THE European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s efforts to protect its forests, biodiversity and climate resources through the PNG Nature Pact, describing the initiative as a key platform for sustainable development and international cooperation.
Speaking at the opening of the inaugural PNG Nature Pact Workshop at APEC Haus in Port Moresby today, European Union Head of Cooperation Dr Hans Lambrecht said the workshop marked an important step towards strengthening governance, coordination and implementation of Papua New Guinea’s forest, climate and biodiversity agenda.
Dr Lambrecht thanked Prime Minister James Marape, the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, and French Ambassador Pierre Fournier for their leadership in advancing the initiative.
“The PNG Nature Pact is a government-led platform and part of a wider international effort to align policies, mobilise finance, strengthen community benefits and support sustainable growth through forests, climate and biodiversity action,” Dr Lambrecht said.
“The European Union is proud to stand alongside Papua New Guinea, together with France, in support of this ambition.”
He said the Nature Pact aligned closely with the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy, which promotes sustainable partnerships through investment, technology transfer, skills development and institutional support.
Dr Lambrecht highlighted several major initiatives already being supported by the European Union and its partners, including the planned rehabilitation of Rabaul Port, which is expected to become the Pacific’s first green port through collaboration between the European Union, France, the French Development Agency and the European Investment Bank.
He also pointed to growing European interest in Papua New Guinea following the successful fifth EU-PNG Business Forum held earlier this month in Port Moresby, which attracted more than 350 participants and numerous European companies exploring investment opportunities in the country.
The Head of Cooperation noted that the European Union’s Forestry, Climate Change and Biodiversity Programme (EUFCCB) is currently the largest contributor to the PNG Nature Pact country package.
He outlined how existing EU-supported programmes are
already contributing to the Nature Pact’s five strategic pillars, including protected area management, sustainable forest management, sustainable finance mechanisms, scientific research and education, and monitoring and accountability systems.
Among the examples cited were support for the Managalas Conservation Area in Oro Province, sustainable forestry initiatives through the PNG Forest Authority, investments in cocoa, vanilla and fisheries value chains, strengthening of national forest monitoring systems, and scholarships and research grants for Papua New Guinea universities.
Dr Lambrecht also noted that the Green Climate Fund approved US$63.4 million (PGK K259.8 million) for sustainable forest management activities in Papua New Guinea last year, with approximately 45 percent of the fund supported by the European Union, its member states and European financial institutions.
He said the workshop would help stakeholders move from a shared vision to practical implementation by identifying priorities, clarifying responsibilities and developing a roadmap for the future.
“The expected outcome is not only a stronger vision, but also clearer goals, stronger coordination, better financing pathways and a collective commitment to implementation,” he said.
“The European Union remains fully committed to supporting Papua New Guinea in its journey. Through our shared vision and collaborative efforts, we can help ensure that Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary forests and biodiversity become a foundation for sustainable development, climate resilience and inclusive prosperity for generations to come.”
The three-day workshop brings together national agencies, provincial representatives, development partners, conservation organisations and international stakeholders to advance implementation of the PNG Nature Pact and strengthen collaboration on forest, climate and biodiversity initiatives.