Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has welcomed the approval of a ground-breaking US$63.4 million (PGK K261.80 million) grant by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for Papua New Guinea, the country’s first-ever single-nation GCF project. This marks a major milestone in international recognition of PNG’s leadership in global climate action. The GCF Board, meeting in Port Moresby this week for its historic 42nd Board session, the first ever held in the Pacific, endorsed the REDD+ programme which will be managed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on behalf of PNG. The project aims to protect PNG’s vast rainforest ecosystems, promote sustainable livelihoods for customary landowners, and combat climate change by reducing deforestation and forest degradation. “This approval is a landmark for Papua New Guinea.” “When I opened the GCF Board meeting on Monday, I called for the Board to recognize the urgency of climate action. This funding shows that GCF is responding to our call and acknowledges PNG’s global role as custodian of an environmental treasure for all of humanity.” “I look forward to building this partnership with the Green Climate Fund to protect our biodiversity and uplift the lives of our people.” Meanwhile, GCF Executive Director, Mafalda Duarte praised PNG’s leadership in climate conservation. “The approval of this US$63.4 million REDD+ programme shows GCF’s commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.” “PNG holds the world’s third largest tropical rainforests, covering 78% of its land area, and is one of the few countries globally that is carbon negative, its forests absorb more carbon than the country emits.” “This funding will preserve these vital carbon sinks and support sustainable livelihoods for local communities.” Prime Minister Marape also noted the importance of this investment in the context of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary. “As we mark fifty years as an independent nation, this grant signals a new chapter of climate leadership by Papua New Guinea on the world stage.” In addition to the REDD+ project, the GCF Board also approved the ‘SOURCE Pacific Drinking Water Project’ worth US$9 million, which will benefit the Marshall Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea. PNG is expected to receive approximately half of the total project funding. Furthermore, the Marape Government reaffirmed its commitment to delivering climate justice and sustainable development for future generations by strengthening global partnerships and safeguarding the nation’s natural wealth.