Solomon Islands Ministry of Forestry is embarking on new tougher measures to crackdown on illegal logging practices in the country.
The new initiative is aimed at ensuring that logging companies and operators do business within the laws of the land by fully complying with the requirements of the Forestry Act and other related regulations.
Minister for Forestry, Bodo Dettke confirmed his Ministry has been given the green light by the office of the Prime Minister to embark on the new initiative.
Dettke said the task is aimed at putting things right in line with laws governing forestry operations in the country.
He said misconceptions about correct procedures had for a long time led to many illegal logging practices.
He said under such illegal logging practices, companies and operators breached the Forestry Act, escaping prosecution.
“We have the strong support from the Prime Minister’s Office and my Ministry will ensure it implement what is legally required to put an end to illegal practices and put things right,” said Dettke.
He issued a stern warning to those found during the crackdown exercise that they will face the full force of the law through prosecutions.
Dettke said allegations of conflict of interest against him for operating a logging company were totally incorrect and misleading.
He dismissed any wrong doing saying his private company is a separate entity and does not affect his role as Minister of the State.
“My company in the normal course of carrying out its operations has always tried its best to fully comply with regulations governing logging operations in the country.
“Thus in the course of operation, the company like all others is subjected to monitoring and scrutiny by the responsible authorities and officials. In the event it happens to violate the provisions of the Forestry Act, it would most certainly be subjected face the consequences of its actions under the law,” said Dettke.
Permanent Secretary, Vaeno Vigula pointed out that while the forestry sector is the main economic backbone of the country, the industry had been neglected, allowing operators to carry out illegal logging practices with no proper mechanisms to monitor and control their activities.
“We want to change the way they conduct themselves to come in line on the right and lawful path,” said Vigula.
He said the Ministry is embarking on restoring staff morale putting emphasis on transparency, accountability and discipline.
Vigula said another important aspect the Ministry is embarking on is to ensure every one engaged in the logging industry is treated to the same level playing field.
He said this had not often been the case when one considers the fact that while some logging companies and operators do business in full compliance with the law, others do business outside the requirements of the law.