Highlights of EFF Climate Change Work in 2010

The PNG Eco Forestry Forum participated at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) in Tianjin in October 2010 to lobby for the inclusion and recognition of the rights of forests, carbon and communities involvement in participatory approaches.

The meeting gathered negotiators, technical experts and specialists and policy advisors to governments and other organizations and institutions to draft important documents for the Cancun COP16 (16^th Conference of Parties) meeting and beyond.

Thomas Paka, Executive Director of PNG EFF and Dr. Justin Ondopa, Climate Change Coordinator, attended the meeting on behalf of the Forum and also as members of the Accra Caucus, a civil society lobbying platform, formed in Accra, Ghana in 1998. The Accra Caucus lobbying efforts were an ongoing activity by the members, both from the north and south whereby crucial issues of protecting indigenous rights, protecting forests, and promoting forest people’s rights to their forests, lands and territories.

Before the Accra Caucus position was finalized and used as a lobbying position, situational updates were presented by each of the members. It became apparent that one of the agendas of the Caucus was to push for the inclusion and recognition of the rights of forests and carbon and community involvement in a participatory approach.

In briefing the Accra Caucus as part of the preparations, Mr. Paka, gave an opening overview on forestry development, policy and current controversies in the forestry sector in Papua New Guinea.  He also reflected on existing REDD (Reduced Emission from Deforestation and forest Degradation) controversies and OCCD’s (Office of Climate Change and Development) lack of capacity  in moving the Readiness processes forward. Mr. Paka frankly pointed out that serious institutional and professional capacity within the OCCD was still a big concern for the civil society movement in the country.

Mr. Paka also updated members of the Accra Caucus on proliferation of customary land grabbing in PNG.

Mr. Paka and Dr. Ondopa also presented the EFF position on REDD in the country highlighting main issues of concern emphasizing that REDD projects in PNG will only work well if and when all the processes are transparent and participatory including all stakeholders, including forest communities  given priority. Free Prior Informed Consent from landowners and local communities was paramount as most land is owned by the people.

Dr. Ondopa, who participated and got acquainted with the negotiation process of such high level international meetings. He appreciated such professional exposure of different negotiation skills to actively participate in such negotiations.

“One of the main benefits of participating in such international meetings is the positive image of PNG Eco Forestry Forum as the voice of indigenous people on forest and REDD processes in the country.EFF also learnt from others through sharing experiences and strategies that work to get communities and indigenous people’s rights recognized,” said Dr. Ondopa.

From these experiences, the Forum recognizes that international participation is very important as EFF cannot work in isolation regarding issues that affect much of our people. Dr. Ondopa stated that the Forum needs to continue its lobbying and advocacy campaigns in order to promote and push the Forum’s stand on REDD so that the Forum’s views are recognized through the Accra Caucus.