Climate change focus of retreat

OFFICERS from the forestry, lands, agriculture and the environment sectors are taking part in retreats around the country to discuss ways to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
United Nations Development Programmme chief technical adviser on REDD+, Mirzohaydar Isoev said the development of the REDD+ Finance and Investment Plan would help the nation secure more international funding and support.
Supported by the Climate Change Development Authority and UNDP, the retreats will discuss finance and investment plans to put into operation the National REDD+ Strategy 2017-2027 endorsed by the Government in May this year.
Isoev said the strategy was part of PNG’s plan to take action against climate change and promote forest conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
“It was developed over the past two years through a process of structured consultation and awareness raising with stakeholders from government agencies, civil society and the private sector,” he said.
“Implementing REDD+ provides PNG with an opportunity to have its contribution to the global fight against climate change internationally recognised and financially supported.
“These sector-specific workshops will identify and elaborate specific plans of action within different sectors identified in the strategy and
assist the country to develop cost plans for how these will be achieved.”