Report on the Implementation of the derogation to ... - Trade Websites

Final <strong>Report</strong>
RoO Derogation under the PACP-IEPA
also place pressure on existing public infrastructure (i.e. utilities), as well as public transport.
Security issues (particularly in Lae) could also be exacerbated and will require additional resources
for policing/law enforcement. Companies will need to work closely with provincial Governments to
adequately plan and address these issues.
A Pacific-wide negative social issue associated with the tuna industry is the involvement of local
women in sex work with crew members, when vessels come into port. Engagement in sex work
exposes women to increased risks of contracting HIV/AIDs and other sexually transmitted infections
(STIs), as well as other social risks (i.e. unplanned pregnancy, physical abuse and alcoholism). In a
Pacific cultural context it is viewed as an immoral activity, which erodes traditional social values.
In the Madang area, anecdotal reports exist of young women exchanging sex for fish with crew
members onboard industrial fishing vessels and carriers. 97 Originally this activity commenced with
women paddling out in canoes to vessels to swap garden vegetables for fish, but eventually
extended further to illicit activities. In acknowledging and attempting to address this issue, RD
implemented a targeted employment program in 2008, whereby young women (‘paddling mamas’)
engaged in such activities are offered employment as fish classifiers within RD’s cold storage facility
at Vidar. The Company reports that the program has had a very positive impact in reducing
prostitution activity in the area.
The availability of fish for local consumption from industrial vessels in Madang has reportedly
altered the level of artisanal fishing activity, and as a result, the species mix sold in local markets, as
well as home consumption patterns. Local fishers and fish market stall operators report changed
patterns of access to fishing grounds near Vidar Port, as well as declines in fish size and availability.
Increased sales of tuna and other by-catch (called ‘salt fish’) from tuna fishing vessels in local market
stalls has replaced, in part, sales of reef fish. ‘Salt fish’ are apparently sold at cheaper prices than
reef fish caught by artisanal fishers and is often of questionable quality, raising food safety
98
concerns.
4.6 Environmental Issues
4.6.1 Management of environmental risks
PNG’s Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is “vested with the powers to protect the
environmental values of air, water, soil and biodiversity, and the sustainable use of natural
resources, as mandated by the fourth goal of the National Constitution”. 99 The relevant legislation
establishing the regulatory framework of the Department is the Environment Act 2000 with
associated Regulations (i.e. Water Quality Criteria, Procedures, Prescribed Activities, Fees and
Charges). PNG is also signatory to a number of international environment conventions which are
implemented by DEC.
DEC consists of seven operational divisions covering three activity areas – Environment Protection,
Sustainable Environment and Policy Coordination and Evaluation. DEC’s head office is based in Port
Moresby, with minimal staff outposted in provincial centres.
DEC has a central role to play in approving development projects, as it is responsible for assessing
the potential environmental impacts associated with such projects and issuing the necessary
97 Sullivan et al. 2003; Sullivan et al. 2011.
98 Havice and Reed 2011.
99 See DEC website http://www.dec.gov.pg.
Linpico s.a.r.l. Page 72