Our Mission:
Understanding and Sharing the Realities of SABL Policy
At Canopy Watch, our core mission is to deeply understand and comprehensively document the realities surrounding the Special Agricultural and Business Leases (SABL) policy initiative. We are committed to building a robust research foundation, supported by a diverse coalition that includes traditional and community leaders, forestry experts, academics, politicians, civil servants, and both national and international NGOs.
Bridging Complexities in Dialogue and Debate
Engaging in meaningful dialogue and debate with various power structures presents a unique set of complexities, especially at the grassroots organization and campaign levels. A significant challenge we’ve identified is the transient nature of human resources: as individuals move on, their invaluable knowledge and insights often leave with them. To address this, Canopy Watch is dedicated to capturing this ephemeral, yet transferable, knowledge to ensure its continued availability for community empowerment.
Visualizing and Recording for a Smarter Future
Our endeavor goes beyond mere documentation. Canopy Watch strives to visualize and record the wealth of experience and knowledge gained in this field, sharing these insights to foster better-informed communities and policymakers. This initiative is crucial for devising smarter management systems for the preservation of the Pacific’s last lowland forests.
A Knowledge Hub: Documenting the SABL Dialogue
This website serves as a dynamic knowledge hub, meticulously documenting the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into SABLs. It also covers ongoing dialogues and developments regarding this policy in Papua New Guinea. Through this platform, we aim to make critical information accessible, promoting a deeper understanding and informed decision-making among all stakeholders.
Empowering Communities through Knowledge Sharing
We invite you to explore our resources, engage with our findings, and contribute to this vital conversation. Whether you are a stakeholder, researcher, or simply an interested individual, your perspective is valuable to us. Together, we can work towards a future where knowledge empowers action and fosters sustainable management of our precious forest resources.
Canopy Watch’s Vice Versa Workshop
Tom Vigus delves into the pivotal Barnett Inquiry and its impact on the Forest Act, highlighting its ongoing relevance in 2023. In this insightful discussion, he emphasizes the importance of community engagement in developing optimal land use strategies for natural forests and agricultural lands. Tom also sheds light on the need for comprehensive land use planning, which is as relevant today as it was in 2012.
Tom Vigus shares his insights on the importance of the logging code of practice in Papua New Guinea, reflecting his extensive experience and dedication to sustainable forestry practices.