FAO Forestry country profiles - legislation

Papua New Guinea

Forestry legislation

The overarching legislative objective for the Papua New Guinean environment is specified in the National Constitution, which provides for wise use of natural resources, conservation and replenishment of the environment, and protection of flora and fauna for the benefit of present and future generations. The principal piece of forestry legislation is the Forestry Act of 1991, which provides for the conservation, development and management of forest resources. Forest regulations covering all aspects of forest industry procedures and controls were approved in 1998 and provide the legal underpinning for many of the requirements under the Forestry Act of 1991. Other legislation that impacts on forestry in Papua New Guinea include: the Environmental Planning Act of 1978, which requires an environmental impact assessment for all development projects; the Environmental Act of 1988; the National Parks Act of 1982; Conservation Areas Act of 1978; and the Fauna (Protection and Control) Act of 1966. More recently, the Fairness of Transactions Act of 1993 places numerous controls over the development of forestry contracts. A 1991 national forest policy covers forest management, the forest industry, research, training and education, and forestry organization and administration.