30 Apr 2013

PNG NGO objects to palm oil expansion plans

6:44 pm on 30 April 2013

A Papua New Guinea NGO says the idea of another palm oil producer establishing itself in the country is not a good idea.

The producer, Felda Global Venture Holdings, has signalled it may venture into PNG after government officials asked the company to help create new plantations.

But the executive director of the Centre for Environmental Law and Community Rights, Peter Bosip, says there are already two companies running plantations in PNG.

He says these companies have created massive social and environmental issues for surrounding villages, such as slave labour, restricting access to customary land and desecration of the natural environment.

Mr Bosip says the government needs to resolve these issues before considering inviting other producers into the country.

"The government lacks the resources to get responsible people out to the oil palm operating areas to inspect and monitor what is going on. So, we don't think that it is wise to have another oil palm company coming into Papua New Guinea and the issues that are there must be managed and resolved before we ask for more."

Peter Bosip.