By Podi Vai, EMTV Cadet Journalist – Student
The validation workshop for PNG’s first Biennial Update Report (BUR) REDD+ Technical Annex was held today (30 October, 2018) at Gateway Hotel.
REDD+ is a global policy initiative under the United Nations Framework.
REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries).
Climate change is a problem potential to cause increase in extreme weather, rising of sea levels, and unpredictable weather.
In order to prevent deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, the main aim of REDD+ is to offer results-based payments as financial incentives to developing countries in return for verified emissions reductions.
However, there were some ways identified in which the management of the forest can be improved. REDD+ Manager, Terence Barambi said that drivers of forest cover loss; commercial logging, commercial agriculture and family agriculture play an important role in economy and society of PNG.
Terence said that the target is to ensure that PNG is utilizing its resources in most effective way to maximize development impacts and reduce long term costs.
REDD+ is seen as a crucial mechanism for tackling the alarming rates of deforestation and forest degradation in the country and for improving the livelihoods of forest dependent communities.