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Forest sector eyes bio-economy Hopes to filling the gap of diminishing logging industry in the country and help mitigate climate change issues was discussed during the recent visit of His Royal Highness (HRH), The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles to the country.
Forest Minister, Hon. Ishmael Avui and the Permanent Secretary, Dr Vaeno Vigulu met and briefly discussed with His Royal Highness (HRH) the available opportunities to assist developing and transforming the forestry sector that currently does and depends on round log export into a more resilient and buoyant bioeconomy to address many contemporary economic, social and environmental issues, starting in 2020.
Prior in-depth discussions and site visits were also held with HRH personal forester – The Prince Charles Woodland Forester, Dr Geraint Richard together with The European Forestry Institute Director Dr Marc Palahi.
HRH, The Prince of Wales is currently the patronage of Woodland Heritage and is commonly known for his passion for countryside in United Kingdom, thus is no exception to the directives for possible support to the tiny pacific nation of Solomon Islands.
The Forestry Office welcomes the fruitful discussions in an issued statement, and says will be an honour to champion such initiative moving forward.
KFPL General Manager, Dan Raymond explains SI forests to the The Prince Charles Woodland Forester, Dr Geraint Richard with The European Forestry Institute Director Dr Marc Palahi at one of the woodlots on West Guadalcanal.
Amongst what has been discussed is on global developments in terms of forest policy and governance as well as the importance of addressing forest degradation and moving towards sustainable forest management. With new opportunities that technology offers to support a new forest economy, the bio-economy. An alternative to mitigate climate change, providing new jobs and deliver higher added value economic opportunities in the forest sector, the statement adds.
It says once formalized, the Ministry of Forestry and Research will connect with relevant European structures and countries whom have done the same and have the necessary experiences and expertise to develop the right capacities and institutions to ensure sustainable management of forests in the country. More importantly, the developing of the new forest bio-economy, says the statement. This should also help complement the current REDD+ initiative which the Ministry of Forestry and Research is currently the coordinating and implementing agency of the National REDD+ Programme.
What you think?
The Forest sector moving towards the creation of a bio-economy is welcome news and one I very much hope will eventuate as logging dwindles in the Solomon Island.