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Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed his government’s firm policy to end the export of Round Logs by 2025 and promote sustainable downstream processing to add value to Papua New Guinea’s forestry sector. Addressing the media on arrival from the COP30 Climate Conference in Brazil, Prime Minister Marape emphasized that PNG’s forestry industry must now shift from extraction to sustainable value creation. “Our commitment to phase out the issuance of Round Log Export Licenses by 2025 remains firm,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are now moving towards processing Timber within the country to generate more local employment, stimulate manufacturing, and promote conservation.” Cabinet has already approved the establishment of PNG Diwai Limited, a state entity mandated to take up to 30 percent of all Logs harvested in Papua New Guinea. This Agency will ensure that Logs are retained and processed domestically or marketed responsibly under the Forestry Act. PM Marape explained that this policy is not about chasing away investors it is to ensure that logging operations are conducted sustainably, are environmentally compliant and that PNG citizens share equitably in the benefits. PM Marape said this move is consistent with PNG’s Climate commitments made at COP30, where the country advocated for the protection of 70 percent of its forests and the establishment of a global financial mechanism to reward Forest Conservation. “If we have not shut down fossil fuels, then we must plant or conserve a tree, the conservation and sustainable management of forests is the lifeline for our planet.” PM said. Prime Minister Marape called on all Forestry companies and industry stakeholders to cooperate with the Government in this transition. He will convene a National Forestry Forum before the end of the year to engage all industry participants on the implementation roadmap for downstream processing. “The Forestry Sector has harvested enough over the years, and now we must move forward together—Industry, Government, and Landowners—to ensure our Forest resources generate wealth for the people while preserving the environment for generations to come.” PM Marape said. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that no new Round Log Export Licenses will be issued after 2025. Future permits will require in-country processing or participation in Forest conservation and Carbon Credit initiatives. “This Policy is a moral, environmental, and economic obligation and Papua New Guinea will lead by example as a responsible Rainforest Nation that values both its trees and its people.” PM Marape said.
