The Madang Forest Resource Owners Association (MFROA) and its members are the target groups for FPCD's support services. MFROA was established in 1997. It now has over 170 land owning members and has interest from five potential members every month. MFROA members have indicated interest in adopting Ecoforestry, provided that Ecoforestry results in better immediate and long-term financial returns. Some members are pursuing conservation of forest resources through non-timber uses such as eco-tourism.

MFROA members indicated that they joined the association to:

1. Get access to better market prices;
2. Get loans for purchasing portable sawmills;
3. Lease or receive free of charge sawmills to use in order to raise funds to purchase their own mill;
4. Get working capital;
5. Learning about cutting timber sustainably;
6. Get assistance in building roads, or
7. Gain access to truck to transport timber

MFROA members have been contemplating to set up a business venture to market timber to overseas customers. Providing services such as a mobile saw mechanic, a spare parts shop, timber transport, portable sawmill rental. Financing options have been proposed. Members expect sufficient profit from a commission on timber exports. However, it is difficult without funding and government support.

A formal membership application process has been introduced where the MFROA Board is responsible for approving new members and the membership fee. FPCD has completed land surveys on more than 25 of the members land with help from forestry students from PNG universities and colleges and landowners. FPCD staff have completed Forest Management Plan (FMP)for these surveyed areas. The completion of a forest survey and a FMP will provide the backing the members needs for the purchases of a portable sawmill from local suppliers.

MFROA has grown to 170 members from the initial 35. The organization, registered under the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) by virtue of the Association Incorporated Act, develops its own forest-based enterprise through sustainable forest management practice. Its marketing arm, the Madang Eco-Timber Corporation (METCorp) Limited is an accredited exporter of timber products. So far 5 members of MFROA has exported 60 m3 of sawn timber in four separate shipments to New Zealand under eco-timber label. MFROA members are now working towards FSC certification. The export has earned K 90, 000 total income directly to the landwners.