Here's a key statement: "Stakeholders were told at the validation workshop that they could still submit further comments in writing" - this type of process is typical govt MOA. "Workshop" meetings are held instead of properly arranged stakeholder assemblies with verified quorum, and the unstated process is "be informed, be heard, be ignored" as govt puts in place what they were going to do anyway. This is passed off as democracy. Yes, eons of Indigenous forests management is handed over for free to international developers in exchange for some foreign-exchange income for the govt. Even a "trial" area permanently alters the ecosystem and land tenancy; the people end up being told: For the "greater good," you cannot go home again.
Here's a key statement: "Stakeholders were told at the validation workshop that they could still submit further comments in writing" - this type of process is typical govt MOA. "Workshop" meetings are held instead of properly arranged stakeholder assemblies with verified quorum, and the unstated process is "be informed, be heard, be ignored" as govt puts in place what they were going to do anyway. This is passed off as democracy. Yes, eons of Indigenous forests management is handed over for free to international developers in exchange for some foreign-exchange income for the govt. Even a "trial" area permanently alters the ecosystem and land tenancy; the people end up being told: For the "greater good," you cannot go home again.