22 Sep 2015

Solomons reforms logging sector to avoid court action

7:03 am on 22 September 2015

Solomon Islands new attorney general says reform of custom landowner trustee appointments will help control irregularities in the logging sector.

Logging operations in Solomon Islands

James Apaniai says the appointment of customary landowner trustees often sparks disputes over logging operations. Photo: Supplied

James Apaniai says it is common knowledge the appointment of customary landowner trustees often sparks disputes over logging operations.

Mr Apaniai says many of these disputes end up in the courts and the government needs to reform the appointment process.

He says disputes over logging operations that go before the courts revolve around disagreements between customary landowner trustees or trustees and tribes.

The Ministry of Forests and Research is currently drafting changes to the Forestry Resource and Timber Utilisation Act.