The Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Control Union (PNG) Limited today at the PNGFA premises. This pivotal agreement formally appoints Control Union as the independent third-party verifier responsible for monitoring log exports and forest produce nationwide. This partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing transparency, legality, and sustainability within PNG’s forestry sector.
Key Advantages of the Partnership
• Advanced Monitoring & Data Sovereignty: Control Union will implement structured pre-export verification and loading inspections, utilizing real-time discrepancy alerts and a centralized database to improve traceability. Crucially, all data ownership, management, and control remain exclusively with the PNGFA.
• Strengthened Governance: This framework fundamentally strengthens compliance and enforcement mechanisms, reinforcing institutional commitment to sustainable forest management and national laws.
• Market Access & Downstream Processing: Engaging a globally recognized verifier enhances the credibility of PNG timber exports, fortifying investor confidence and facilitating global market access. Furthermore, oversight of processed products directly supports national ambitions for downstream processing and increased value creation.
Mr. John Mosoro, Managing Director of the PNGFA, stated: “By engaging Control Union an independent and internationally recognized verifier, we are reinforcing our commitment to sustainable forest management, ensuring compliance with our laws and regulations, and enhancing the credibility of Papua New Guinea’s timber exports in global markets.”
Mr. Supun Nigamuni, Managing Director of Control Union (PNG) Limited, added: “Our role as an independent monitoring organisation is to bring transparency, traceability, and confidence across the forestry value chain… Importantly, the inclusion of both log exports and downstream forest products within the scope creates an opportunity to support Papua New Guinea’s vision for increased value addition.”
Fulfilling its mandate under the Forestry Act 1991, PNGFA pursued this modernized framework to maximize economic value and participation for Papua New Guineans. Commencing under a one-year trial period, this initial phase ensures seamless operational integration and alignment with long-term strategic objectives for an economically thriving forestry sector.
Control Union (PNG) Limited is part of the Royal Peterson Control Union Group BV, a global leader in testing, inspection, certification, and compliance services operating in over 80 countries. In Papua New Guinea, Control Union supports responsible resource management through internationally recognized monitoring and assurance systems.