MALFFB aware of 99-year logging agreement in Santo

November 13, 2024 9:56 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries, and Biosecurity (MALFFB), Xavier Emmanuel Harry, confirmed in Parliament that the ministry is aware of the 99-year logging agreement in Santo.

He said the ministry has been monitoring the activities of this company, which has entered into a contract agreement with local chiefs for logging operations.

The agreement was signed between the Chairman of the Vanuatu Forest Industry Limited and Chief Seni Mao Taso from Torboa Area Council of Chiefs on October 31st. Signatories of witnesses include Sanma Forestry Department, Sanma Public Works Department and Sanma Provincial Government.

This agreement grants the logging company access to approximately 1,300 square kilometers of land along Santo’s West Coast for logging and export activities over a 99-year period.

Minister Harry informed Parliament that he had anticipated questions regarding this logging arrangement and its implications.

He conveyed that he has instructed officers to compile a report on the company’s operations and the details of the logging activities currently underway.

He assured Parliament members that as soon as he receives this report, he will present the findings to Parliament.

This logging agreement has drawn attention due to its scale and duration, with concerns raised about the potential environmental and social impacts.