PNG ready for Copenhagen: Allan

National, Normal
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By PATRICK TALU

DESPITE not having drafted a national climate change policy, Papua New Guinea will present a position paper on reduced emission on deforestation and degradation (REDD) in Copenhagen, at the United Nations Framework Convention on climate change (UNFCCC) next month.
Environment and Conservation minister Benny Allan told reporters that Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare will present the position paper on  PNG’s stand on REDD at the convention.
Mr Allan, who is also assisting with the climate change and the REDD negotiations, said Sir Michael had been championing the REDD at various international negations on climate change, particularly on REDD.
He said PNG had secured global support on REDD from annex one (industrialised nations) countries like United Kingdom and Norway, amongst others.
PNG is seeking support in asking the United Nations in its bid to have enough funds and technological support for its mitigation and adaptations strategies giving prominence to REDD.
Mr Allan also said that PNG’s climate change envoy to the UN, Kevin Conrad was also preparing for the UNFCCC.
“I am very pleased with the way he is advocating PNG’s position on climate change at the UN level.
“We are confident in the way Mr Conrad is negotiating and believe that there will be a positive deal signed at UNFCCC in Copenhagen, that favours the developing countries to have more financial and technical benefits through REDD,” Mr Allan said.
He said developing countries, including PNG and the smaller island nations in the Pacific, were pushing for 30% to 40% reduction in carbon emission from the developed countries so that the developing countries could be paid for trapping their carbon emission.
“The developed countries are willing to pay substantial amount to developing countries in order for them to continue polluting.
“However, there was a major concern on how transparent and accountable the funds would be used.
“To convince the developed countries, we need to have a transparent mechanism to fulfill their desired
outcomes,” Mr Allan said.
PNG delegates led by Sir Michael will leave for Copenhagen next week for the Dec 16-8 UNFCCC.