The Commissioner Forest Resources within the Ministry of Forestry and Research has clarified question raised over a decision to endorse logging operations on Korona land as straight forward with an exception on the tubi issue.
A so-called landowner, Mr Chief Paul Fota raised the issue in the Island Sun Newspaper alleging non-compliance of legal processes pertaining to the timber right hearing process for that particular land.
In an issued statement the Commissioner of Forests Office has clarified that there was a timber right hearing held.
That timber right hearing which was initially went through legal processes and have fulfilled all requirements was actually endorsed for other commercial tree species and not tubi as alluded to.
Forestry has no power over tubi under its Act; the only provision is under FRTU Regulation 2019; if the company concern has a mining license or lease.
The Ministry of Forestry and Research under the Forest Resource and Timber Utilization (Felling License) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 states that any company wishing to fell tubi must have a mining lease.
That is the only basic requirement needed for any company in order to comply and followed suit other processes from the forestry side.
It is on this regard that the current felled tubi trees, supposed for shipment are now being halted awaiting further legal processes.The statement further clarified that it is understood that powers to fell this rare tree species of tubi is vested with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Disaster Management.
And whether due consultation and processes been done, that, we have no knowledge of, it added.
The Forestry Office statement reiterate that it has no overall powers over tubi, however under the Forest Resource and Timber Utilization (Felling License) (Amendment) Regulations 2019, any company wishing to fell tubi must have a mining license or lease.
This is the only avenue forestry has its part, as tubi tree is not covered for under Forest Resource and Timber Utilization Act.
Thus, the current felled tubi trees awaiting shipment are currently halted by the Commissioner of Forest, awaiting further legal advice.
– MoFR Press
