Economic modelling for forest sector set

British high commissioner Anne Macro met with PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA) chief operating officer Magdalene Maihua last Tuesday to start a new forest sector economic modelling.
Macro said the purpose of the modelling between the two countries was to set out various scenarios and evidence considering optimum benefits from different forest land use to inform stakeholder deliberations in the development of policies.
“The United Kingdom’s support for the forest sector economic modelling will be delivered through the European Forest Institute (EFI) in close coordination with the PNGFA,” she said.
“The announcement of this new area of forest sector cooperation follows the recent signature of a memorandum of understanding (between EFI and the PNGFA to provide information sharing and technical support for the modelling.”
Macro said that the modelling would also inform opportunities for future cooperation under the UK’s Forest Governance Markets and Climate (FGMC) Programme.
“The FGMC Programme supports tropical developing countries to develop and implement policies and regulations that conserve their forests.”
Macro said this helped ensure that their trade in commodities produced on forest land were legal and sustainable, while protecting the rights of indigenous people and local communities who depended on forests for their livelihoods.