The European Union (EU) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are deepening their commitment to environmental sustainability with the EU-funded Forestry, Climate Change, and Biodiversity (EU-FCCB) program.
Launched in October 2023, this €55-million initiative aims to integrate forest management, climate action, and biodiversity protection into PNG's development strategy.
A recent program steering committee meeting highlighted significant progress. The program focused on sustainable, inclusive, and gender-responsive green growth, with a particular emphasis on job creation. Key components include:
- Community empowerment: Training local communities in sustainable agriculture, post-harvest handling, and livelihood development. The Managalas Conservation Area serves as a model for these efforts.
- Policy development: Strengthening government capacity in areas like digitalization, coordination, and regulatory frameworks to support effective forest management.
- National Forestry Inventory: Expanding data collection and analysis to inform sustainable forest management practices.
- Carbon credits: Supporting PNG in developing strategies to benefit from carbon markets while ensuring environmental integrity.
The programme is implemented jointly by Expertise France (for the national component), Centre for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry - CIFOR-ICRAF (Managalas Conservation Area / Oro Province component), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (expansion of the National Forestry Inventory in East and West Sepik provinces).
EU Ambassador Jacques Fradin emphasized the program's importance, stating: "The EU is investing as a grant, so it's a donation, 55 million euros, representing almost 220 million kina."
PNG Secretary for National Planning and Monitoring Koney Samuel expressed gratitude for the EU's support, highlighting the country's vast rainforest and the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
The EU-FCCB program aligns with PNG's Vision 2050 and its goal of achieving a 200-billion-kina economy by 2030. By combining financial resources, technical expertise, and local knowledge, the program seeks to create a lasting positive impact on PNG's environment and people.
While challenges remain, the partnership between the EU and PNG offers a promising path towards a greener future. As the program progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its impact and adapt strategies as needed.
At its core, the initiative aims to empower local communities in Papua New Guinea to be active participants in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The program's focus on community-led initiatives is evident in the Managalas Conservation Area project. By training local residents as field officers and providing agricultural training, the program is building capacity and creating opportunities within the community.
This approach is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of conservation efforts and fostering a sense of ownership among local people, the EU-FCCB said.
