Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Hon Simo Kilepa welcomed the recent decision made by the Green Climate Fund in its 39th Board Meeting in Songdo, Korea last week. Minister Kilepa stated that this matter is of interest to all developing countries.
The decisions made by the Board have consequences beyond the approval of a specific package for any particular recipient and it is pleasing to see strong, continued support for these REDD+ related initiatives.
“As I mentioned in the delivery of the National Statement during the 28th Conference of Parties meeting in Dubai last year, GCF finance can fill critical gaps and can serve as a powerful catalyst to realising the true economic value of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation action”.
Acting Managing Director for Climate Change Development Authority Ms Debra Sungi when asked to comment also highlighted that countries cannot meet 1.5- or 2-degree targets under the Paris Agreement without addressing forest loss and harnessing the mitigation potential of forests and land use.
Ms Sungi further commended the work of REDD+ team, relevant stakeholders and development partners for the hard work over the years in achieving this key milestone.
Next step now is FAO as the accredited entity to develop a full funding proposal to access funding for REDD+ result-based payments achieved for the period between 2014 – 2016.
It’s always great to hear about initiatives receiving funding to combat climate change. The Green Climate Fund plays a crucial role in supporting projects that promote sustainable development and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change,” said Mandal BirChandra, Head of Office, FAO, Papua New Guinea.
The GCF Board decided on an exceptional basis to allow four REDD+ result-based concept notes that were prepared by 4 countries including Papua New Guinea to be submitted as funding proposals under the Pilot Programme. Subject to relevant review and due diligence carried out by Secretariat, PNG and the other 3 countries are potential financial beneficiaries of the REDD+ pilot programme.