Green Climate Fund (GCF) REDD+ RBP FOR RESULTS PERIOD 2014-16 Inception Workshop: Advance Forest Conservation through Climate Finance and Community Development
9th April 2026 –
The Government of Papua New Guinea through the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) in partnership with The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), an accredited entity of the Green Climate Fund has launched a national inception workshop to initiate implementation of the Papua New Guinea Green Climate Fund (GCF) Results-Based Payment (RBP) Pilot Programme.
The workshop marks the operational start of the programme, which will translate Papua New Guinea’s achievements in forest conservation into climate finance and sustainable development benefits for communities as well as national and sub-national instutions across the country. With a total investment of USD 63.4 million (PGK273,666,100.00), the programme will strengthen sustainable forest management while supporting national climate action efforts.
Following the inception workshop, a Board/Project Steering Committee meeting and the formal programme launch will take place, with dates to be confirmed. A core focus of the programme is the delivery of tangible benefits at community level. In line with Papua New Guinea’s National REDD+ Benefit Sharing Guidelines, 60 percent of programme funding will be committed to local communities’ support for sustainable livelihoods and low-emission development in forested areas. The programme will also strengthen national and provincial coordination, monitoring and transparency systems to promote accountability and long-term impact.
The Climate Change and Development Authority Acting Managing Director, Ms. Debra Sungi officially openned the Inception Workshop for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) REDD+ Results Based Payment (RBP) pilot program. “Ms. Debra Sungi emphasized that securing the GCF Results-Based Payments (RBP) was a decade-long effort, with the Inception Workshop marking a key milestone in this achievement. She acknowledged the presence of key stakeholders, including the six selected provinces, FAO, government agencies, development partners, diplomats, and NGOs. She noted that the provinces were chosen based on their efforts in emission reduction and forest conservation and will now identify priority activities for implementation.
Ms. Sungi reaffirmed that CCDA, with FAO support, will work closely with the provinces to ensure the RBP funds are effectively delivered for the benefit of communities.” Dr. Kachen Wongsathapornchai, Head of Office of FAO in Papua New Guinea, emphasized FAO’s continued support and the broader impact of the programme. “Papua New Guinea is demonstrating true global leadership in climate action. The approval of USD 63.4 million in results-based payments is a powerful recognition of the country’s commitment to protecting its forest, one of the world’s most important natural assets. Through this programme, FAO is proud to support PNG in translating these achievements into real benefits for communities, strengthening livelihoods while advancing sustainable, low-emission development.”
The inception workshop brings together representatives from national and provincial government institutions, civil society organizations, research institutions, the private sector and development partners. Participants are working collaboratively to refine implementation arrangements and identify practical pathways to deliver results at national, provincial and community levels.
Discussions during the workshop shaping approaches to sustainable financing, livelihood enhancement and effective coordination, laying the groundwork for inclusive and impactful programme implementation.
About the programme
The Papua New Guinea GCF REDD+ Results-Based Payment Pilot Programme is implemented by FAO, an accredited entity of the Green Climate Fund, in close collaboration with CCDA, national agencies and provincial governments. Approved by the Green Climate Fund Board in July 2025, the programme rewards Papua New Guinea for achieving 17 million tonnes of verified emission reductions between 2014 and 2016 through actions to reduce deforestation and forest degradation under the REDD+ framework.
Papua New Guinea is among the world’s most forest-rich countries, with most of its forests managed by Indigenous communities. Since helping introduce REDD+ discussions at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP11, the country has played a leading role in advancing forest-based climate solutions and has met all requirements to access results-based payments under the Green Climate Fund.
The programme supports implementation of Papua New Guinea’s National REDD+ Strategy (2017–2027) and contributes directly to the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Media contacts:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Papua New Guinea (FAO)
Phone: (675) 7246 4908 | Tel: (675) 300 7895
Email: FAO-PG@fao.org
Website: www.fao.org/papua-new-guinea
Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA)
Tel: (675) 341 4287 Email: info@ccda.gov.pg | reddplusinfo@ccda.gov.pg
Website: www.ccda.gov.pg