Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat
Excelling together towards a progressive and prosperous Melanesia
MSG Secretariat, GIZ & Griffith University discuss Melanesian Forest Programme Proposal
The Idea note to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) on the MSG Forest Programme Proposal focuses on the importance of conservation of primary forests and restoration of other forests and land areas in the Melanesian countries.
14 August 2020
A virtual meeting to discuss the MSG Forest Programme proposal between the MSG Secretariat, GIZ & Griffith University was successfully concluded on Thursday 6 August 2020.
The meeting discussed the Phase I completion of the Idea Note to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) on the MSG Forest Programme Proposal for two sites in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The Programme will extend to Fiji and PNG in Phase II.
The Idea note focuses on the importance of conservation of primary forests and restoration of other forests and land areas in the Melanesian countries that support people’s livelihoods connected to the land and forests. The people of Melanesia have been living in harmony with the land (forests) and sea for thousands of years.
The MSG countries with large land and forest areas in the Pacific region acknowledge the fact that their forest resources are a natural stabilising force for the climate. In particular, they regulate ecosystems, protect biodiversity, play an integral part in the carbon cycle, support livelihoods, and supply goods and services that can drive sustainable growth. Therefore, increasing and maintaining forests are an essential solution to climate change and community resilience, which is the rationale for the MSG Forest Programme.
Participants of the meeting included Programme Manager Environment, Climate Change & Natural Resource Management, Stanley Wapot; Director Griffith University Climate Change Response Programme, Australian National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Professor Brendan Mackey; Research Fellow Cities Research Institute & Griffith University Climate Change Response Programme, Dr Edward Morgan; and Senior Technical Advisor, Climate Change, Land Use Planning, and Forestry, GIZ Pacific, Christine Fung.
GIZ re-iterated their support to assist the MSG in developing a robust proposal which can be pitched to other donors as well apart from the GCF.
In addition, Professor Mackey stated that his Griffith University team have also been discussing with potential private donors who are passionate about the forests and the environment, in particular in the United States through the University’s Charitable Trust registered in the U.S called “Friends of Griffith” to support the University’s Global Forest Programme including the Melanesia Forest Programme.
The Idea Note is expected to be submitted sometimes soon before the end of the third quarter 2020.