A two-day consultation workshop on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) plus in Papua New Guinea will get underway this week in Port Moresby from June 7-8.
REDD is an effort to create a financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development.
REDD+ stands for countries' efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and foster conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
The workshop will highlight the National Forest Monitoring System Action Plan, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and Forest Reference Level for REDD+ in PNG.
The REDD+ Forest Reference Level represents the expected evolution of GHG emissions from the forest sector in the absence of REDD+.
The workshop will involve Government and non-government organisations, universities and research institutions, community leaders, private sectors and development partners.
It aims to inform stakeholders on the ongoing work on the REDD+ Forest Reference Level and the National GHG inventory for forestry and agriculture.
The workshop will make stakeholders aware of international guidance that has been provided on designing and constructing REDD+ Forest Reference Level.
Participants must then agree on next steps towards the establishment of the National Forest Monitoring System, REDD+ Forest Reference Level and National GHG inventory.
Guest speakers include acting managing director for Climate Change and Development Authority Joe Pokana, acting managing director for PNG Forest Authority Goodwill Amos and representatives from European Union and Food and Agriculture Organisations.