Institutional Framework

General trends as regards forest policies and legislation

The importance of a sound policy and institutional framework in forestry cannot be overemphasised. This sector is so important for the economy of the Solomon Islands, accounting for about one-third (3.9 percentage points) of the overall economic growth of 10.3% in 2007. It also contributes significantly to employment creation, revenue generation, and development of infrastructure in rural areas. However, the rapid decline in natural forests due to unsustainable logging has negative consequences; not only in terms of serious economic implications, but it also results in widespread adverse environmental impacts (e.g. soil erosion, and sedimentation, water quality impacts, loss of habitat and biodiversity, and loss of future opportunities for alternative sustainable livelihoods). Thus, as a consequence, it reduces income-generating opportunities from land-based resources.
The Forestry Bill 2004 is a draft bill that is the result of more than two decades of efforts to put in place a new law to replace the outdated and unpopular Forest Resources and Timber Utilisation Act 1969, which . with all its confused amendments . has been the main source of the problems currently experienced in the forestry industry. The Forestry Bill 2004 provides for the conservation of forests and the improved management of forest resources, control of timber harvesting, encouragement and facilitation of sustainable forestry activities, establishment of plantations, and, domestic processing of timber. Even though the bill has been subjected to considerable public consultation, it has been seen as lacking satisfactory landowner consultation, and thus has been perceived as lacking local ownership, including a perception that it has been driven too much by foreigners. It has therefore suffered undue political dissection.

Contact Info

Welcome to Solomon Islands Ministry of Forestry and Research.
Image
Foresty, Lengakiki,
PO Box G24,
Honiara, Solomon Islands

SOLGEO ACCESS

VISITOR'S COUNTER

Unknown 30.5% Unknown
Solomon Islands 28.6% Solomon Islands
United States of America 11.6% United States of America
Australia 10.1% Australia
China 2.7% China
Japan 2.2% Japan

Total:

43

Countries
000810
Today: 7
Yesterday: 1
This Week: 23
Last Week: 26
This Month: 54
Last Month: 165
This Year: 810
Total: 810
Copyright © 2024 MINISTRY OF FORESTRY AND RESEARCH Designed by WAYIN Solution

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.