Papua New Guinea plans to submit its REDD+ Forest Reference Level (FRL) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by the end of 2016.
The REDD+ FRL represents the expected evolution of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the forest sector in the absence of REDD+.
A common approach to setting a FRL is to take an average rate of emissions from historical deforestation, but these can also be adjusted to account for future changes in a country.
Results of REDD+ activities like agricultural expansion, conversion to pastureland, infrastructure development and destructive logging are measured against the FRL.
Climate Change and Development Authority acting managing director Joe Pokana said the progress and preparation plan for the submission of FRL by end of 2016 will be discussed at a consultative workshop underway in Port Moresby.
Pokana said that among the countries who have already submitted their FRL, PNG would be the best place having all other components of REDD+ already in implementation at the moment.
He said REDD+ is supported by UNFCCC and PNG really needs to take advantage of that.
Pokana said, “We have been negotiating about it, taking lead through the policing of rainforest, leading 52 countries and we should take advantage of that.”
He urged stakeholders at the workshop to make sure that PNG moves forward in implementing the 2015 COP 21 Paris Agreement.
“You should know that PNG has tried to lead in this issue and we should also take advantage of the benefit that comes with it,” Pokana said.
FRL is part of four design elements that are required for countries who would like to participate in REDD+.
The other required design elements are National Strategy or Action Plan, National Forest Monitoring System and Safeguard Information System.