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Indonesia invites USC expert to Copenhagen
University of the Sunshine Coast’s Head of School of Science and Education Professor Noel Meyers will join the Indonesian delegation to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen from December 7-18.
The Governor of the Indonesian province of Papua invited Professor Meyers to work with him to ensure Papua’s forests continue to lock up carbon while preserving more than 23 million hectares of pristine rainforest.
Professor Meyers said he was excited about joining the Indonesian delegation in highlighting the value of the mega diverse rainforests he describes as a “biological jewel” and the “lungs of the Asia-Pacific”.
“Papuans want to hand down the forests to future generations, but at the same time want to clothe and feed their children now,” Professor Meyers said.
“Without international support, vast tracts of rainforest will be converted to provide economic benefits for the Papuans – unless they have another option.”
Professor Meyers will work with the Papuans to create sustainable futures that allow them to preserve their forests, lock up carbon, and create a rich and vibrant economy, while improving the quality of life of the Papuans.
He said Papua would seek a world-wide trading scheme at Copenhagen that will ensure Papua’s forests continue to process the air and lock up carbon.
“The loss of these forests will release trillions of tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere,” he said.
“We have a biological jewel on our doorstep that can help save the planet from human induced climate change. We need to work with the people of Papua, to lock up carbon in the Asia Pacific region and to preserve a priceless biological legacy for future generations.
“Achieving the conservation of 23 million hectares of rainforests that are the lungs of Asia Pacific means we can all breathe a little easier.”
— Terry Walsh