National Forest Development Guidelines

The Guidelines establish the strategic direction and administrative framework for the forestry sector in Papua New Guinea. This policy instrument aims to implement the provisions of the Forestry Act 1991 and the National Forest Policy to ensure the sustainable management of forest resources. Its primary focus is to define the economic, social, and environmental benefits of forest utilization while strengthening the capacity of the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) to regulate the sector following the legislative transition period.
The document details the procedures for forest resource acquisition through Forest Management Agreements (FMA). It emphasizes the recognition of customary landowners' rights and their participation in the development process. Key provisions include the requirement to conduct audits of existing resources before the allocation of new projects and the necessity of synchronizing provincial forestry plans with the national plan. Furthermore, it regulates transparency in project allocation through competitive bidding processes and the evaluation of the operational track record and financial capability of potential concessionaires.
Regarding forest management, the guidelines mandate compliance with the Logging Code of Practice and environmental standards to minimize ecological impacts. The instrument also introduces strategies to address climate change challenges by preparing for carbon trading initiatives and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) mechanisms. This includes developing methodologies for forest carbon stock assessment and establishing the necessary legal and institutional frameworks to participate in international carbon markets.
The guidelines establish a framework for field monitoring, compliance, and enforcement. The PNG Forest Authority is responsible for overseeing industrial operations, including the collection of royalties and forestry levies. The document also highlights the importance of forestry research, biodiversity protection, and the development of the domestic wood processing industry to increase the value-added of forest products. Efforts to enhance institutional capacity and supporting infrastructure, such as updating national forest inventory data, are identified as priorities to support data-driven decision-making in natural resource management.