|
“Activists from all over the world have petitioned Papua New Guinea not to
grant a licence to allow Woodlark Island’s rainforests to be cleared to make way
for oil palm plantations .”
The Post Courier newspaper reports that a letter to the prime minister, Sir
Michael Somare, has been sent to countries around the world, including PNG
embassies and various government departments in PNG.
The letter says that clearing Woodlark Island’s rainforests for oil palm
plantations will turn a biodiverse paradise into a lifeless monoculture and
environmental disaster.
It asks that the project’s approval be immediately withdrawn as it is clearly at
odds with PNGs public international statements in support of rainforest and
climate protection.
The letter suggests that if Sir Michael is unable to lead on establishing strict
rainforest protections in Papua New Guinea then he should step aside.