East New Britain Balsa Industry Strengthening Project (Phase II)

Papua New Guinea

The project is a direct continuation of the project named ITTO-ENB Balsa Industry Strengthening Project - Phase I (Project number: PD 4/94 Rev.3 (F)), which is conducted in the Gazelle Peninsular of the East New Britain Province. It will continue to provide assistance to the province and may also be extended into the New Ireland Province, as required. The Project area is currently facing a shortage of resources due to lack of extension activities between 1992 and 1996 further exacerbated by the volvaniv eruption in Rabaul in September 1994, as well as severe drought in 1997 caused by El Nino Effect. Furthermore, the expansion of the industry form one to three mills since 1996 has also increased the demand for Balsa wood significantly. Supplies will mainly depend on resources established by the landowner farmers. Estimated future planting establishement is expected to escalate from 100 to 200 hectares per annum. Industry and infrastructure still remains under-resourced and Balsa management requires further strong improvement. Serious losses to breeding stock calls for additional inputs into seed tree selection, seed production and genetic resource conservation.

The objectives of the project are to continue the work of Phase I in order to improve the institutional and organisational effectiveness of the expanding industry, and to improve local farmers incomes through balsa plantations. Objectives also include continued genetic imporvement of stock, seed tree selection, conservation and seed orchard establishment and development to ensure self long-term sufficiency in improved seed supplies to the province and the Nation.

Project outputs of Phase II will be increased farmer extension and training, continued industry staff training, development of an organizational structure for the co-ordination of industry activitties, tree improvement and seed orchard establishment and development.