The country’s economy is currently relying on the logging sector to support its financial position.
But the declining forestry sector due to over-harvesting of our natural forest is a concern because if there are no more logs in turn it would affect our revenue.
Already we are in a financial situation that is worrying given the poor performance of our economy and the sources of revenue.
The country need to invest more in its forestry sector.
Therefore one of the solutions to this problem to ensure we can continue to harvest our forest is reforestation program throughout the country.
For years Government with the support from its donor partners and other investors have been encouraging local resource owners to engage in reforestation and tree plantation.
Later on when their trees are mature and ready they can be harvested.
Solomon Islands is blessed with a good tropical climate condition which offers a suitable environment for our trees to grow back within ten or so years.
With a perfect soil that is also fertile its makes its faster for our trees to be ready for harvest.
There are several species of trees which can grow faster and this had been offered to the farmers to try out.
These are teak, Mahogany and eucalyptus.
Malaita provincial forestry department last week was engaged in the distribution of seedlings to interested tree farmers in the province.
This is a good initiative undertaken by the forestry unit to encourage local farmers to go into reforestation and tree plantation.
The national government has also poured in a total of $11, 162, 054.79 for tree farmer’s association to help rehabilitate their tree plantations.
This is a good move by the government.
Last week a total of 383 eucalyptus seeds have given to 11 active farmers close to Auki area.
Interested farmers who wish to plant trees are being urged to visit the Auki reforestation team to collect seeds.
There is a growing demand for seeds and this is a pleasing because of the importance of reforestation and the benefit it would give to the local resource owners.
A good example of such activity is with the Eagon Pacific Plantation Limited and the Kolombangara Forestry Products Limited (KPFL) in the Western province.
These two companies have invested alot of money in growing trees and are harvesting them to export.
If local companies or communities engage in such project, it would benefit them alot rather than relying on outsiders to come and harvest your forest.
In the end you get very little benefit from it.
Its time people and communities should rethink about working together and engaging in reforestation so that everyone can benefit and the forests are being harvested in a sustainable manner.
