IUCN Oceania and MSG meet to secure the future of Melanesia’s forests

IUCN Oceania Regional Director, Taholo Kami and Programme Coordinator, Mason Smith met with the Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Amena Yauvoli, and Fe'iloakitau Kaho Tevi, a consultant for the organisation on 17 November to discuss the future of rainforests throughout Melanesia. 

The forests have long been a vital resource to peoples throughout Melanesia providing food, medicine and shelter. However, extraction of these resources at unsustainable rates, in biologically significant areas, alongside the associated erosion, pollution of waterways and loss of soil fertility has led to catastrophic losses in biodiversity and the resources of communities. 

The goal of the meeting was to begin work towards a conservation plan that will protect the forests of Papua New Guinea (PNG), which has the third largest expanse of rainforest of any country, from the illegal logging that has devastated ecosystems and livelihoods of environmentally dependant people. There was also emphasis on the need to address these issues throughout the region.

Partnering with IUCN, MSG is seeking to find new members to participate with them in funding work, which will assist with on the ground efforts, developing government legislation that addresses rates of deforestation and illegal logging, as well as spreading awareness of these issues amongst local peoples so they are empowered to take action.

Article by:

Douglas Havea,
Work Experience Student – Communications,
IUCN Oceania