PNG leads climate and forest conservation

With the global climate crisis looming large, PNG is demonstrating its determination to secure a greener future for generations to come.

The Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), which is mandated to guide PNG’s compliance with the Paris Agreement, is at the forefront of this mission. With determination, the CCDA is ready to present PNG’s first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) by the end of 2024, showcasing the country’s progress in the fight against climate change.

In Port Moresby, an opening workshop brought together stakeholders from government agencies, research and academia, the private sector, NGOs and development partners, underscoring PNG’s collective commitment to climate action.

The upcoming BTR will include a comprehensive range of data, including greenhouse gas emissions, climate change impacts and adaptation strategies. In addition, PNG’s continued commitment to forest conservation will be highlighted through the inclusion of the REDD+ Technical Annex, which highlights the country’s efforts in sustainable forest management.

Acting Managing Director, Debra Sungi reiterated: “Our compliance with the Paris Agreement underlines PNG’s steadfast commitment to mitigating the impacts of climate change and protecting our invaluable natural resources. Through rigorous reporting and accountability mechanisms, we aim to set a global benchmark for
environmental management.”

Echoing the importance of forest conservation, William Lakain, Acting Managing Director of MRV & National Communication Division, CCDA, emphasized: “Forests serve as critical carbon sinks and biodiversity hubs. PNG’s commitment to REDD+ epitomizes our determination to combat deforestation and forest degradation.”

In a joint effort, PNG is receiving essential technical support from valued partners. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is offering vital technical expertise through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Capacity-Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) 2 project.

Bir Mandal, Head of the PNG Office at FAO, commented: “FAO is privileged to assist Papua New Guinea in strengthening transparency and sustainability in the forestry sector. Through initiatives such as the CBIT 2 project we enable countries to effectively tackle the challenges of climate change.”

In addition, logistical and other support to PNG is being extended by the European Union through the European Union-funded Forestry-Climate Change-Biodiversity Program (EU-FCCB). His Excellency Mr Jacques Fradin, Ambassador of the European Union to Papua New Guinea, commended PNG’s continued commitment to meeting its commitments to combating climate change and conserving its rich biodiversity.

During the workshop, PNG unveiled its second national REDD+ forest reference level, marking a major milestone in climate transparency and forest conservation. This reference-level document establishes a baseline for the country’s forest-related carbon emissions from 2019 to 2027, based on historical data and projected trends.