New Partnership to Strengthen Skills And Support KFPL Workers

Australia and Kolombangara Forest Products Limited (KFPL) are partnering to strengthen workforce skills and support community wellbeing on Kolombangara Island, Western Province.

The partnership will support two key initiatives.

The first will provide targeted on-site training for KFPL workers in vehicle and heavy machinery operation and maintenance, as well as administrative skills.

The second will upgrade an Early Learning Centre for children of KFPL employees.

The improvements will support working families and promote wellbeing in the remote forestry community.

KFPL is Solomon Islands’ only internationally certified sustainable forestry plantation and employs around 1,000 Solomon Islanders.

The company works closely with Kolombangara landowners, generating income for communities while replanting trees for future generations.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Jeff Roach, said the partnership reflected Australia’s commitment to sustainable forestry and inclusive economic development.

“Plantation forestry is an important part of Solomon Islands’ economic future,” Roach said.

“It creates jobs, supports landowner incomes and provides a sustainable alternative to logging natural forests,” he added.

“This partnership is about helping businesses and communities build the skills and capabilities they need to thrive well into the future.”

KFPL General Manager Edwin Schramm welcomed Australia’s support.

“This targeted training will give our workforce the skills to operate safely and efficiently in demanding conditions,” Schramm said.

“The Early Learning Centre will also help our staff provide care for their families,” he added.

“Together, these investments will help us build a stronger and more resilient business that continues to deliver for our employees, landowners and communities.”

The partnership is expected to support KFPL’s long-term sustainability while contributing to a stronger and more inclusive Solomon Islands economy.

KFPL is a joint venture between New Forests’ Tropical Asia Forest Fund 2 (TAFF2), which holds 75% share, Kolombangara Island Investment Limited (KIIL), 20%, and Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI), 5%.