Ambassador of the European Union to Papua New Guinea H.E Mr Jernej Videtič addressing audience at the Summit
Delegation of the European Union to Papua New Guinea
Ambassador of the European Union to Papua New Guinea H.E Mr Jernej Videtič, had the pleasure of launching the report, which was witnessed by the keynote speaker of the Summit, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Hon. James Marape. At the launch of the report Ambassador Videtič said: "I want to encourage you to ensure that the results of the project will fully be taken on board in your forestry policies and governance. The EU is ready to continue supporting PNG in this sector which is so crucial for sustainable development and the future of our planet."
In addressing the Summit before the launch, Ambassador Videtič spoke of the EU's commitment to protecting the world's forests as part of a global alliance, and that by providing development assistance, the EU works with partners worldwide to take action to promote investment in sustainable forest management. Ambassador Videtič said in July this year, the EU issued its Communication on Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forest.
Ambassador Videtič also spoke of EU support to forestry in PNG through the provision of “Technical support to the PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA) to implement a multipurpose National Forest Inventory”. Better known as the NFI project, the project has improved the forest monitoring capacity of the PNGFA through promoting better understanding, planning and management of its forest. Findings under the project have also contributed to the formation of national policies and planning and international reporting on climate change and forestry.
The multipurpose NFI included tree inventory, non-tree plant biodiversity, ornithology, entomology and soil survey. Capacities for the implementation of the inventory were built within PNGFA and other partners. Implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) together with PNG Forest Authority, the project assessed 159 plots in 43 clusters in 7 provinces during the project implementation.
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Hon. James Marape officially opened the 3-day programme, hosted by the PNGFA, and thanked all the partners involved in the programme, including the EU.
