Additional millions earmarked for combating deforestation

The Government will provide NOK 400 million this year for the fight against deforestation.

The Government is intensifying its efforts to combat climate change and deforestation and is proposing an extra allocation in the 2008 Revised National Budget for this purpose.

“We propose an additional allocation of NOK 225 million for reducing deforestation in developing countries. This would bring our total allocation for these efforts up to NOK 400 million for this year,” said Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.

This the first step in Norway’s efforts to combat deforestation in developing countries, which were announced at the climate change conference in Bali last December.

The first partnership agreement on deforestation efforts was concluded with Tanzania in April during the visit of Norway’s Prime Minister to the country. Similar projects are being discussed with Brazil and Congo.

Emissions from the destruction and degradation of forests in developing countries account for about 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The primary aim of Norway’s deforestation efforts is to reduce large-scale emissions. Establishing good measurement and working methods is essential for the success of these efforts. Norway will therefore help to build expertise and develop such methods in preparation for future negotiations on climate agreements in the UN.

Norway’s deforestation efforts will be financed through an increase in the development cooperation budget.

Press Contact: Information Adviser Ragnhild H. Simenstad, mobile phone: +47 917 17 459.