IDH’s Post

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and Expertise France under the European Union-funded Forestry-Climate Change-Biodiversity (EU-FCCB)Programme. It is aimed at protecting and conserving forestry and biodiversity, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The EU-FCCB Programme is an EU-funded initiative to support a development model that reconciles forestry, climate change, and biodiversity with sustainable, inclusive, and gender-responsive green growth at national and pilot subnational/community levels in PNG with three implementing agencies, Expertise France, CIFOR-ICRAF, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The MOU reaffirms the collaboration and partnership between the two entities, as witnessed by the European Union Delegation to PNG, Ms. Monica Vazquez Pablo and Ms. Manau Renagi, and representatives from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM). It will establish the framework for collaboration over the next four years of the FCCB Programme, underpinned by an annual action plan for each year of implementation. Recently-appointed Mananging Director for CEPA, Jude Tukuliya affirmed the importance of CEPA in spearheading the biodiversity component of the EU-FCCB Programme. Mr. Tukuliya emphasised: “This leadership role extends beyond the scope of the MoU, encompassing the steadfast commitment to realising the Sustainable Development Goals stipulated by the PNG government. He further highlighted the imperative to actualise the MoU's requirements and turn them into tangible actions that directly benefit the community. Mr. Tukuliya also conveyed a strong willingness to leverage the knowledge and expertise offered by the EU-FCCB Programme, partnering development organisations, and relevant government entities engaged in forestry, climate change, and biodiversity preservation initiatives. "We are excited about the signing of the MoU as it will signify the start of the collaboration, particularly in terms of organisational and institutional support, subnational pilot programs, and the enforcement of the PA Act to help enhance conservation efforts and protect forestry and biodiversity," stated Mr. Alaric Vandeberghe. "Improving the capacity of relevant national and local officials and stakeholders on sustainable livelihood options and business model development will also be a key part of implementing the MoU activities." #eufunded #europeanunion #environment #biodiversity #papuanewguinea #sustainablelivelihoods #forestryclimatechangebiodiversity #sustainabledevelopment #sdg13 #sdg15 #sdg17

We are excited to share our INtegrated Tropical Peatlands REsearch Programme (INTPREP) (https://lnkd.in/g8zDNSed) Geo-team’s latest publication (https://lnkd.in/gxpZ9Nex)   Utilising secondary data from literature and both Indonesian and international agencies, our team conducts study that delve into Indonesia's land-use evolution over the past thirty years. The team investigates trends in key crops like oil palm and rubber, probing peatland provinces' role in food security and climate forcing. While food crop production has been limited in peatland areas, monoculture woody crops have dominated, contributing to increased carbon emissions via land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF). The analysis suggests that addressing imminent food security and climate change concerns can facilitate more sustainable management of tropical peatlands. For instance, converting degraded shallow peatlands to practices like paludiculture could mitigate damage. Nonetheless, emphasising peatland conservation and restoration remains crucial. Challenges arise from varying peatland definitions, fragmented planning, diverse sectoral maps, and uncoordinated policies, potentially impeding the adoption of less detrimental peatland management strategies.   Congratulations to all authors on this publication. NERI is honoured to be part of this research work. Massimo Lupascu, Pierre Taillardat, Sigit Sasmito, Agus, F., Mudiyarso, D., Sorain Ramchunder, Hesti Lestari Tata and david taylor (Sep 2023). “Climate-smart peatland management and the potential for synergies between food security and climate change objectives in Indonesia”. Global Environmental Change, 82, 102731.

Agroforestry in action: Farmers engage in sustainable land management practices that not only curb the impacts of climate change but also enhance soil health and biodiversity. By integrating trees with crops and livestock, these innovative methods increase carbon sequestration and improve water retention. This multifaceted approach not only mitigates environmental challenges but also significantly boosts local incomes and improves livelihoods. The additional sources of food, fuel, and timber from agroforestry systems provide economic stability and resilience for communities, demonstrating a harmonious balance between ecological health and economic prosperity.

👏 Positive Legacy: Joel Fitzgibbon Stands Down as AFPA Chair 🪵Joel Fitzgibbon, former Rudd Forestry Minister and strong advocate for Australia’s forest products industry, has resigned as Chair of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA). 🌿Under his leadership, AFPA strongly emphasised the role of hardwood and softwood in achieving Australia’s economic and environmental goals. 🔄 Leadership Transition: Stephen Dadd, Executive Director of Pentarch Group, steps into the role, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the timber products supply chain. His election as Chair promises to continue and build upon the legacy of strong leadership within AFPA. 🔎 Fitzgibbon’s Legacy 1️⃣ Advocacy for Sovereign Capacity: Fitzgibbon’s work underscored securing resource supply for the forest products sector, which is crucial for maintaining Australia’s economic independence. 2️⃣ Environmental Stewardship: His leadership was instrumental in emphasising the sector’s contribution to a net-zero economy, showcasing the industry's commitment to sustainable practices. 3️⃣ International Influence: Fitzgibbon represented Australia at COP28, part of a global pledge to increase timber construction, aligning with initiatives like “The Buildings Breakthrough” and the “Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership.” 🤔 #questionforgroup: How do leadership changes within industry associations like AFPA impact policy advocacy and sector growth? 🏆. As AFPA welcomes Stephen Dadd, the industry looks forward to continued growth. 🔗 Learn more about Joel Fitzgibbon’s contributions and the future direction of AFPA under Stephen Dadd’s leadership: https://lnkd.in/gdgkztDD #forestry #auspol #nswpol #vicpol #qldpol #wapol #taspol #sapol #leadershiptransition #sustainableforestry #forests #timber #masstimber #environmentaladvocacy #timberindustry #policy #policymakers #woodcentralau1 #woodcentral

👏 Positive Legacy: Joel Fitzgibbon Stands Down as AFPA Chair 🪵Joel Fitzgibbon, former Rudd Forestry Minister and strong advocate for Australia’s forest products industry, has resigned as Chair of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA). 🌿Under his leadership, AFPA strongly emphasised the role of hardwood and softwood in achieving Australia’s economic and environmental goals. 🔄 Leadership Transition: Stephen Dadd, Executive Director of Pentarch Group, steps into the role, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the timber products supply chain. His election as Chair promises to continue and build upon the legacy of strong leadership within AFPA. 🔎 Fitzgibbon’s Legacy 1️⃣ Advocacy for Sovereign Capacity: Fitzgibbon’s work underscored securing resource supply for the forest products sector, which is crucial for maintaining Australia’s economic independence. 2️⃣ Environmental Stewardship: His leadership was instrumental in emphasising the sector’s contribution to a net-zero economy, showcasing the industry's commitment to sustainable practices. 3️⃣ International Influence: Fitzgibbon represented Australia at COP28, part of a global pledge to increase timber construction, aligning with initiatives like “The Buildings Breakthrough” and the “Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership.” 🤔 #questionforgroup: How do leadership changes within industry associations like AFPA impact policy advocacy and sector growth? 🏆. As AFPA welcomes Stephen Dadd, the industry looks forward to continued growth. 🔗 Learn more about Joel Fitzgibbon’s contributions and the future direction of AFPA under Stephen Dadd’s leadership: https://lnkd.in/gUWutRew #forestry #auspol #nswpol #vicpol #qldpol #wapol #taspol #sapol #leadershiptransition #sustainableforestry #forests #timber #masstimber #environmentaladvocacy #timberindustry #policy #policymakers #woodcentralau1 #woodcentral

As Ghana strives to meet its climate targets under the Paris Agreement, illegal deforestation poses a significant challenge. Government control of all “naturally occurring” timber trees on public and private land is a contributing factor to this issue. This makes it harder for Ghana to generate 23.5 million emission reductions from “gender-responsive sustainable forest management” between 2020 – 2030. The proposed tree tenure policy reform in Ghana, which transfers full ownership of all trees to farmers and landowners, could be a solution to this problem. This policy reform is reviewed in an assessment my colleagues and I under the USAID Integrated Land Resources and Governance program’s Supporting Deforestation-Free Cocoa in Ghana activity. It is intended for the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders in the forest sector in Ghana. Let's work together to preserve Ghana's forests and meet our climate goals. https://lnkd.in/ehbhzQj2

📢 Exciting Updates from Vietnam: the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) of Vietnam hosted last week a groundbreaking conference on "Implementing the Action Plan for EU Deforestation Regulations (EUDR) compliance”. With about 200 participants, this event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Statistics Office, and the MARD (the International Cooperation Department, Department of Crop Production, Forest Protection Department, Forestry Department, Center for Informatics and Statistics), EU, UNDP, provincial leaders, enterprises, and media. The conference's main objectives were: 1️⃣ Updating the preparation process for EUDR compliance. 2️⃣ Public announcing on technical solutions for EUDR compliance. 3️⃣ Discussing and agreeing on policies, and coordination among ministries, sectors, and localities to implement action plans in line with EUDR. IDH is recognized to play a key role in EUDR compliance in Vietnam, especially in the coffee sector. Read the news: https://lnkd.in/ew_Q7xxe #EUDR; #sustainablebusiness ; #supplychain ; #farmers; #livelihoods; #Vietnam; #event

Carbon Projects need to monitored and verified. Here is a good source for serious people wanting to ensure that #forestryplantations investments done as #NatureBasedSolutions are delivering or not. ASEAN specific experience also #carbonneutrality https://lnkd.in/dbYg8D5n

Suriname’s Ambitious Agricultural Expansion: Balancing Growth and Conservation in the Amazon Rainforest #Agriculture #AmazonRainforest #Suriname #EnvironmentalConservation #IndigenousRights #EconomicDevelopment #Deforestation #SustainableAgriculture #PrivateEntities #LandDeals #Biodiversity #EnvironmentalImpact The government of Suriname is contemplating substantial land deals that may reshape the Amazon Rainforest, allocating vast areas for agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture. The proposed deals, involving the Ministry of Agriculture and private entities, raise crucial questions about environmental conservation, deforestation, and Indigenous […] https://lnkd.in/es3QxVDd

🌱 Thrilled to share updates from our first project in the Dominican Republic! Implemented by PRONATEC AG, a member of the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa, and its partners FUNDOPO and YACAO, this initiative aims to nurture the rich biodiversity present in the country's cocoa #agroforestry systems. 🍫 What makes the project innovative? Diverging from traditional methods, the project pioneers the incorporation of timber production within cocoa plantations. The Dominican forestry law is stringent, but it allows this kind of timber production. This generates additional, long-term revenues for producers while safeguarding biodiversity. Furthermore, the project focuses on propagating local cocoa varieties, leveraging the region's diverse genetic pool to bolster cocoa quality and resilience. This project receives co-funding from SECO Wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung through our Innovation Programme. Discover more about this pioneering project by following the link below 👇 https://lnkd.in/ebeyiVYD 🌳Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC) In a recent milestone, PRONATEC’s subsidiary YACAO made headlines as the first ROC-certified entity in Latin America 👇 https://lnkd.in/efxHBQzy #SustainableCocoa #DominicanRepublic #CocoaDiversity #RegenerativeAgriculture #IncomeDiversification #SWISSCO #InnovationInCocoa