The imminent end of the logging industry will mean a loss of some 5000 jobs.
This was revealed in the Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study (DTIS) report which was launched in Honiara yesterday by the Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua.
The report recommended that planning and impact study should be start of moves to cater for the job losses.
"Dialogue and planning for this loss should start now and be included as part of the budget planning process,” the report said.
"A detailed impact study together with possible strategies would be a useful platform for discussions," it added.
The report also further recommended that government, sawmill operators and local timber companies may wish to collaborate and strategise on ways to develop the downstream processing subsector, with domestic companies at its core.
"Part of this initiative would be to establish value-added timber association as a producer's organisation.
"The outcome should be long-term strategy on downstream processing," the report, produced after two years of study, said.
It further suggested that government should undertake a national awareness program to inform resources owners about the rational of the programs of reforestation and plantation establishment.
"Awareness for plantation establishment should have landowners as first priority in plantation or woodlot establishment on their land, followed by community plantations, then joint ventures with foreign investors.
"Mechanism for property rights and rentals should be clarified, especially understanding of land registration and joint venture arrangements," the report said.
The involvement of women and youths was also recommended in the forestry sector.
"Mobilise women and youth to participate in income-generation and employment opportunities in forestry and logging through access to land.
"Identify communities willing to host women and youth woodlots and plantation programs and supply them with inputs and provide back up services, to demonstrate the potential for social equity in the sector.
"Outcome should be at least 10 woodlots or plantations established initially in the provinces, beginning with matrilineal communities," the report said.
By MOFFAT MAMU
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