TFF conducts first training in PNG...

Training Participants

Available funding and an urgent request for assistance recently came together to everyone’s satisfaction with the delivery of TFF’s first RIL training in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

In May, 2011, the TFF delivered field training in road planning, location, and construction to the Arabam village community enterprise in East New Britain province PNG.  Arabam village is one of eight participants in a group certification sponsored by Forcert, a local NGO dedicated to assisting community development in PNG through forest certification and the creation of market access for timber coming from community managed forests.

The community enterprise members turned out in force to take part in the practical orientation and actual road construction efforts.  Participation took on a completely different meaning when community members were asked to construct a box culvert at a small stream crossing inside the cutting block.

Output of the training was an 800 meter access road, located and constructed under the supervision of TFF.  Participants included most of the male members of the Arabam village (of all ages) as well as the technical staff of Forcert drawn from the various provinces in which Forcert operates.

It is expected that this training input will make it possible for Forcert to renew its group certification under the FSC system.