Global climate change initiatives to reduce emissions from avoided deforestation and degradation (REDD) represent both a threat and opportunity for the Malaysian logging corporation ‘Rimbunan Hijau’, the largest forestry operator in Papua New Guinea. Although Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation in developing countries is first and foremost a climate change mitigation option, it also has the potential to generate benefits for indigenous and local communities (UNEP 2010).
The proposed sites have yet to be endorsed however they were identified through the biorap mission
The outcomes of the PRotected Area Forum (PAF) is that the forum will enable protected area practitioners, researchers, academics, private sector, potential donors and local communities who manage or support protected areas in PNG, to share their experiences, insights and any lessons learnt in relation to factors impacting protected areas. It will identify and formulate national priorities for effective protected area management in the country. The results of the forum will contribute to the implementation of the Protected Area Policy.
PNG is endowed with rich natural resources and culture and is known as one of the cultural and mega biodiversity hotspots globally. Located on the eastern part of the island of New Guinea, PNG contains roughly 1 percent of the global landmass, with four major islands and over 600 islands and atolls. PNG also has one of the diverse reef system in the world and has a total of 3.12 square kilometers of economic exclusive zone (EEZ) of marine territory. Over 840 spoken languages exist and spoken by over 1000 different tribes.