PNG pushes for fair and honest carbon trading to help forest communities

Papua New Guinea is taking a strong stand on climate action, calling for fair and honest carbon markets that will bring real benefits to people living in forest areas.

Prime Minister James Marape made this call at the COP30 Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil. He said PNG wants a transparent and well-regulated carbon trading system under the Paris Agreement - one that rewards countries and local communities for protecting rainforests.

“Forests are the lungs of the Earth,” Marape said. “Yet the people who protect them have not been fairly compensated. This must change.”

Mr Marape said PNG’s 35 million hectares of rainforest and its very low deforestation rate make it a valuable global asset that must be properly supported and financed.

He welcomed progress under the Paris Agreement’s carbon trading rules - known as Articles 5 and 6 - which make sure forest nations are protected through clear rules, transparency, and fair payments.

The Prime Minister also praised a new partnership between Suriname, Honduras, and Deutsche Bank, which aims to bring in private funding for forest protection.

“This is a new model of shared responsibility,” he said. “Private corporations must play a meaningful role in climate solutions. The state cannot act alone.”

Northern Governor Garry Juffa, part of PNG’s delegation, also pushed for a fairer carbon price, suggesting USD 80 per tonne, to give landowners a fair return, similar to what they could earn from logging.

All sides agreed that carbon projects must directly benefit landowners and help them earn sustainable incomes through activities like coffee, cocoa, and vanilla farming.

“People who protect forests must be the first beneficiaries,” Marape said. “Without their support, conservation cannot succeed.”

Mr Marape said PNG is ready to identify forest areas for these new high-integrity projects and has asked governors of forest-rich provinces to work with landowners to map potential conservation zones.

He also invited companies operating in PNG to offset their emissions responsibly through certified forest conservation projects.

“PNG is carbon negative,” he said. “Any company wishing to offset its carbon footprint responsibly can do so through our forests. We welcome responsible partnerships.”

The Prime Minister reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to protecting both forests and oceans, saying they are “global assets we hold in trust for humanity.”

He said these high-integrity markets will not only protect the environment but also support long-term economic growth through green and blue economies.

“This is not only environmental policy, but also economic transformation,” Marape said.

He said PNG is ready to lead the world in building fair, credible, and transparent carbon markets.

“With the right integrity, the right partnerships, and the right market structure, forest nations can finally receive the recognition and financing they deserve.”