Forest-based resources are integral to Pacific livelihoods – Solomon Islands is no exception. Forests cover over 80% of the country’s land area and are central to the social, environmental and economic well-being of the nation.
Forest-based industries are a major source of employment in Solomon Islands. Exports of round logs contribute over 70–85% of export earnings (valued at around 70 million Euros) and 18% of total government revenue.
However, the current level of harvesting of round logs from natural forests is not sustainable, neither environmentally nor economically. Without intervention, the industry faces severe and inevitable shortages in the near future.
In light of that, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) through its EU-funded Facilitating Agricultural Commodity Trade (FACT) project is assisting the Solomon Islands forestry industry, initially by engaging Salwood Asia Pacific Pty Ltd to conduct a study on the development of a market information system for Solomon Island timbers.
According to FACT Team Leader, Dr Lex Thomson, the study provides a foundation of knowledge as the basis for a market information system for Solomon Islands timber:
“The study focused on identifying sources of price information for Solomon Island timbers, value-adding options, marketing of flueggea poles in Australia and New Zealand, and new market opportunities for Solomon Island wooden handicraft.”
“The study also looked at exploring market opportunities for blocks of speciality timbers, such as ebony and figured timbers, and gathering preliminary market intelligence and trends for Solomon Island timbers.”
(for more information contact vineshp@spc.int)
Forest-based industries are a major source of employment in Solomon Islands. Exports of round logs contribute over 70–85% of export earnings (valued at around 70 million Euros) and 18% of total government revenue.
However, the current level of harvesting of round logs from natural forests is not sustainable, neither environmentally nor economically. Without intervention, the industry faces severe and inevitable shortages in the near future.
In light of that, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) through its EU-funded Facilitating Agricultural Commodity Trade (FACT) project is assisting the Solomon Islands forestry industry, initially by engaging Salwood Asia Pacific Pty Ltd to conduct a study on the development of a market information system for Solomon Island timbers.
According to FACT Team Leader, Dr Lex Thomson, the study provides a foundation of knowledge as the basis for a market information system for Solomon Islands timber:
“The study focused on identifying sources of price information for Solomon Island timbers, value-adding options, marketing of flueggea poles in Australia and New Zealand, and new market opportunities for Solomon Island wooden handicraft.”
“The study also looked at exploring market opportunities for blocks of speciality timbers, such as ebony and figured timbers, and gathering preliminary market intelligence and trends for Solomon Island timbers.”
(for more information contact vineshp@spc.int)
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