and other essential services in areas where government services were limited.
The forum also heard that PNGFA is progressing plans for domestic processing and industrial timber parks in different parts of the country as part of the Government’s transition strategy.
Mr. Mosoro said all new forestry projects acquired since 2024 would now require 100 percent downstream processing, replacing previous export-focused arrangements.
He also announced the establishment of a state-managed forestry agency to oversee downstream processing, timber marketing, investment opportunities, and greater equity participation for resource owners.
Mr. Mosoro said the National Forestry Sector Forum provided an important platform for stakeholders, landowners, government agencies, and industry representatives to discuss the future of Papua New Guinea’s forestry sector and contribute ideas toward the transition to a sustainable and value-added forestry economy.