LocationsThe signing marks an important milestone in Papua New Guinea’s efforts to strengthen climate and environmental governance, improve public investment planning, and accelerate implementation of national commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and other international environmental agreements.
EU, UNDP and FAO Launch An Accelerator to Strengthen Climate, Forestry and Biodiversity Governance in PNG
June 3, 2026
The FCCB-SRBC Accelerator contributes directly to the PNG Government’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, and environmental governance.
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Clive Hawigen
This week, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) signed a 2.1m EUR Contribution Agreement on the Forest, Climate Change and Biodiversity (FCCB) State and Resilience Building Contract (SRBC) Accelerator Project, funded by the European Union, to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s capacity to implement climate, forestry and biodiversity priorities under the Government’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister for National Planning, Hon. Sir Ano Pala, representatives of the European Union Delegation led by Mr. Peteris Ustubs, FAO Representative Mr. Kachen Wongsathapornchai, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Nicholas Booth, senior government officials, and development partners.
Implemented jointly by UNDP and FAO in close partnership with the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA), Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), and Department of Treasury, the project will strengthen institutional coordination, improve climate and biodiversity data systems, and support evidence-based planning and investment across the forestry, climate change and biodiversity sectors.
The project will support the development and implementation of key national instruments, including the National Climate Finance Strategy and the National Blue Carbon Strategy, while strengthening the Climate Finance Unit within CCDA. It will also support the preparation of joint Forestry–Climate Change–Biodiversity investment frameworks to improve coordination between sector agencies and ensure that national priorities are translated into funded public investments.
UNDP Resident Representive, Mr. Nicholas Booth (left); Director for Asia–Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnerships, Mr. Peteris Ustubs; and FAO Representative, Mr. Kachen Wongsathapornchai signing the agreement.
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Clive Hawigen
In addition, the initiative will strengthen Papua New Guinea’s National Forest Inventory, improve forest carbon accounting and emission factors, support biodiversity monitoring systems, advance protected area management, and establish a national Protected Areas Network Registry to strengthen environmental governance and reporting.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Nicholas Booth highlighted the strategic value of the partnership.
“Today’s signing is more than the launch of a project. It is an investment in stronger institutions, better data, improved coordination, and evidence-based decision-making. By combining UNDP’s expertise in governance, climate finance, public investment planning, digital systems and institutional strengthening with FAO’s world-class expertise in forestry, biodiversity and ecosystem management, we are helping Papua New Guinea turn its climate and biodiversity ambitions into lasting results for people, nature and future generations.”
Mr. Peteris Ustubs, Director for Asia–Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnerships (INTPA).
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Clive Hawigen
Mr. Booth noted that Papua New Guinea possesses globally significant forests and biodiversity assets that play a critical role in climate mitigation, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable development. However, achieving national climate and environmental objectives requires stronger systems, enhanced coordination, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
The FCCB-SRBC Accelerator contributes directly to the Government’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, and environmental governance.
Funded by the European Union, the project demonstrates the shared commitment of the Government of Papua New Guinea, the European Union, UNDP, and FAO to support a resilient, low-carbon and nature-positive future for Papua New Guinea.
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