Download Climate Change News 15 February 11

Climate change in the news
Issue 15 – 15th February, 2011
Recent articles and publications relating to the agriculture and forestry sector
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4.
5.
FAO Releases Publication on Managing Forests for Climate Change
IFAD, FAO and ILO Release Report on Gender and Agriculture
Pacific Food Security Toolkit for Root Crop and Fishery Production
IFPRI Releases Paper on Sustainable Land Management and Soil Carbon
Bamboo and Climate Change Mitigation
REDD+
6. World Bank Institute, ASB, CGIAR and FCPF Release Guidance on REDD+ and
Opportunity Costs
7. CCAFS Releases Report and Policy Brief on Lessons from REDD+ for Agriculture
8. World Bank Publications on Lessons Learned re: REDD+ and
Afforestation/Reforestation
9. Getting to the Roots: Underlying Causes of Deforestation and Forest Degradation, and
Drivers of Forest Restoration
10. Getting ready for REDD+
General
11. World Resources Report Launches Initiative on Adaptation Decision Making in a
Changing Climate
12. Climate change economics on a small island: new approaches for Tobago
13. Community Champions: Adapting to Climate Challenges
14. Climate Change Confronts PNG
15. Fiji to formulate Climate Change Policy
Opportunities and Events
16. Farming as a Business & Climate Change Summit
FAO Releases Publication on Managing Forests for Climate Change
1 February 2011: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have released a report entitled
"Managing Forests for Climate Change," which examines the role of forests and sustainable forest
management in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The report describes the FAO's integrated approach to sustainable forest management and outlines the
ways forest management can help tackle climate change, including through carbon sequestration,
strengthening adaptive capacity of trees, forests and forest-dependent communities, and conserving
forest carbon stocks. The report lists various sources for financing forests' contribution to climate
change mitigation and adaptation, and outlines FAO's support to activities such as afforestation,
reforestation, forest restoration, conservation and sustainable practices of forest management and use.
Document: [FAO's Managing Forests for Climate Change]
IFAD, FAO and ILO Release Report on Gender and Agriculture
January 2011: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have released
a report highlighting the unique role women play in rural economies and the potential they offer for
lifting their households and communities out of poverty.
The report, titled "Gender dimensions of agricultural and rural employment: Differentiated pathways
out of poverty," is based on a 2009 workshop that sought to identify best practices for addressing
gender inequalities, as well as gaps in data and research. It addresses the current trends in rural
employment impacting gender roles, including, international trade, migration and HIV/AIDS. It also
highlights gender constraints related to unpaid work, education, and access to land, credit and markets.
The report explores the consequences of gender inequalities, underscoring policy options related to
fundamental rights, creation of employment, social protection and social dialogue. The report also
includes papers that were contributed to the workshop on specific cases from Mexico, South Africa, the
Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. The report also notes that climate change, as well as the global food,
fuel and financial crises, constitute new challenges to the achievement of poverty reduction and gender
equality in the rural world. It underlines that these processes are not sufficiently documented yet to
permit any sound assessment, but formulates some tentative considerations related to the gender
differentiated effects of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies. [The Report]
Pacific Food Security Toolkit for Root Crop and Fishery Production
The Food Security Toolkit is designed specifically for Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), aims
to improve Pacific Islanders’ ability to produce and access safe and nutritious foods that meet their
dietary and cultural needs. Targeting food security in the Pacific region is a critical action in the face of
climate change, which will continue to place added pressure on existing food and water resources. The
ultimate aim of the toolkit is to help ensure that Pacific Island communities continue to produce and
have access to a wide range of nutritious food for the dinner plate and market place.
This booklet draws heavily from a variety of online resources, books and reports. The majority of these
resources are included as reference tools in section 6. Any failure to acknowledge reference sources is
unintentional. The fisheries module draws strongly on the recent work led by the Strategic Engagement
Policy and Planning Facility at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and several co-authors.
Conservation International’s preparation of Module 3 on the role of ecosystems in food security is also
much appreciated.
The toolkit is also available on the SAP website http://www.faopacific.ws. The direct URL of the booklet
is: http://www.faopacific.ws/Portals/167/publications/Reports/Pacific_toolkit_web_03.pdf
IFPRI Releases Paper on Sustainable Land Management and Soil Carbon
December 2010: The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has released a
discussion paper describing the impacts of sustainable land management on soil carbon and the impacts
of soil carbon on crop productivity.
The paper uses data collected in Uganda and includes variables, such as irrigation, fertilizers, improved
fallow and crop residues. It reports that soil carbon needs to reach a particular threshold before it has a
significant positive effect on crop production and demonstrates that soil carbon has a risk-reducing
effect. IFPRI is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).
[IFPRI Discussion Paper]
Bamboo and Climate Change Mitigation
Author:
Institution:
Year:
Country:
Subject:
Lou Yiping, Li Yanxia, Kathleen Buckingham et al.
International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR)
2010
Global, Climate Change
"Bamboo’s fast growth is one of its many attributes which make it a useful resource for mankind. It is
also commonly seen as an indication of a high ability to capture and sequester atmospheric carbon and
consequently mitigate climate change, in a similar way that trees do. This report analyses the work
carried out to date to explore different aspects of bamboo’s growth, management and use which impact
bamboo’s carbon sequestration potential. Using modeling and comparison studies, the findings of this
report suggest that bamboo’s carbon sequestration rate can equal or surpasses that of fast-growth trees
over short time periods in a new plantation, but only when bamboo is actively managed. A review of
studies carried out in China indicates that bamboo is a relatively important carbon store at the
ecosystem and national level. While the results of the report underline the gaps in knowledge in the
field, they suggest that bamboo forest ecosystems can be leveraged to help mitigate climate change,
whilst simultaneously providing other important services for human adaptation and development."
pdf-file, 1,5 mb, 30 pages
source:
http://www.inbar.int/publication/TXT/Carbon%2...
World Bank Institute, ASB, CGIAR and FCPF Release Guidance on REDD
and Opportunity Costs
January 2011: The Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), the World Bank Institute, the
Partnership for Tropical Forest Margins (ASB) and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural
Research (CGIAR) have developed a training manual providing guidance on how to estimate the
opportunity costs of reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing
countries (REDD).
The manual will be complemented by workshops. The manual and workshops will: provide tools and
methods for estimating opportunity costs to engage in REDD; create support for effective learning for
professionals from government, universities, NGOs and private business; and help identify data needs
for analysis and accurate estimates. The opportunity cost analysis provides monetary estimates of how
stakeholders and economic sectors will be effected by REDD policies and payments. ASB is a member of
the CGIAR. [Opportunity Cost Manual Overview]
CCAFS Releases Report and Policy Brief on Lessons from REDD+ for
Agriculture
January 2011: The Challenge Program on Climate Change Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)
of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has released a report and
associated policy brief, both titled "Lessons from REDD+ for Agriculture."
The report relies on interviews with 32 key respondents highlighting the need for action in the areas of:
policy making; implementation mechanisms and governance; monitoring, reporting and verification
(MRV); finance; capacity strengthening; and co-benefits. The report describes challenges related to
creating policy space for addressing agricultural mitigation and building an approach for implementation
that is feasible. It outlines differences between forest-based and agricultural-based mitigation, and
highlights that there will be "winner" and "loser" countries in reducing emissions from deforestation and
forest degradation in developing countries (REDD) and any agricultural mitigation efforts.
The policy brief outlines the key suggestions from the report and calls for agriculture to be a part of
national and international emission reduction efforts, but in a way that does not compromise food
security or economic development. It stresses the need to support pilot projects to demonstrate
feasibility and build on experience from REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and forest
degradation in developing countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable use of forests and
enhancement of carbon stocks). The brief concludes by underscoring the need for a shared vision,
analysis of high priority mitigation options and impacts, coordination of efforts and encouragement for
the flow of money. [Policy Brief on Lessons for REDD+ for Agriculture] [Report on Lessons from REDD+
for Agriculture]
World Bank Publications on Lessons Learned re: REDD and
Afforestation/Reforestation
Two new publications by the World Bank, released at COP16 in Cancun last December. Both analyses are
their experiences to date in the areas of REDD+ and afforestation and are available for free download at
their website: http://carbonfinance.org.

Harvesting Knowledge on REDD+ - Early Lessons from the FCPF Initiative and Beyond is an
effort to summarize important lessons being learned by the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility
(FCPF) in its first two years of existence. It is offered in order to help facilitate communication

among FCPF participants and observers, to create a better understanding of progress to date,
and to share ideas on how to address the challenges ahead.
Please see the full report at: http://go.worldbank.org/8WR0S0RML0
The BioCarbon Fund Experience – Insights from Afforestation/Reforestation CDM Projects is an
effort to inform project developers and policy-makers about the main insights from the
BioCarbon Fund while designing and implementing CDM forestry projects. This publication aims
to shed light on the opportunities the Clean Development Mechanism offers to the forestry
sector and also on the challenges encountered by project developers when complying with the
regulatory requirements.
Please see the brochure at: http://go.worldbank.org/8WR0S0RML0
Harvesting Knowledge on REDD+: Early Lessons from the FCPF Initiative and Beyond
Executive Summary - Overall Lessons Learned
REDD-plus is about financial incentives and governance. Forests disappear and become
degraded for a wide range of causes. At the heart of unplanned deforestation are two deeprooted failures. One is the fact that other forms of land use are often more attractive in terms of
financial return over the near or medium term (the market failure argument). The other failure
is that enforcement of existing legislation or outdated legislation and regulations (creating
perverse incentives) is not sufficient to stop deforestation and forest degradation (the
governance failure argument). Conventional efforts to stem the tide of deforestation and forest
degradation have often led to unsatisfactory results. These failures in markets and governance
are accentuated, in many cases, by cultural preferences and heritage.
The FCPF offers a promising chance to the 37 participating REDD-plus countries undertaking an
effort to address these two failures with newly emerging, cross-sectoral financial and
governance approaches which have to go hand in hand and reinforce each other.
We have many solid building blocks, but need to start building. While REDD-plus is a relatively
new concept, many building blocks are already tested and ready to integrate into a successful
strategy towards REDD-plus: Payments for environmental services (PES); best practices for
sustainable forest management (SFM) including forest certification (e.g., FSC); voluntary carbon
certification schemes (e.g., VCS, CCBA); participatory approaches to resource management
including co-management; land tenure reform. REDD-plus will be successful to the extent that it
creatively integrates successful and transparent instruments and lessons into new policy
approaches of how to cooperatively manage natural resources and the pressures on them, and
how to share burdens and benefits.
Poverty matters. Poverty is the dominant human condition of populations in and around many
of the tropical forests of the world. People are trapped in poverty by not having alternatives to
current forms of resource utilization. Poverty also occurs at the institutional level, where
frequently there are not enough resources for adequate salaries; gasoline for law enforcement
vehicles, infrastructure, institutional capacities, etc. REDD-plus provides an opportunity to
address poverty-related drivers of deforestation both at the household level and at the
institutional level by putting in place economic incentive-based programs and new resources.
Nevertheless, REDD-plus cannot become the unique policy instrument for poverty reduction in
any country.
National scope with sub-national and local implementation. The ongoing UNFCCC negotiations
have not yet defined the scope for REDD-plus at the country level. National, sub-national,
nested approaches and their respective links are under discussion. What sets REDD-plus apart
from previous attempts to reduce the loss of forests, is the new order of magnitude and its
nationwide scope. Earlier experiences with payments for carbon services in forestry (e.g., the
Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism) indicate that project-based approaches pose
some difficult challenges—leakage, and to some extent also additionality. In order to avoid
these disadvantages, REDD-plus is probably going to focus on a national approach for
accounting—and accountability: all forest-related sinks and sources of carbon in a country most
likely will be included in the accounting system. Within this national accounting framework, a
range of activities would be implemented, including at the sub-national level.
Timing and sequencing are important to piloting REDD-plus. The timely availability of financial
resources, skilled staff, and institutional capacity is critical to advancing budding ideas. Political
timing is also sensitive to election cycles that move governments into or out of power, often
waylaying the first glimpses of progress as new teams and consensus need to be built to
continue work just begun.
Getting to the Roots: Underlying Causes of Deforestation and Forest
Degradation, and Drivers of Forest Restoration
Author:
Institution:
Global Forest Coalition
Year:
2010
Country:
Global, Subject:
Environment and Management of Natural Resources, Climate Change
"This is a report summarizing the findings of the Global Forest Coalition’s three year global program of
workshops investigating the underlying causes of deforestation and forest degradation (22 national
workshops), and the incentives and other underlying causes underpinning successful forest conservation
and restoration initiatives by Indigenous Peoples and local communities (8 national workshops)."
pdf-file, 1,5 mb, 42 pages
Governance of Natural Resources, Environmental and Sustainability Strategies, Mitigation of Climate
Change
source:
http://illegal-logging.info/uploads/ReportGet...
Getting ready for REDD+
Author:
Institution:
Year:
Country:
Lisa Westholm
Forest, Climate and Livelihood Research Network
2010
Global, -
Subject:
Environment and Management of Natural Resources, Climate Change
"Global efforts are being made to prepare tropical forest countries for REDD+. The work is advancing
rapidly with new funding pledges being added and new countries joining. As REDD+ work proceeds it will
be crucial to maintain awareness of the obstacles to be faced. The risk that REDD+ steels the limelight
from other issues should also be kept in mind.
Following the Focali report in 2009 that provided an assessment of initiatives involved in preparing and
building capacity for REDD, Focali releases the report "Getting ready for REDD+" that provides an update
of what has happened in the REDD+ arena in the last two years and identifies some key issues for the
future."
pdf-file, 746 kb, 22 pages
Governance of Natural Resources, Environmental and Sustainability Strategies, Mitigation of Climate
Change
source:
http://www.focali.se/filer/Focali%20Report%20...
World Resources Report Launches Initiative on Adaptation Decision
Making in a Changing Climate
No matter what actions are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the near future, nations
everywhere need to begin to take steps to adapt to a very different world. The risks posed by climate
change, from surprises, like the mudslides in Brazil, to the long-term impacts of sea level rise will
confront the governments and the people of every country.
The timely issue of how national governments make decisions for a changing climate and specifically
how they integrate the risks posed by climate change into planning and policymaking processes is the
topic of the latest World Resources Report (WRR), which today launches its interactive website
www.worldresourcesreport.org.
The World Resources Report has been jointly published every two years since 1986 by the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the World
Bank, and the World Resources Institute. This latest edition boasts an innovative, interactive model.
Audiences have been engaged from the outset, creating a broad range of research involving government
officials, climate experts, international leaders and practitioners in the field---over 100 from around the
world. All the research---expert papers, adaptation case studies, in-country scenario exercises, and
targeted issue roundtables---will be available on the site as it is prepared.
This research, and the comments and contributions provided by visitors to the WRR web site, will inform
the findings and recommendations of the WRR Report, to be published in April 2011.
WRR encourages visitors to review the research and provide their comments and reactions. WRR
welcomes additional papers, reports, case histories and personal experiences regarding adaptation
decisions.
The new web site, with all of our current research, is at www.worldresourcesreport.org
Climate change economics on a small island: new approaches for Tobago
For small islands like Tobago — that depend heavily on tourism driven by their natural
‘beauty’ — climate change poses a double-edged threat on supply and demand. Rising sea levels,
increasing temperatures and more frequent and intense storms will damage the island’s natural assets,
such as coral reefs and beaches. This could have a heavy impact on tourism, which will also be affected
by climate policy in ‘source’ countries. But what exactly will that impact be? How much will it cost? And
what can be done about it? Traditional economic analysis is ill-equipped to answer these questions
because it offers static and highly uncertain models and assessments of damage and loss, rather than
flexible response options that consider system dynamics. We urgently need to use and expand new
forms of economic analysis to better support the difficult decisions that Caribbean policymakers~face as
a result of climate change.
Download the paper from http://pubs.iied.org/17087IIED.html
Community Champions: Adapting to Climate Challenges
This publication contains abstracts (mainly in English, some in French) from papers presented
at the fourth International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change which was
held on 21-27 February 2010 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Conference was structured around plenary
and technical sessions on a variety of important subject areas such as agriculture, water resources, and
ecosystems to cross-cutting issues of policy, funding, and strengthening institutions. Nearly a hundred
projects were showcased and demonstrate the sheer variety and innovation of current communitybased projects. The projects are a resource for information sharing and learning.
To download: http://pubs.iied.org/10028IIED.html
PACNEWS in Focus - Climate change confronts PNG
PNG is ready to act . . .
By Ethel Namuri, Post Courier
Climate change is one of the most fundamental challenges ever to confront humanity.
In Papua New Guinea, its impacts are already showing and will intensify over time if nothing is done. The
real threats that we are already experiencing are increased flooding, rising sea levels, storms, and more
frequent and severe droughts.
The PNG Government’s overall ambition to reduce greenhouse gasses between 50-75% by 2030 and
become carbon neutral before 2050 as envisioned in the PNG Vision 2050 maybe still inadequate if we
were acting alone.
This is a global issue that requires a global solution and everyone has to act now. This includes the
developed countries of the world who contribute almost 70 percent of the green house gas (GHG)
emissions through man-made emissions from; industry, power generation, transport and buildings.
The forestry sector is the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in PNG. At the current rate of
logging, PNG is likely to run out of commercially accessible primary forest shortly after 2030.
If all current plans to reduce emissions were delivered completely and on time, global emissions would
still keep growing in the next 10 years, under present trends.
However, stringent initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Papua New Guinea as part of its
readiness phase cannot be postponed much longer. The PNG Government’s policies and initiatives
covered within the Interim Action Plan for Climate-Compatible Development Strategy (CCDS) highlights
these initiatives that the Government plans to undertake to contribute towards keeping the average
global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius.
Papua New Guinea is ready to act through its Office of Climate Change and Development (OCCD) which
is the government’s coordinating body for all climate-change related initiatives.
The OCCD is a role model for effective, efficient and transparent public service. Within a time frame of
just 4 months into operations since its inauguration in September, 2010, the small office of 20
professional staff has had immeasurable achievements.
Dr. Wari Iamo as the Acting Executive Director has led PNG’s climate change office over the past 12
months resulting in the development of PNG’s Climate Compatible Development Strategy (CCDS) and
the Interim Action Plan.
OCCD’s work builds largely on the Climate-Compatible Development Strategy (CCDS) and the Interim
Action Plan. The CCDS sets out the strategic direction for PNG’s action against climate change
domestically, with a strong focus on REDD+ while the Interim Action Plan sets out the immediate
priorities for action over the next 6 months while the CCDS is being finalized. The CCDS is not yet a fully
completed strategy which requires full consultation. The OCCD has already initiated this process which is
continuing this year.
Looking back on its major achievements since its inauguration, the OCCD has visited 4 provinces as part
of the national consultation program, reached more than 20 thousand listeners to its radio talk back
program on climate change awareness, had 5 meetings of the National Climate Change Committee
(NCCC) over the last 5 months of which 13 key GoPNG agencies are actively involved, secured funding of
US$6.4 million for PNG’s MRV system, employed 18 Directors and officers, mooted a Coastal Early
Warning System in collaboration with six key Government Departments, had 20 multi-stakeholder
Technical Working Group Meetings, and received a grant of US$.5million for adaptation work in PNG.
All in all, the OCCD has achieved a tremendous amount of work in 2010 within a record time of just four
months. This year the organization is again determined to continue implementing major Government
initiatives and is ready to act.
The office is currently focusing on a wide range of readiness activities, capacity building by training its
employees, the planning of pilot projects and stakeholder consultation.
The organisation’s three divisions; REDD+ and Mitigation, Adaptation and MRV and National
Communication are excited and ready to commit their time and resources into implementing their 2011
work plans.
The initiatives are executed in close consultation and with the support from stakeholders, such as
development partners, key Government agencies and non - governmental organisations (NGOs) and
private companies.
It is anticipated that by year end, more provinces will get involved with the readiness phase under the
REDD+ or Reducing Emissions from avoided Deforestation and forest Degradation plus Conservation,
Sustainable Forest Management, and Carbon Stock Enhancement.
The REDD+ & Mitigation Division is responsible for this project as well as the low carbon growth
initiatives.
As the division prioritizes readiness activities for a future reduction in emissions from REDD, it is also
looking for economic growth opportunities to reduce emissions. Alternative and sustainable livelihoods
as well as renewable energy sources for domestic use and export are some of the things that are being
proposed. Low Carbon Growth will be focusing on two hydro projects this year in Bialla, West New
Britain and Sohun, in the New Ireland Province.
While on that; this division will also take lead in the proposed Agriculture lease moratorium. This is one
of PNG’s most important abatement levers or area where action needs to be taken to reduce carbon
emissions.
Under the REDD+ readiness activities, Agricultural conversion is bound to become one of the largest
sources of land-use related emission drivers over the next 20 years.
These abatement levers are highlighted in PNG’s Interim Action Plan. The proposed moratorium allows
for the PNG Government to improve its approval processes for agriculture purpose leases and also
assess other development options for such special purpose leases. The OCCD will be working closely
with key Government agencies on this.
The division is also determined to get the PNG National Joint Programme (PNGNJP) signed with funding
released for immediate implementation. The PNG NJP builds on the 2009 draft NJP which has received
approval in principle by the UN REDD Policy Board. It basically aims to support the Government of PNG
to further progress its efforts towards REDD readiness and places heavy emphasis on the development
of a Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system for PNG.
Adaptation on the other hand; will prioritize measures to help vulnerability to climate-associated risks
through gradual hazards. Its current priorities are malaria and event-driven hazards like coastal and inland flooding. One of its many initiatives this year is the coastal communities’ response to climate
change by planting 2 million mangroves. Adaptation division also takes lead in the development of a
plan of high level funding requirements and conducting bilateral and multilateral negotiations to provide
funding support.
Multiple national level events with government and non-government stakeholders are continuing this
year to build knowledge, obtain feedback and develop working relationships. The MRV and National
Communication are taking the lead with this initiative.
Meanwhile, Acting Executive Director Dr. Wari Iamo is very supportive on the OCCD work plans for the
coming months. These work plans build largely on the Climate-Compatible Development Strategy (CCDS)
and the Interim Action Plan.
In one of his recent statements on the Interim Action Plan for Climate-Compatible Development
Strategy (CCDS) Dr. Wari stated; “My hope is that the Government of PNG, development partners and
affected communities alike focus on tangible actions that can be taken quickly. Additional analysis
certainly needs to be conducted, but more analysis is a complement to action, not a replacement for
it…….”
Dr. Wari’s comments also summarizes the requirement to building a deeper and more informed
dialogue internally and finding international support to ensure full consultation on the Interim Action
Plan.
He further stated that; “The successful achievement of the action plan depends on robust institutional
arrangements and collaboration at all levels between Government agencies, development partners,
NGOs, and the private sector. It depends on cumulative decisions, actions and aligned mindsets across
all sectors and communities in the country”. ...PNS (ENDS)
Fiji to formulate Climate Change Policy
11 FEBRUARY 2011 SUVA (MINFO) ----- Fiji’s National Climate Change Country Team (NCCCT) will soon
formulate a climate change policy for the country.
The Minister for Local Government, Urban Development, Housing and Environment, Col. Samuela
Saumatua said the Climate Change Country Team would serve as the main platform to provide guidance
and policy advice to Government on all matters relating to climate change.
“At the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, Cabinet approved the re-establishment of
Fiji’s National Climate Change Country Team (NCCCT). Our country is very lucky because we have various
organisations working with the Government and the community to address effects of climate change,”
the minister said at the opening of Fiji’s first NCCCT meeting at Holiday Inn today.
Some of the NCCCT members include representatives from government ministries such as tourism, AGs
office, meteorology, Prime Minister’s office, health and reps from non-governmental organisations such
as SOPAC, Asian Development Bank, WWF and Pacific Conference of Churches.
Fiji signed and ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992,
and signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol to the Climate Change Convention in 1998.
The UNFCCC establishes our government’s commitment in taking on board climate change issues, while
the Kyoto Protocol sets out actual targets for developed countries to reduce Greenhouse gases (GHG)
within a set timeframe.
The NCCCT will be instrumental in identifying and putting together issues that is of national interest to
be Fiji’s positions to international climate change meetings and conferences such as the Pacific Small
Islands Developing States (PSIDS), Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and G77 & China and the
Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting that is held every year.
The minister said that as a small island developing state (SIDS), Fiji fell into the category of countries that
was most at risk from the impacts of climate change.
Climate change is a global phenomenon that is beginning to impact all aspects of society....PNS (ENDS)
Farming as a Business & Climate Change Summit
7 February 2011
Port Vila
This week, technical officers from the Department of Rural Development and Agriculture along with
representatives from the Vanuatu National Training Council (VNTC), the Farm Support Association (FSA),
the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Vanuatu Rural Development Training Center Association
(VRDTCA), Vanuatu Agriculture College, Wan Smol Bag, Youth Challenge Vanuatu & VANGO met to
develop new training standards to teach farming as a business in Vanuatu.
The SPC/GIZ Coping with Climate Change in the Pacific Island Region (CCCPIR) has funded this summit
due to the severe climate changes that are currently impacting ni-Vanuatu farmers and are projected to
intensify into the future. With most crops sensitive to changes in rainfall and temperature, the
projected rises in temperature, increased frequency of floods and droughts and sea level rise will all
determine the types and productivity of agriculture in Vanuatu. If farmers are using agriculture as a
business to earn income, there is a serious need for them to consider climate factors when planning
their activities, the crops to plant and the most suitable locations. Planting without thinking about
climate change may mean that a farming business will fail, and farmers will lose their effort, time and
money.
The participants in this week’s Farming as a Business summit pulled together existing agricultural
training materials, best approaches for training, and ideas for the most comprehensive training for niVanuatu farmers. They produced course outlines for three distinct levels of training, basic through to
advanced. With guidance from the VNTC, these course outlines will be submitted for approval so that
‘farming as a business’ students will receive a nationally-approved certificate for the course.
Now that the course outline has been finalized, the participants will meet in March to implement the
new Farming as Business training in Teouma community of Efate, one of the SPC-GIZ climate change
pilot sites. The final goal is to develop a trainer’s guide and student handbook for farming as a business
that any organization or individual in Vanuatu can easily access.
For more information contact Mr. Brian Phillips, Secretariat of the National Advisory Committee on
Climate Change (NACCC) 23866 or Dr. Christopher Bartlett ([email protected])