GOV’T RESTRICTS NEW LOGGING LICENSES: PM LILO

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo. Photo credit: Courtesy of Coral Triangle Initiative.

The Prime Minister has told a regional summit that his government will restrict new logging licenses.

Pacific Islands News Association reports Prime Minister Lilo made the statement during the second Oceania Leaders’ Summit in New Caledonia last week.

He said the country used to rely heavily on logging and timber exports for its foreign revenue earnings, but significant deforestation means that must change if the country is to protect its environment.

PM Lilo said the country has adopted sustainable forestry practices that focus on the planting of new seedlings in areas that have been heavily logged and logging companies will now have to comply with international best practice.