Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (EAPD)

Managing Institute:
Department For International Development (EAPD)

Project Code: 223-502-004	Start Date: 01-Apr-94	End Date: 01-Mar-96
Commitment: £375,000	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
The Forestry Sector in the Solomon Islands is not only important environmentally, it is also a key sector in terms of the macro-economy. In this context, the development and importance of an NFAP is vital to both the sustainable harvesting of the forest resource, and the continuation of revenue flows to SIG. Because of its importance in both environmental and economic terms, the forest sector has been identified as a key focal point for UK assistance to the Solomons.

While SIG has adopted a policy encouraging the sustainable harvesting of its hardwood forest resource, logging licences have been issued in excess of four times what is considered to be a sustainable rate. AIDAB, through its Forest Inventory Project and the Timber Control Unit Project have enabled the Forestry Division to assess the resource and plan for its development. However, there is much still to be done: to identify what constitutes a sustainable rate for harvesting; to consider the need for the re-negotiation of current licenses; to review the role structure and staffing of the Forestry Department; to assess the possibilities for increased in-country processing of timber and to review the appropriateness of forestry legislation.

Project Objectives:
With the aim of sustainable forest management, the project will assist Solomon Islands Government to produce a National Forestry Action Plan (NFAP) through the provision of a Technical Adviser in the position of NFAP Planner/Co-ordinator for a 2 year period. The Planner/Co-ordinator will be supported through the provision of consultancy services where needed. Once the plan is produced, various projects will be identified, and aid donor support sought.

Intended Outputs:
National Forestry Action Plan.

Recommendations for the role, structure and staffing of Forestry Division.

Revised legislation.

Co-ordinated programme of donor interventions.

Alternative possibilities for community level income generation.