Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (PAND)

Managing Institute:
UK Federation for the Peoples of the South Pacific (UKFSP)

Contractor:
United Kingdom Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific

Project Code: 219-680-005	Start Date: 01-Apr-91	End Date: 01-Mar-93
Commitment: £50 008	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - JFS

Project Background:
The increasing destruction of Papua New Guinea's rainforest by industrial logging and its unique land tenure system have prompted the search for sustainable income-generating alternatives appropriate to the social and physical conditions of the country. The Eco-Forestry Programme was designed as a flexible, socially acceptable tool for encouraging sustainable development.

Project Objectives:
The project is designed to protect the forest by giving local people, its traditional owners, the means to exploit directly. In order to achieve this aim a framework will be created for the development of a long term, viable portable sawmill industry which is enviromentally protective based on the principles of sustained forest management monitored and controlled, and contributes to local economic development.

To design own Eco-Forestry Programme through which the sustainable utilisation of forest resources by supporting the development of Eco-Enterprises that have bio-diversity enhancement capabilities and are renewable or low-impact is achieved.

Intended Outputs:
To improve and develop training manuals and programmes being used by portable sawmill owners, NGOs, VDT, and National and Provincial Forestry Department staff.

To continue ongoing work to review, research, and redesign, as appropriate, alternative sustainable management silviculture systems in order to conform to the highest known standards and utilise techniques most appropriate to the eco-systems of PNG.

To initiate and assist in the development of national extension services to support portable sawmill operators, involving NGOs, private sector, universities, and Government line ministries.

To conduct a thorough survey of existing WS operations in PNG.

To development of a Wokabaut Somil Owners' Association.

To develop an Eco-Forestry Programme and Eco-Timber industry in ways supportive of other programmes involving sustainable use of non-timber forest resources for the diversification of a community's economic base.

To train women in resource management, nursery handling and income-generating activities associated with sustainable forestry projects.