The National Sandalwood Forum” will assist in identifying the key issues in the Sandalwood Value chain, thus the resolutions on how to address the key issues. The forum will explore the possibility to elect a Sandalwood committee to oversee the responsibilities of this product group.

The Department of Forestry (DOF) along Vanuatu Primary Producers Authority (VPPA) and with its partners and stakeholders including representatives of the Sandalwood Farmers, Exporters, Licensees and Foresters from the 6 provinces, conducted the 3-days forum at The Melanesian Conference room last week, 3rd to 5th of April. The forum was Officially opened with a welcome from the Honorable Minister who was represented by the 1st PA of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Livestock and Biosecurity’s. Also present in the delegation was the Minister for Youth and Sports Development, attending in his capacity as a stakeholder in the Sandalwood industry.

The forum consisted of 2 days of presentations and panel discussion and a Q&A session and the final day for discussing the recommendations noted during the first 2 days.

The meeting was closed by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries, Biosecurity the Honorable Nakou Natuman.