Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape announced the nation will return to UN climate talks, emphasizing the importance of forest conservation. After boycotting this year’s summit in Azerbaijan, he highlighted the need for carbon-emitting countries to fund forest preservation efforts. Papua New Guinea aims to influence climate discussions significantly, asserting the crucial role of forests in reducing carbon footprints, and supports Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 if conservation is prioritized.
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, announced on Tuesday the nation’s intention to participate in the upcoming UN climate conference, COP30, scheduled for next year in Brazil after previously boycotting this year’s event in Azerbaijan. Marape emphasized that the priority in climate discussions should center on forest conservation, calling it essential for addressing carbon emissions. He expressed a commitment to advocate for nations with significant carbon footprints to contribute to forest preservation initiatives. Marape’s remarks reflect Papua New Guinea’s deep connection to its forests, recognized as vital in combating climate change and maintaining ecological balance.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of resource management and stressed that discussions surrounding climate change would be ineffective if they do not prioritize the protection of forests. He articulated that the forestry sector is crucial for reducing atmospheric carbon levels. Furthermore, Papua New Guinea has pledged support for Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 in 2026, contingent upon the inclusion of forest conservation on the agenda.
Papua New Guinea is home to one of the largest rainforests globally, often referred to as one of the “lungs of the Earth”. The country boycotted the UN climate summit in November due to perceived disrespect towards forest business stakeholders. As one of the Pacific nations most vulnerable to climate change effects, it faces numerous challenges, including poverty and susceptibility to natural disasters. Amidst these challenges, it is also pursuing a significant legal case regarding accountability for climate change obligations.
The backdrop of this discussion centers on Papua New Guinea’s unique position in global climate conversations as it hosts one of the largest rainforests, having a significant ecological role. The island nation has expressed frustration with previous climate talks, where it felt its interests, specifically regarding forest conservation, were overlooked. The Prime Minister’s firm stance aims to ensure that future dialogues prioritize the preservation of their forests while addressing the greater issue of global carbon emissions.
In conclusion, Papua New Guinea’s committed return to UN climate talks signals a renewed focus on forest conservation as a pivotal element in global climate discussions. Prime Minister James Marape’s emphasis on the need for accountability from carbon-emitting nations underlines the importance of collaborative efforts to mitigate climate change. As the nation prepares to engage during COP30 in Brazil, it stands firm in advocating for its vital forestry resources and their role in addressing climate change.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
