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Survey Methods

Survey Methods

A field survey of the Vanimo Timber Area was conducted during the first two weeks of May 1999. All of the land surveyed was logged by Vanimo Forest Products while under the control of the WTK Reality Group of Malaysia. Areas examined during this study included active logging areas (such as Blocks 1 and 4) and previously logged areas (Blocks 3 and 6). Logging and road construction practices were examined to determine compliance with the PNG Logging Code of Practice (1996). Furthermore, the company's contractual obligations, as detailed in the Project Agreement (1990), were assessed across the Vanimo Timber Area.

People working in government departments, schools, churches and private industry in the townships of Vanimo, Bewani and Serra were questioned about the environmental and social impacts of the logging operations. A number of villagers were also surveyed across the timber area - these included people from Amoi, Apambo, Ilup, Ningera and Sumuraru. Individual and community interviews were in the form of discussions and open-ended questions.