Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Commits to Prioritizing Forest Conservation in Upcoming UN Climate Talks

Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea announced a commitment to return to UN climate talks at COP30 in Brazil next year, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing forest conservation amid climate discussions. After boycotting this year’s talks, Marape criticized the lack of respect for forest stakeholders and vowed to advocate for compensation from high-emission countries to support environmental preservation.

In a recent statement, Prime Minister James Marape of Papua New Guinea announced his country’s intention to return to the upcoming UN climate summit, COP30, set to take place in Brazil next year, following this year’s boycott of the conference in Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Marape asserted the necessity for the discussions to prioritize forest conservation, emphasizing the crucial role that forests play in mitigating carbon emissions. He noted, “It is the forestry that clears the atmosphere of carbon and carbon footprints.” Furthermore, he expressed that unless climate discussions include effective forest management, they would be futile.

Papua New Guinea’s absence from this year’s climate talks, characterized by the foreign minister as a “waste of time,” underscored the nation’s concerns regarding the lack of respect for forest stakeholders. The prime minister reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for payment from high carbon-emission countries for forest preservation efforts. He also expressed support for an Australian-led initiative to co-host COP31 in 2026, contingent upon a strong focus on forest-related issues.

As part of the Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. It possesses the third-largest rainforest area globally, an ecosystem of immense biodiversity often referred to as one of the “lungs of the Earth.” Despite its ecological significance and the associated climate risks, the nation faces the challenge of significant emissions from neighboring Australia, one of the world’s top fossil fuel exporters.

Climate change remains a pressing global issue, with ongoing discussions at the UN’s Conference of the Parties (COP) aimed at establishing legally binding agreements to combat its effects. The Pacific region, including Papua New Guinea, is critically affected by climate change, leading to environmental degradation and natural disasters. The emphasis on forest conservation stems from the recognition of forests as vital carbon sinks that can significantly mitigate atmospheric carbon levels. Papua New Guinea’s rainforests are a crucial part of the global ecosystem, making their protection integral to international climate action.

In summary, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister emphasized the significance of regaining participation in UN climate talks with a primary focus on forest conservation. His commitment to COP30 in Brazil signifies a renewed effort to integrate forest management into climate dialogues, reflecting the unique challenges faced by Pacific Island nations. The upcoming discussions will be pivotal in addressing climate threats while upholding the needs of vulnerable ecosystems and communities.

Original Source: www.france24.com