EMC key to addressing EIA non-compliance in logging operations

The effectiveness of the Envi­ronment Monitoring Com­mittee (EMC) is crucial in ensuring issues of non-compliance related to Environment Impact Assessments (EIA) are promptly addressed during tree-harvesting operations.

This was highlighted by seasoned EIA consultant Nirbhay Chand dur­ing an EIA consultation with land­owners of the Navoaka Mataqali at Nakasa in Cakaudrove on Tuesday.

Mr Chand said the responsibil­ity of establishing the EMC for the leased harvesting area rested with the mataqali to ensure EIA non­compliance issues were properly addressed.

He said the EMC comprised rep­resentatives from the harvesting contractor, the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), the Department of Forestry; the Department of Envi­ronment, and the landowners.

Drawing from his experience, Mr Chand said while some harvesting operations adhered to EIA condi­tions, many continued to face seri­ous compliance issues.

"In many harvesting areas, EIA compliance remains a major issue," he said.

He said problems included pollu­tion of rivers and streams, sedimen­tation, damage to coral reefs, and harvesting in restricted or prohibited areas.

The Department of Forestry recently con­ducted consultations to train forest officers on ensuring compliance during harvesting operations, Mr Chand said.

He said the Department of Forestry; in col­laboration with the Department of Environ­ment, would continue to monitor harvesting activities.

Mr Chand stressed that the EMC must meet monthly or bi-monthly during harvesting periods to address any EIA-related concerns.

"This committee needs to be serious in its role to ensure complaints received are ad­dressed and deliberated on to ensure full adherence to EIA conditions," he said.

He also highlighted the importance of having a mataqali representative present during the tallying of harvested timber volumes to prevent over-harvesting.

"The tallyman from the mataqali must be proactive in ensuring harvesting volumes comply with approved limits to promote sustainable harvesting practices for future generations," he said.

Representing the landowning unit, Turaga ni Yavusa Vadrani, Semesa Tubese, acknowl­edged Mr Chand for what he described as an informative first-round EIA consultation.

Mr Tubese admitted he previously lacked understanding of EIA conditions and their importance in sustainable logging practices.

However, he expressed confidence in the EIA process being undertaken by Dreketi Contractors Ltd on land owned by the Na­voaka Mataqali in Nakasa, Cakaudrove.

"We will ensure the EMC functions effec­tively; and if the lease is granted, we want economic benefits to be generated for our people," he said.