Forestry expert warns oil palm needs close study

By Aloysius Laukai

A Bougainvillean who is a senior forest officer based in Madang, Francis Hurara, has called on the Autonomous Bougainville Government not to introduce oil palm into the Torokina area without a detailed survey of the implications.

Mr Hurahura told New Dawn FM that Bougainville needs to study oil palm developments in West New Britain, Milne Bay, New Ireland and Popondetta before making a final decision about introducing the crop to Bougainville.

He said for Bougainville to prosper, the rainforest needs to remain and be managed so the rural population continues to benefit.

“Our forest is our bank and our supermarket,” Mr Hurahura said. “We should manage it so that future generations can also benefit from it.”

Mr Hurahura also quoted sections of the Bougainville constitution that are relevant to future development plans.

He said Section 23 talks about land and natural resources, Section 24 talks about development and Section 27 talks about environment and conservation, whilst Section 34 talks about partnership with churches and other organisations.

Mr Hurahura said as an educated Bougainvillean he had to comment on this issue as he does not want to be blamed later that he did not warn the ABG of this development in his field of expertise.