Marape calls for fair climate funding for forest nations

Prime Minister James Marape has called on world leaders to provide more funding support for countries protecting the world’s forests and oceans.

Speaking at the COP30 Climate Conference in Brazil last Friday, Mr Marape said countries like Papua New Guinea, Brazil, and the Congo are helping the world survive by protecting the planet’s largest forests.

“Forests and ocean nations are carrying the burden of the entire planet’s balance,” he said. “The Amazon, the Congo, and PNG’s tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth. Protecting them is the best way to save humanity.”

Mr Marape said he now sees the fight against climate change as a fight to save people, not just trees.
“When I first started, I thought I was fighting to save our forests,” he said. “Now I know I am fighting to save humanity.”

He reminded world leaders that there is no other planet like Earth. “There is no planet like Earth,” he said. “Mars and Mercury are uninhabitable. Here, rivers, trees, and oceans sustain life. That is worth fighting for.”

Mr Marape urged rich nations to help fund forest protection instead of destruction. “Our forests deserve proper conservation funding,” he said. “One hectare of protected forest can save more lives and reduce more emissions than any industrial project.”

He said PNG remains committed to stopping deforestation, restoring damaged lands, and supporting forest communities.