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Papua New Guinea
COP Green Grants Papua New Guinea

PAPUA NEW GUINEA DECLINES TO ATTEND COP29 - A STAND AGAINST GLOBAL INDIFFERENCE

October 24, 2024 0
Wednesday 23th October, 2024 Press Release

Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, at the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States (CMMSS) in Apia Samoa, on Wednesday, announced that Papua New Guinea will not participate at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP 29) later this year at the political level. 

Papua New Guinea's stance is in defense of forest nations and small island states, against the non-action by nations that are major contributors to the worlds climate crisis.
Minister Tkatchenko emphasized that this decision reflects the broader frustration felt by nations like Papua New Guinea (PNG), who bear the brunt of climate change but see little to no meaningful support from the global community.

"Papua New Guinea is making this stand for the benefit of all small island nations. We will no longer tolerate empty promises and inaction, while our people suffer the devastating consequences of climate change."

Minister Tkatchenko highlighted Papua New Guinea's challenges of rising sea levels, and natural disasters including landslides, floods, and droughts. 
He added that despite contributing little to the global climate crisis, countries like PNG have been left grappling with the severe impacts.

Minister Tkatchenko stressed that Papua New Guinea is taking this stand for the benefit of all small island nations - recognising that there has not been much traction to help small states, particularly Pacific Island small states, who have had much difficulty with access to climate finance over recent years. 
He said that despite making high level representation at the UNFCC COP, nothing concrete has been forthcoming from the major multilateral meetings.

While he noted that the outcome of the CMMSS would prepare commonwealth countries to make collective representation at the forthcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan - to progress the commonwealth efforts on building resilient economies and associated environmental commitments, Minister Tkatchenko told the forum that Papua New Guinea will no longer listen to empty promises.

Minister Tkatchenko condemned the international community for failing to live up to its financial and moral commitments, leaving smaller nations like PNG to fend for themselves in the face of increasingly frequent and severe climate events.

"The pledges made by major polluters amount to nothing more than empty talk. They impose impossible barriers for us to access the crucial funds we need to protect our people. Despite repeated attempts, we have not received a single toea in support to date."

Minister Tkatchenko stressed that Papua New Guinea is one of the third biggest rain forest nations of the world, serving as the major 'lungs' of the world that cleans the carbon dioxide that major greenhouse gas emitters (countries) produce, thus is an integral global lifeline in saving the world and the planet from disaster.

“We need action, not more talk. The last three COP meetings have gone around in circles, producing no tangible results for small island states. COP29 will be no different, so PNG will not participate at the political level recognising the lack of respect for forest nations in the big carbon sink until some progress becomes evident to address the plight of PNG and other small states."

Minister Tkatchenko called attention to the hypocrisy surrounding global climate financing and the disregard for forest nations, which act as critical carbon sinks for the planet.

“The international community has shown a total lack of respect for countries like ours that play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. We are tired of being sidelined.”

Looking ahead, Minister Tkatchenko affirmed that Papua New Guinea would explore independent solutions to protect its people and natural assets, free from the empty promises of the global powers.

“If we must cut down our forests to sustain ourselves and develop our economy, so be it. Papua New Guinea will no longer wait for empty words while our people suffer. We are taking control of our destiny.”

This bold decision underscores Papua New Guinea’s frustration with the international community’s inaction and sends a clear message: forest nations and small island states deserve more than lip service—they deserve real, immediate action.

The Commonwealth comprises 56 countries of which 33 are small states both island and landlocked including 9 Pacific Island countries out of the total 42 Small States in the United Nations.

The CMMSS is convened prior to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and provides a platform for Foreign Affairs Ministers to discuss challenges confronting commonwealth small states, including concrete action to strengthen resilience of these countries building on existing global development frameworks for sustainable development.

The 2024 CMMSS focused on members efforts to advance the implementation of the Advocacy Strategy for Small States on: (i) mobilizing concerted action to build resilience to address economic vulnerability; (ii) enhance climate action; and (iii) support small states to build fiscal resilience and improve debt sustainability while amplifying advocacy on access to concessional development finance towards building resilient economies for small states in the Commonwealth.

For Immediate Release
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old tree
African nature old tree

2,000-year-old tree in South Africa called The Tree of Life

October 24, 2024 0
2,000-year-old tree in South Africa called The Tree of Life. The baobab tree
Baobab trees are among the most unique trees that grow in Africa. According to an estimate, these trees are among the oldest trees on earth. In the savanna (Africa) the climate is very dry. Where other trees grow with difficulty. The baobab tree thrives there.
During the rainy season, the baobab tree absorbs and stores water in its broad trunk. A full tree can store thousands of liters of water within itself. The water stored in its trunk is so much that the tree can survive for years thanks to this water. Can survive even in drought.

The baobab tree can grow up to 30 meters tall.

Guys kındly clıck on the lınk to subscrıbe to our YøuTube channēl (YT: Historıcal Afrıca) to learn about Afrıcan and Black history
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corruption
Carbon Credits Climate Change corruption

Ex-carbon offsetting boss charged in New York with multimillion-dollar fraud

October 04, 2024 0
Kenneth Newcombe, formerly CEO of C-Quest Capital, indicted over allegations of carbon credit manipulation

Patrick Greenfield Fri 4 Oct 2024 06.00 BST

A former carbon offsetting executive has been charged with fraud by US federal authorities, who allege that he helped to manipulate data from projects in rural Africa and Asia to fraudulently obtain carbon credits worth tens of millions of dollars.

Kenneth Newcombe, former CEO of C-Quest Capital LLC and a leading figure in the offsetting industry, was indicted on Wednesday in New York with commodities and wire fraud.

Prosecutors alleged he was part of a multi-year scheme that manipulated information on the impact of cooking stove projects in Africa and south-east Asia to make them appear far more successful at reducing emissions than they were in reality, also using the figures to attract investment of more than $100m in C-Quest.

From 2007 to December 2023, the 77-year-old was a board member of Verra, the world’s leading certifier of carbon offsets, and he also worked at the World Bank and Goldman Sachs at different times. He faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted of the most serious charges. He denies all allegations against him.

A spokesperson for Newcombe told Bloomberg that their client was dying of cancer. “He is confident that if he lives to see a jury hear this case, that jury will reject these false charges and return his good name to him,” the spokesperson said.

Cooking stove projects are one of the most popular carbon offsetting schemes, theoretically generating emissions reductions by swapping smoky fuels such as wood, paraffin or kerosene with cleaner alternatives.

By changing fuels, they can have major benefits: improving air quality, reducing the amount of time people spend collecting wood and slowing the loss of the world’s forests. But studies have raised widespread concerns about their claimed environmental impact, finding that schemes are overstating their effect by an average of 1,000%.

Shell and BP have both invested in C-Quest and are among several leading firms that have bought carbon credits from the firm.

Newcombe stepped down as CEO of C-Quest in February this year. In June, the new management of C-Quest announced that they had reported their former CEO to US authorities for his role in allegedly faking emissions data to generate millions of worthless carbon credits.

Following the announcement Verra said it was suspending the 27 projects implicated in the allegations and that it would be working with C-Quest to cancel the overissued credits as quickly as possible. Its statement at the time added: “Verra and the voluntary carbon market (VCM) as a whole are built on trust and integrity. We take any accusation of impropriety that undermines that trust very seriously.”

On Wednesday, US authorities said they would not be pursuing charges against C-Quest due to its open and timely disclosure of the alleged wrongdoing.

Prosecutors also charged Tridip Goswami, former head of C-Quest’s carbon and sustainability accounting team, with fraud. He could not be immediately reached for comment. Former chief operating officer Jason Steele has pleaded guilty to charges and is cooperating with the US government, the announcement said.

US attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Kenneth Newcombe and Tridip Goswami, among others, engaged in a multi-year scheme to fraudulently obtain carbon credits by using manipulated and misleading data. They then sold those credits to unsuspecting buyers in the multi-billion-dollar global market for carbon credits.”







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Melanesia
Biodiversity Conservation work Melanesia

The Importance of Biodiversity in Conservation in Melanesia

September 18, 2024 0


Melanesia, a region encompassing countries such as Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, is home to some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems on the planet. With its lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and plethora of endemic species, Melanesia boasts a rich biodiversity that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. However, this stunning natural heritage is under threat from a variety of factors, including deforestation, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species.

Bio-diversity is crucial for the health and well-being of our planet. It not only provides us with essential resources such as food, water, and medicine, but also plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience. In Melanesia, the rich biodiversity of the region supports the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on it for food, shelter, and cultural practices. It is also a source of immense beauty and wonder that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Unfortunately, Melanesia's biodiversity is facing serious challenges. Deforestation, driven by logging, agriculture, and mining, is destroying vast swathes of rainforest and threatening the survival of endemic plant and animal species. Climate change is exacerbating these threats, causing rising sea levels, increased frequency of natural disasters, and altering the delicate balance of ecosystems. Invasive species introduced by human activities also pose a significant risk to native flora and fauna, outcompeting local species and disrupting ecosystem dynamics.

Despite these challenges, there are numerous conservation initiatives in place across Melanesia that are working to protect and preserve the region's biodiversity. One successful example is the Tonda Wildlife Management Area in Papua New Guinea, which was established by local communities to conserve the habitat of the endangered Matschie's tree kangaroo. Through community-based conservation efforts, the population of the tree kangaroo has stabilized, and ecotourism has provided a sustainable source of income for local residents.

In Fiji, the Great Sea Reef Marine Sanctuary is another inspiring conservation project that aims to protect the world's third-largest barrier reef from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, the sanctuary has been able to establish no-take zones and implement sustainable fishing practices that have helped to revive fish populations and improve coral reef health.

These are just a few examples of the many conservation initiatives that are making a positive impact on biodiversity conservation in Melanesia. However, much more needs to be done to protect the region's natural heritage and ensure a sustainable future for both the environment and local communities. As individuals, we can support these efforts by advocating for stronger environmental policies, supporting sustainable businesses, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

In conclusion, biodiversity is a fundamental pillar of life on Earth, and its preservation is essential for the health and well-being of our planet. In Melanesia, the rich biodiversity of the region is under threat from a variety of factors, but through concerted conservation efforts, we can protect and preserve this unique natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. By supporting local conservation initiatives and taking action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and deforestation, we can all play a role in preserving the biodiversity of Melanesia and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

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organic garden
home garden l organic food organic garden

How to grow a Christmas cactus from cuttings, quickly and easily

September 17, 2024 0
1. Preparing the Cuttings: After flowering, carefully snip branches from the Christmas cactus using a sharp knife. Cut them into smaller sections, each containing a few segments, to ensure clean cuts and minimize the risk of infection.
2. Choosing the Medium: Opt for well-prepared builder’s sand as the planting medium. Allow the cuttings to air dry for a day before planting to prevent bacterial growth.
3. Planting and Care: Plant the dry cuttings in moist sand medium and place them in a cool location for optimal root development. Ensure the sand is moist but not overly wet to avoid drowning the cuttings.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance: Check the sand medium's moisture level every 4 to 5 days and add water if it feels dry. After 20 to 30 days, when healthy roots have formed, transfer the cuttings to a nutrient-rich growing medium.
5. Choosing the Growing Medium: Transition the rooted cuttings to a nutrient-rich mix of garden soil, organic fertilizer, and coconut coir to encourage faster growth. Maintain loose soil for proper root development.
6. Caring for Young Plants: Ensure newly potted cuttings receive sufficient moisture and acclimate them gradually to light sunlight. Fertilize the plants every 20 days with organic fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
7. Watering: Monitor soil moisture regularly and water only when the medium becomes dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
8. Conclusion: By following these steps, you can successfully propagate Christmas cactus from cuttings and enjoy the journey of nurturing these stunning plants from propagation to full bloom!
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WWF
Papua New Guinea rare bird WWF

First ever photograph of rare bird species New Britain Goshawk

September 17, 2024 0
First ever photograph of rare bird species New Britain Goshawk

The photograph captured in Papua New Guinea is a testament to community and conservation

New Britian Goshawk sits in tree in on New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea© Tom Virius / WWF Papua New Guinea
Date:

September 16, 2024

The rare New Britain Goshawk (Accipiter princeps) has been photographed for the first time in history. The bird of prey is found only on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea. The last documented scientific record of the bird is from 1969 and is kept at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Tom Vierus, a Fiji-based photographer was on a trip with WWF on the island in March 2024. As local community members led a group through the forest, Vierus took photographs of several bird species. “I wasn’t aware of the significance at the time,” says Vierus. “It was such a great surprise to hear that this photo seems to be the first-ever of this ‘lost species’!”

The sighting and photograph were confirmed by internationally-renowned ornithologists “ While there have been multiple sight-only reports of the bird, the goshawk has not been photographed or recorded in the 55 years since the last specimen was found. Today, the photograph and further details are now available on the websites of Search for Lost Birds and iNaturalist.

A biodiversity hotspot
Papua New Guinea hosts the third-largest intact tropical forest in the world, following the Amazon and Congo basins. It is remarkably diverse in terms of species, landscapes, and ecosystems with more than 5,000 lakes, extensive river systems and wetlands, 5,000 miles of mangrove swamps, lagoons, coral reefs and atolls. The Nakanai Mountains, where the New Britain Goshawk was photographed, are part of a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site and are estimated to be between 10.5-22.5 million years old

Oscar Pileng was born in Pomio in eastern New Britain and is WWF’s officer for the region. After the photo was identified, he spoke with residents in the area, who confirmed that sightings of the bird are rare and usually made in the hinterlands rather than coastal areas. In local languages, the New Britain Goshawk is called ‘keango’ or ‘kulingapa’.”

“I was amazed to hear that this is the first time it has been photographed but am very happy that an official global record now exists, says Pileng. “I hope this means more efforts are made to protect its habitat from the threats of large-scale agriculture, logging, mining and infrastructure development.”

Communities and conservation

The Pomio region is notably home to the Indigenous Mengen and Mamusi peoples, who maintain largely intact traditions and beliefs intrinsically linked to the forests, rivers, and oceans they have called home for millennia. Working closely with these matrilineal clan-based societies, WWF hopes to support local stewardship to safeguard the future of these incredible biodiversity hotspots through community-led conservation.

“There have been very few biodiversity studies in New Britain, and the potential for discovering species new to science is quite high,” says Martha Eimba, Pomio Landscape Manager for WWF-Papua New Guinea. “But it is a race to protect them, with pressures looming large and poverty a reality for many.” WWF collaborates with communities to better understand the threats the region is facing as well as social contexts, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The goal is to develop a comprehensive program of community-based conservation.

While WWF is actively seeking partners for this important work, the government of Papua New Guinea is in the process of revising its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan ahead of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity meeting of the parties, taking place in Colombia in October 2024.

As for the record photograph, “It is wonderful to see how conservation photography can help safeguard areas by documenting the existing biodiversity and a good reminder of how important visual storytelling is,” says photographer Vierus. “I truly hope this mostly pristine part of the world can remain as intact as possible with the help of the local communities, their already existing conservation initiatives and the support of WWF.”
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