PNG forest authority and SGS reignite partnership to boost forestry oversight and revenue protection

*From L:* Forestry Expert Bruce Telfer, PNG Forest Authority Managing Director John Mosoro and SGS Managing Director Johan Connell reach a fruitful outcome after urgent weekend meeting *(Image: Supplied)*

The Papua New Guinea Forest Authority [PNGFA] has renewed its partnership with international verification firm SGS, in a strategic move to strengthen export monitoring and enhance revenue security from the country’s forestry sector.

The renewed collaboration follows a high-level meeting in Brisbane on June 22 between PNGFA Managing Director John Mosoro and SGS Managing Director Johan O’Connell. The meeting resulted in a mutual agreement to restore working relations and set the groundwork for a long-term Export Monitoring Agreement.

The renewed deal comes after a recent dispute that led to a temporary suspension of SGS’s services in PNG. Under the new terms, both parties agreed to move past previous differences and focus on modernization, transparency, and improved service delivery.

"This is a fruitful outcome for Papua New Guinea," said Mr. Mosoro. "SGS's export monitoring services are crucial to maximizing revenue from our log exports and ensuring the efficiency of our operations. We have addressed the gaps and are committed to a renewed partnership built on transparency, data sharing, and capacity building for our local staff."

As part of an interim arrangement, the existing contract with SGS has been extended to 31 December 2025. PNGFA has committed to settling outstanding payments through a structured instalment plan, allowing for continued service delivery while managing financial obligations.

A key element of the partnership renewal includes training for PNGFA staff in data management. SGS has agreed to support capacity building efforts and ensure all data generated through export monitoring will remain the sole property of PNGFA and shared regularly for decision-making purposes.

Both organizations also plan to adopt new digital tools to enhance transparency and compliance. The future agreement will incorporate modern Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems, aligning with global environmental standards such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

"We value our partnership with SGS and appreciate their dedication to supporting PNGFA and the State," Mosoro said. "We look forward to working together in good faith to finalize a new, comprehensive Export Monitoring Agreement that will build a strong and self-sustaining framework for the future of PNG's forestry sector."

The renewed commitment includes a five-year contract between PNGFA and SGS, with provisions for further extension. The outcome is seen as a significant step toward building a more transparent and robust forest monitoring system for Papua New Guinea.