By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The Forest International Day was marked yesterday at the Maeana and Faifatala communities in Malaita Province.
With the theme ‘Forest and Economic’ the event was celebrated with a meaningful short drama from the Maeana community showing how human activities have destroyed the forest.
Government officials and community elders who attended the celebration were touched by the drama when they reflected on how human carelessness has led to destruction.
During the celebration at Maeana community, on behalf of Malaita Province’s Premier, Permanent Secretary George Eric thanked the World Vision Area Manager for the passionate and visionary work done to support and bring the communities together to mark this meaningful celebration.
He said mangroves are more than just trees growing along coastlines; they are life-giving ecosystems that protect, sustain, and empower people.
“For generations, our communities have relied on mangroves for food, shelter, and protection. They serve as natural barriers against strong waves, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels.
“In times of storms and extreme weather, mangroves stand as our first line of defence,” he said.
Chief Forestry Officer of Malaita Province, James Usi, said the theme of International Forest Day reminds us of how forests are important for the environment and how it is connected to livelihoods and economic development.
He said forests are a main pillar of the national economy and contribute significantly to government revenue and exports.
“In fact, forestry has contributed around 17 percent of the country’s GDP and about 20 percent of government revenue, while log exports account for approximately 70 percent of the nation’s export earnings,” he said.
In Malaita Province, Forest Resource has a total land area of approximately 422,000 hectares. Out of this area, about 41,000 hectares are considered suitable for commercial logging.
To date, it is estimated that only around 10,000 hectares of unlogged forest remain in the province.
Photo: Rodrick Desuri
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
