Forestry and Climate Change Framework for Action 2009–2015.

The Forestry and Climate Change Framework for Action is a national policy, and its timeframe is 7 years covering the period of 2009–2015. The primary goal of this framework is to ensure that the people of Papua New Guinea build their capacity to: (i) ensure ownership of carbon credits; (ii) become resilient to the risks and impacts of climate change; (iii) implement adaptation measures; (iv) contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, (v) improve decision-making and good governance; (vi) enhance understanding of climate change and its effects; (vii) promote education and awareness; and (viii) develop and strengthen partnerships and international cooperation. This goal will be achieved through a strategic, multi-stakeholder, and programmatic approach, coordinated by the national government and supported by the PNG Forest Authority. The framework is designed to guide sustainable development, address economic, environmental, and social opportunities and challenges, and ensure that forests, the environment, and livelihoods are resilient to climate change risks.
All natural forest carbon will be owned by the customary landowners and managed by the state. Efforts will be made to ensure efficiency and equity in benefit sharing in any future carbon trading schemes. Landowner will be empowered to participate and own Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD), REDD+ and Afforestation and Reforestation Clean Development Mechanism (ARCDM) projects. Measures will be taken to prevent marginalization of rural communities which are dependent on forests.
Adaptation measures against the impacts of climate change will be developed and implemented at all levels. ARCDM projects on forestry initiatives will be facilitated and developed with communities adaptation funds. Highly vulnerable forestry priority areas will be identified through site-specific baseline data, collection and interpretation and adaptive actions will be developed. Integrated approaches to adaptation will be embedded in national sustainable development plans and budgeting process. Research & development will be directed into forest types and climate impacts. Restoration and rehabilitation will be carried out through forestry enrichment and plantation development with soil protecting species in highly degraded areas. Climate change will be mainstreamed into forestry management plans and policies. Methodologies and research initiatives will be incorporated and streamlined into school curriculum. Agroforestry will be promoted, and important environmental economic and social services will be provided to improve local communities' capacity to cope with adverse climatic events. Effective management of coastal mangrove and littoral forest will be ensured to minimize effects of heavy storms and rising sea level on coastal communities.
Demonstration projects such as REDD, and other initiatives will be coordinated and developed in the productive forest areas. Renewable energy efficiency measures and technologies will be promoted and implemented. Timber royalties and compensation fees to landowners will be facilitated. Baseline study on potential Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) will be completed urgently in the sectors of forestry, waste, renewable energy and technology. Greenhouse Gas inventories will be updated and maintained.
Climate Change issues and considerations will be integrated into the Forestry Act and National Forest Policy, as well as into national sustainable development strategies, plans or their equivalent. Regulatory and incentive-based approaches will be developed and adopted to encourage appropriate adaptation, mitigation and REDD measures. Cost-effective climate change adaptation and mitigation policies, strategies, decision-making processes and management instruments will be developed. The State Marketing Agency will be established and a Carbon Fund will be incorporated for ARCDM activities.
REDD strategy will be developed and demonstrated. Accurate carbon accounting and verification methodology will be developed and adopted for different forest types. Technical datasets will be integrated with relevant social and economic information and traditional knowledge for risk management, especially bush fires and natural disasters. Human capacity will be strengthened to monitor and assess environmental, social and economic risks and effects of climate change through ARCDM and REDD initiatives. Community awareness on climate change and forest impacts will be enhanced, particularly on the flexible mechanisms, including monetary and ecological benefits from the forests.