Publication: Managing Forests As A Renewable Asset For Present And Future Generations: Verifying Legal Compliance In Forestry In Papua New Guinea (Jan 2014)

	Managing Forests As A Renewable Asset For Present And Future Generations: Verifying Legal Compliance In Forestry In Papua New Guinea
	Author: SCHEYVENS Henry and LOPEZ-CASERO Federico
	Policy Report / Research Report | 2013/11 | Language: English
	Publisher: IGES | Copyright: IGES | Page No./Total No. of Pages: 134.

This report aims to contribute to the management of PNG’s forests as a renewable natural asset for the collective benefit of all Papua New Guineans. It argues that to achieve these ends, illegalities in the forest sector need serious attention. The report aims to (i) provide a review of the illegal logging issue in PNG, (ii) identify the potential legality risks that are associated with unverified PNG timber, (iii) set out options for mitigating these risks, and (iv) provide an update on the development and uptake of legality and sustainability standards in PNG.

The potential legality risks of unverified PNG export timber identified in this and earlier reports are associated with failures to follow the required processes in the acquisition, allocation and extension of timber rights; shortcomings in compliance with regulations and guidelines in the conduct of forestry operations and in fulfilment of project agreements; and failure to follow the prescribed processes in the authorisation of SABLs, which are now a significant source of PNG export timber.

In terms of risk mitigation strategies, buyers should avoid clearly illegal and high risk timber, such as species banned from export and logs from unauthorised or suspended operations, as well as avoid relationships with timber businesses that have been prosecuted for serious illegal activities. Timber from Forest Clearance Authorities granted under SABLs should also be avoided (unless considerable proof of legal compliance can be provided) until the Government has concluded its investigation and put in place a comprehensive response to the problems identified.

Download:	File name	Size
	IGES-PNG_Legality_03-12-2013.pdf	4.7 MB

Area:	Natural Resources and Ecosystem Services
Task:	Forest Conservation
Tag:	Policy Report
Region:	Papua New Guinea source from: http://pub.iges.or.jp/modules/envirolib/view.php?docid=4809

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Event: UKFS and Woodland Management Plan Workshop (28 Jan 2014)

UKFS and Woodland Management Plan Workshop

Santon Downham Village Hall, Cherry Tree Lodge, Santon Downham, Suffolk, IP27 0TL

UKFS and Woodland Management Plan Workshop: Santon Downham, Suffolk
Tuesday 28 January 2014, 09:30 - 16:00 Julie Adamson Hits : 235
ICF and Forestry Commission England

During January and February, the ICF will host a series of workshops in partnership with Forestry Commission England (FCE), introducing the previously refreshed UK Forestry Standard and new FC England woodland management plan templates. The events will be particularly valuable for forestry practitioners, agents and woodland owners.

FC England management plan templates aim to support more woodlands into UKFS compliant and sustainable management. FC-approved, UKFS-compliant management plans will be an important eligibility criteria for funding under the next Rural Development Programme.

This series of seminars will provide an insight on UKFS, hands-on workshops and the introduction of new mapping functionality that supports management planning. Attendees will learn more about templates enabling them to improve their plans, for both short and long term woodland management.

Book Online
Suffolk Workshop
Tickets cost £30 per delegate including lunch and refreshments (no VAT).
Click here to BOOK ONLINE . Your booking is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Booking for the ICF/FCE UKFS and Woodland Management Plan Workshops.
Please note that advance booking is essential as at some locations delegate places are restricted.

Programme Timing and Speakers
9.30am - Registration & coffee
4.30pm - Close

Download the Full Programme

SpeakersJohn Weir MICFor, Adviser, Woodland Creation and Resilience, Forestry Commission England
John took on the role as Climate Change Programme Manager for Forest Enterprise England after working as a forester in Scotland, England and Wales since the mid-70s including seven years as Director of the National Arboreta. He is author of the Climate Change Action Plan for the Forestry Commission Estate in England. In his current job he facilitates knowledge transfer, inspiring motivation and confidence to facilitate ‘anticipatory adaptation’ within England’s woodlands, creating resilience both in existing and new woodlands.

 
Neville Elstone MICFor, Cumbria Woodlands
Neville's work experience ranges from arboriculture management for two local authorities, a year working for Forest Enterprise, two years of self-employment as forestry consultant, Technical Officer at Institute of Chartered Foresters and most recently working at Cumbria Woodlands, mixed with part time teaching at the National School of Forestry and non Executive work on several groups. He has been a Chareterd Foresters since 2000.

Kevin May MICFor, National Incentives Team Manager - Forestry Commission England
Kevin has over 21 years experience with the Forestry Commission having worked for both Forest Enterprise and more recently Forest Services. Kevin is the National Incentives Team Manager and project lead for the revision and update of the management plan templates. Kevin‘s role includes responsibility for the EWGS scheme, supporting the design and implementation of the New Environmental Land Management Scheme (NELMs) and management of the administration teams that administer grant and regulatory cover across England.Kevin has held Chartered Forester status since 1993.  

Sam Neck, Project Officer, Incentives & Regulations Team – Forestry Commission England
Sam joined the Forestry Commission in February 2013 as a Project Officer in the Incentives and Regulations team, at present her main focus is the development and launch of the revised management plan template alongside supporting the EWGS scheme and transition to the next RDPE.

Paul Orsi MICFor, Director for Forestry and Rural Enterprise, Sylva Foundation
Paul takes a lead role in the myForest service and other forestry projects at Sylva, liaising closely with core partners and woodland owners, and developing new activities relating to business enterprise. Paul joined Sylva in 2013 from Blenheim Palace. There he managed the rural estate which included seven hundred hectares of woodland. Paul's professional experience encompasses forestry, farming, conservation and rural enterprise. Paul gained  Chartered Forester status in 2007, is Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and recently completed a MSc in Land Management at Harper Adams University.

Alistair Yeomans  MICFor, Chief Operating Officer, Sylva Foundation  
Alistair coordinates the myForest service and is a founding member of staff of the Sylva Foundation. He has published a number of reports on subjects ranging from county-level wood fuel resource assessments, to woodland economic studies.Alistair has a broad range of experience in horticulture, arboriculture and forestry in the UK and internationally. His research work has focused on environmental factors effecting the growth of trees and woodlands. His commercial work has involved the management of a variety of land-based businesses.

This workshop is also taking place at:

Tue 14 January - Castle Gate, Newcastle
Wed 15 January - Preston, Lancashire
Fri 17 January - Sand Hutton, York
Wed 29 January  -  Oakham, Rutland
Fri 31 January - Bewdley Worcestershire
Mon 24 February - Haldon Forest, Exeter
Tue 25 February - Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Thu 27 February -  Flimwell, East Sussex
Fri 28 February - Horndean, Hampshire

more information:http://www.charteredforesters.org/icf-events/event-calendar/eventdetail/267/-/ukfs-and-woodland-management-plan-workshop-santon-downham-suffolk/

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Event: BEC Policy Dialogue Series: 2014 Policy Address with the Secretary for the Environment (28 Jan 2014)

BEC Policy Dialogue Series: 2014 Policy Address with the Secretary for the Environment

Event Date: 28 Jan 2014 Event Time: 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm Venue: BEC Auditorium, G/F, 77 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong Fee: $200.00 Discounts: Discounts for BEC Members: Council Member (30%), Corporate Member (20%), General Member (10%), Associate Member (10%) Contact: Ms Joey Hui Email: joey@bec.org.hk Telephone: 2784 3958

Mr K S Wong, JP, Secretary for the Environment, will meet with BEC members to discuss the environmental components of the 2014 Policy Address on 28 January 2014.

This inaugural session of BEC Policy Dialogue Series provides a unique opportunity for the business community to discuss with the Secretary major environmental affairs pertinent to Hong Kong, to understand more thoroughly the policy direction of the Government, and to express BEC viewpoints and opinions.

In consultation with members, BEC submitted a policy paper to the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government in November 2013. This paper is available for view on the BEC website. This meeting with the Secretary has been especially arranged for our members and the wider business community to actively engage with the Government on various issues relating to the environment and sustainability of Hong Kong.
Details and Registration

Date:	28 January 2014 (Tuesday)
Time:	5:00 – 7:00pm (Registration starts at 4:30pm)
Venue:	BEC Auditorium, G/F, 77 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (location map)
Fee:	$200 per person Discounts for BEC Members:     Council Member (30%) Corporate Member (20%) General Member (10%) Associate Member (10%)

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Seats are limited and are reserved on a first come, first served basis. (Priority will be given to BEC members.) Please register and pay before 24 January 2014 to reserve a seat. Confirmation will be issued upon successful registration. Please click HERE to register.
For enquiry, please contact Ms Joey Hui (T 2784-3958 | E joey@bec.org.hk).

- See more at: http://bec.org.hk/events-current/2014-policy-address-with-the-secretary-for-the-environment#sthash.APNm9do4.dpuf

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Japan News: The Result of Enhanced Monitoring Activities for Prevention of Illegal Export and Import of Wastes by the Regional Environment Offices during the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R) Promotion Month (21 Jan 2014)

• The Result of Enhanced Monitoring Activities for Prevention of Illegal Export and Import of Wastes by the Regional Environment Offices during the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R) Promotion Month

Enhanced monitoring activities for prevention of illegal export and import of wastes by Regional Environment Offices (REO), Ministry of the Environment (MOE) were undertaken in cooperation with Customs as part of activities of the 3R Promotion Month this past October.

The result of the activities is as follows:

1.The result of enhanced monitoring activities for prevention of illegal export and import of wastes.
(1) Joint inspection of dubious cargos by REO and Customs
(2) Site inspection to exporters' cargos of which relevant documents have already been submitted for pre-application consultation service by REO
(3) Dissemination of regulations and legal framework to control export and import of waste and pre-application consultation service
a. Distribution of brochures and information materials
b. Seminar on export and import of waste for exporters and importers

MOE keeps on enhancing monitoring of wastes to prevent illegal export and import of waste in cooperation with Customs and disseminating information on control of export and import of waste through various opportunities such as seminars. 

source from: 

http://www.env.go.jp/en/headline/headline.php?serial=2044

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Book: Comparative Perspectives on Environmental Policies and Issues (Jan 2014)

Comparative Perspectives on Environmental Policies and Issues

Edited by Robert A. Dibie

Routledge – 2014 – 464 pages

Series: Routledge Research in Environmental Policy and Politics

Comparative Perspectives on Environmental Policies and Issues presents tools and concepts about environmental policies in several developed and developing countries. It explores a broad survey of ecological modernization theory, ecological feminism theory, environmental justice theory, the concept of sustainability, and research on environmental policies. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, and are used to analyze social, economic, and environmental impact on people.

The book specifically discusses how the earth’s basic life-supporting capital (soils, forests, species, fresh water and oceans) is degraded or depleted to provide for human needs, and how air pollution and acid precipitation, are causing widespread injury to humans, forests, and crops. Realistically, over-taxing of natural resources and ecological systems throughout the world has promoted economic growth and created increasing opportunities for people while also advancing social injustice. The use of the environment to accomplish social and economic transformation raises fundamental issues for the study of environmental policy and the natural ecological system. As human beings exploit the natural environment to meet present needs, they often will destroy resources needed for the future generations. Thus, environmental policies are enacted to ensure that social and economic impacts of the environment are compatible with the limits of natural systems.

Offering an intuitive and crystal-clear explanation of the key concepts and principles of environmental policies and sustainable development, this volume is suitable not only for environmental science students, but also for instructors, practitioners, researchers, and academics.

more information: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415813914/

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World News: ADB President Assures PRC Vice Premier of Strong Support for Reforms, Environment, and Poverty Reduction (22 Jan 2014)

ADB President Assures PRC Vice Premier of Strong Support for Reforms, Environment, and Poverty Reduction

BEIJING, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA – During a three-day visit to People’s Republic of China (PRC), Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao expressed appreciation for the PRC’s reform vision announced last month and assured Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli of ADB’s strong support for reforms and efforts to address environment and poverty.

“I was impressed by the comprehensiveness of the decisions of the recent Third Plenum of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China,” Mr. Nakao said. “As we look closely at the scope and implications of the seemingly rather simple policy statement to give market the ‘decisive role,’ we realize that the successful implementation of the forthcoming reforms can indeed bring the PRC to a new era in its socioeconomic development.”

Mr. Nakao noted that strengthening markets and widening the role of the private sector does not mean a weakening of government. In fact, a capable and efficient government is crucial for the efficient functioning of markets.

The state needs to continue to play a key role in addressing issues like pollution and climate change, and encouraging greater use of alternative energy sources and more efficient use of natural resources. In addition, the state needs to address poverty and widening inequality as the country continues to grow.

Mr. Nakao also met ADB Governor and Minister of Finance Lou Jiwei, and Head of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development Liu Yongfu, and discussed the PRC’s ongoing socioeconomic transformation and key challenges.

Discussions with the senior leaders of the government focused on how ADB can help the formulation and implementation of the 13th Five Year Plan most effectively. Public finance including reforms of the taxes and the delineation of the roles of the central and local governments is recognized as one of the key areas.

Mr. Nakao signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) addressing climate change with National Development and Reform Commission Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua. Another MoU was signed with Environmental Protection Minister Zhou Shengxia to promote initiatives for green and sustainable growth.

Over the next five years, ADB’s support for the PRC will include a strong focus on addressing climate change and green growth, including the development of low-carbon economic zones, energy efficiency improvement, clean coal technologies and the piloting of emissions trading schemes. Furthermore, ADB will help environmental protection in the PRC in the areas of controlling air, water, and soil pollution; sustainable management of wetland, rivers, and forests; prevention of land degradation; and biodiversity conservation. ADB will help promote innovation in these areas.

At the same time, ADB will continue to support the PRC’s efforts to address remaining poverty and widening inequalities. ADB will help address rural poverty with productivity increase in agriculture, access to financial services and infrastructure development. It is also essential to address urban poverty with the provision of minimum social services, particularly education and health.

ADB will continue to strengthen its knowledge support to the PRC through the sharing of lessons of other countries. In the context of South-South cooperation, ADB will also help the PRC share its development experiences with other countries in Asia and the Pacific.

Since 1986, ADB has provided $28 billion of development assistance to the PRC. Under its Country Operations Business Plan, ADB envisages providing $4.13 billion in loans in the 2014-2016 period covering natural resources and agriculture, energy, transport, and urban and social sectors.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.

resource from: http://www.adb.org/news/adb-president-assures-prc-vice-premier-strong-support-reforms-environment-and-poverty-reduction

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