The Marine, Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (MEFF) Unit of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) successfully launched the Forestry Offences: Investigations and Prosecution Manual on the 27th of March 2026 at the Heritage Park Hotel.
Launch of Forestry Offences: Investigations and Prosecution Manual
The event brought together key stakeholders from across government agencies, including representatives from the Ministry of Forestry and Research, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, the Public Solicitor’s Office, and other enforcement partners. The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs, along with the Chief Magistrate, also attended the launch.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening the investigation and prosecution of forestry-related offences in Solomon Islands.
Developed as a practical guide, the Forestry Offences Manual is designed to support investigators, prosecutors, and regulatory officers in their day-to-day work. It outlines the relevant legal framework, evidentiary requirements, and procedural guidance needed to effectively address offences under forestry legislation, including illegal logging, unlawful timber dealings, and breaches of licensing conditions.
In remarks delivered during the ceremony, the DPP emphasized that the manual is intended to be an active, working tool- one that equips frontline officers to build strong, prosecutable cases, rather than remaining unused. The manual reflects a coordinated, multi-agency effort to improve accountability, promote sustainable resource management, and uphold the rule of law in the forestry sector.
The MEFF Unit acknowledged the valuable collaborative contributions of partner agencies in developing of the manual, noting that effective enforcement relies on strong cooperation between investigators, prosecutors, and policymakers.
The launch comes at a critical time, as the Solomon Islands faces increasing pressure on its natural resources. Strengthening legal enforcement mechanisms is essential to safeguarding the country’s forests for future generations, while ensuring accountability for those engaged in unlawful activities.
The MEFF Unit encourages all relevant stakeholders to actively utilize the manual in their daily work and to continue fostering collaboration in the fight against forestry crime.
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