I. Regional Reports

The final project report summarizes the results of the first SPC/GIZ Regional REDD+ Project ‘Climate Protection through Forest Conservation in Pacific Island Countries’ (2010 - 2015).

It documents the project evaluation workshop of May 2015 including lessons learnt.

The annexes provide a translation of the original Project Proposal document and a list of Studies and Reports completed by the project.

Prepared by Karl P. Kirsch-Jung & Sairusi Bulai, on behalf of SPC/GIZ Regional REDD+ Project ‘Climate Protection through Forest Conservation in Pacific Island Countries’.

September 2015

The purpose of this Synthesis Paper is to summarize the findings from our detailed Country Papers which describe and analyse the emerging legal frameworks for REDD+ in each country.

Solomon Islands in particular has a very outdated forest law which urgently requires repeal or amendment if it is to facilitate transition from timber exploitation to conservation and sustainable forest management.

A notable omission in the legal frameworks of all Melanesian countries is the absence of land use planning laws.

Prepared by Lisa Ogle, on behalf of SPC/GIZ Regional Project ‘Climate Protection through Forest Conservation in Pacific Island Countries’.

November 2014

Who owns the carbon in the forest?

This is a question of great importance for all developing countries preparing to engage with REDD+. As with all Pacific Island countries, land in Melanesia is of central importance to the cultural identity and economic security of customary communities. Consequently, the right to control forest carbon and the right to enjoy the economic benefits that may flow from this under REDD+, are also of critical importance.

The purpose of this synthesis paper is to summarize the legal position as to how carbon rights are treated under existing legal frameworks in four Melanesian countries (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu) including options for law reform.

Prepared by Lisa Ogle, on behalf of SPC/GIZ Regional REDD+ Project "Climate Protection through Forest Conservation in Pacific Island Countries".

The 3rd Regional Meeting of Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry, convened by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community on 28 September 2012 in Nadi, Fiji, endorsed the Pacific Islands Regional Policy Framework for REDD+.

The framework is designed to provide policy options to guide REDD+ programme development at regional and national levels, and to provide a rationale for financial support for the sustainable management and use of forest and tree resources.

The development of this framework was supported by the SPC/GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation) regional project, “Climate Protection through Forest Conservation in the Pacific Island Countries”, with funding from the BMUB.

2013

This document provides some specific background information for the Pacific Islands Regional Policy Framework for REDD+ and answers to frequently asked questions  during the consultation process.

Prepared by Dr Sean Weaver Principal, Carbon Partnership Ltd. on behalf of the SPC/GIZ Regional Project Climate Protection through Forest Conservation in Pacific Island Countries.

September 2012