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Samoa’s participation to the High Level Conference on Climate Finance Mobilization for High Forest Cover, Low Deforestation (HFLD)

Date: 
Friday, 15 February 2019

The Government of the Republic of Suriname hosted the inaugural High Level Conference on Climate Finance Mobilization for High Forest Cover, Low Deforestation (HFLD) developing countries from 12th – 15th February 2019.  The conference aimed at strengthening the collaboration and motivation of HFLD countries to keep their forests intact by joining forces and producing a shared global action plan, to contributing to the goal to cap global temperatures at 1.5 degrees.

HFLD Countries are defined as countries that have more than 50% forest cover and an annual deforestation rate lower than the global average of 0.22% Samoa is considered to be one of the HFLD developing countries under the “at risk” category.

Mr Moafanua Tolusina Pouli, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Samoa delivered Samoa’s national statement at the conclusion of the conference.  Mr. Pouli reaffirmed that Climate Change presented the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of people, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Samoa. He stated that “It impacts our society, our economy, our culture, our faith and our way of life and will continue to be our overriding priority policy concern and major pre-occupation, including our Pacific region, today and well into the future” Forests act as carbon sinks absorbing carbon emissions in the atmosphere and thus reducing global warming altogether. Video of statement delivery is attached for ease of reference.

The outcome of the conference was “The Krutu of Paramaribo Joint Declaration” where the HFLD countries will continue to pave a way forward to help in the collective efforts to access and utilize optimally every financing source available to support national sustainable forest management policies, the 2030 Agenda and the fight against Climate Change.