Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Media Release, 12 March 2025

The Australian Government is providing development funding for technical assistance and capacity building support which will further strengthen Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) sustainable forest management.

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy, Matt Lowe, said the PNG Forestry Twinning Program aims to collaborate in support of the forestry and forest industries of both countries.

“The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is collaborating with the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) to support frameworks and policies to enhance plantation forestry in PNG for sustainable wood supply in the region,” Mr Lowe said.

“We have a long and collaborative history with PNG, one that’s built on strong institutional connections improving sustainable forest management practices and combating illegal logging.

“The twinning program supports Australia’s international commitments to the industry while strengthening our relationship through shared expertise and technical cooperation.

“Ongoing engagement in the forestry sector allows us to combine the knowledge and expertise of effective plantation development and forest industry governance through workshops and short-term deployments.

“Supporting our closest neighbour to grow, develop and protect their forestry sectors shows our commitment to strong international relationships and a harmonised approach to a sustainable future.”

The twinning program will deliver on commitments made in the Forestry Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding between the department and PNGFA that was entered into in February 2023.

The PNG Forestry Twinning Program is currently funded under the PNG Institutional Partnerships Program by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.