SCALE-NRM Project Empowers Malaita with new Forest Business Licenses Ordinance for Sustainable Forest Management
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has successfully hosted provincial premiers and some provincial secretaries in a one day ‘Learning Event’,
demonstrating the institution’s seriousness in strongly promoting its core values. The Strengthening Competitiveness, Agriculture, Livelihood and Environment – Natural Resource Management (SCALE-NRM) Project, funded by USAID, has achieved notable success in supporting the Malaita Provincial Government and its people, developed measures to safeguard forest resources from unsustainable logging practices, a critical issue for the Solomon Islands.
The project has facilitated the creation of an ordinance called the Forest Business Licenses Ordinance (FBLO) which will empower the Malaita Provincial Government to regulate the use and protection of forests and protect its indigenous people who depend almost entirely on their natural resources for survival. This initiative not only contributes to the reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions but is expected to also generate revenue for the province.
SINU Pro Vice Chancellor Academic Dr Eric Katovai expressed pleasure in providing a platform for provincial leaders to gain insights into the “remarkable achievement”. “We believe that understanding and potentially adopting similar measures could greatly enhance capacity of other provincial governments to safeguard their people and resources.” Historically, provincial governments have had limited capacity to influence logging activities, as permits and licensing predominantly fall under the purview of the Solomon Islands National Government. The newly strengthened Forest Business License Ordinance (FBLO) developed by SCALE- NRM offers a transformative approach. It provides regulatory authority and administrative procedures for the transparent issuance of provincial logging business licenses and ensures compliance with the conditions defined in the FBLO. Dr Katovai further stated that the “self-funded business licensing scheme could set a precedent for reducing illegal logging, not only in the Solomon Islands but across the Pacific region”. “It represents a significant step towards enabling provincial governments and their communities to retain greater control over their forest resources.” “As an institution, we are continually committed to fostering an environment that champions innovative solutions to both longstanding and emerging challenges.”
SCALE-NRM Project Chief of Party Dr Morgan Wairiu expressed appreciation to SINU for recognizing the innovative initiative and providing a platform whereby other provinces can learn lessons and possibly develop for their provinces. Dr Wairiu stated that the ttrong support and commitment from the provincial Government to control logging and manage natural resources in Malaita has resulted in the successful development and passage of the ordinance. Dr Wairiu stated that the FBLO will contribute to a drawdown of over 360,0000 tons of CO 2 over a five-year period, which is the equivalent of taking 78,260 cars off the road for an entire year. He added “because provinces cannot control logging without much needed revenue, this scheme, through fees and increased cost to logging operators will ensure enforcement and compliance. This is also consistent and complements the National Forest Policy, an effort to address the already unsustainable forestry practices”.
All premiers in attendance of the event were impressed and expressed strong interest in developing such ordinance for their provinces. Makira Ulawa Province Premier Hon. Julian Maka’a said his province also experienced many logging issues therefore he was convinced that piece of ordinance is exactly what his province needs. Hon Maka’a asked if the same support could be rendered to his province to develop such ordinance which will greatly protect indigenous resources. Guadalcanal premier Hon. Francis Sade said the piece of work is smart and he is also interested in developing such ordinance to protect forest resources on Guadalcanal.
Source: SINU/USAID
