Turubu landowners near Wewak in East Sepik Province are seeking a judicial review of permits issued for the Momase Large-Scale Integrated Agriculture Project on their land.
The land portion 144C covers an area of 116,840 hectares was a subject of the inquiry into Special Agriculture Business Lease between 2014 and 2017.
The landowners are demanding transparency and justice and seek answers to why these permits were granted without community consent.
Speaking on behalf on the landowners, Mr Eugene Mondu Director of Mojirau Wildlife Management Area said, “The Supreme Court revoked the Special Agriculture Business Lease (SABL) in 2017 and ruled that the logging and agriculture activities there be ceased.”
Mr Mondu said, despite this ruling the Momase Large-Scale Integrated Agriculture Project (MLSIAP) continues to operate under the Forest Clearance and Environmental Permit.
“The court ruling clearly affirmed that landowners must give their consent for such developments. Clearly there was no free prior informed consent process with the landowners.” he said.
In August 2016 the Supreme Court upheld the National Court Ruling of 2014 and declared Turubu SABL was illegal. A few months later in March 2017 then Prime Minister Peter O’Neill announces cancellations of all SABLs and declared them illegal.
They question why relevant government authorities; the Conservation Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and the PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA) are not monitoring compliance and are allowing unchecked logging and deforestation.
The landowners said their struggle is not only to protect their environment but also their culture, their autonomy and way of life. They demand that the promises of development be genuine, focused on empowerment, improved livelihoods and sustainable practices.
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