PNG Forest Authority, Jica ink deal to discuss project

PNG Forest Authority and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) yesterday signed a record of discussion on a new forest project.
It is called the capacity development project for reducing carbon emissions from forest degradation through commercial logging in PNG.
Chief Jica representative Masato Koinuma said it was a great honour to sign on the new project.
“In the past, we had two projects – the capacity development of forest resource monitoring for addressing climate change in PNG, and the capacity development project for operationalisation of PNG forest resource information management system for addressing climate change,” he said.
“Jica implemented a lot of activities regarding the improvement of remote sensing technology, forest resource database and the expansion of information systems with other stakeholders.” The new project aims to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders to implement procedures such as the logging code of practice for logging operations and natural regeneration.
This is to improve situation of forest degradation and promote low emission ensuring these procedures are properly implemented in the field.
“To achieve the goal we know there are many issues and it would take time to resolve them, and through this project we hope to contribute as one of the ways to solve those problems,” he said.
“Jica appreciates the commitment by the PNGFA as the implementing partner of this project and looks forward to the successful completion in three years.”
PNGFA managing director John Mosoro said Jica had been supporting the PNGFA with two previous projects.