26 Jan 2015

Solomons PM promises to 'weed out' bad loggers

9:27 am on 26 January 2015

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, says the government will revisit logging regulations and codes of practice to ensure logging companies are kept in check of their activities.

Logging operations in Solomon Islands

Logging operations in Solomon Islands Photo: Supplied

The Solomon Forest Association's President, Johnny Sy, claims that certain logging non-SFA member companies are engaging in unsustainable logging practices and therefore tarnish the image of the country's logging industry.

He says the rate of unsustainable logging is likely to increase unless the government implements reforms to keep non-SFA registered companies in check.

The Prime Minister has assured the SFA executive that the government will work closely with it, saying he hopes by revisiting forestry regulations, genuine forestry investors are rewarded.

He says logging revenue represents the larger portion of the country's foreign receipt earnings and is an important source of employment for many Solomon Islanders.