The US State Department today announced the largest Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) deal ever in the ten years of the program's existence. TFG understands this marks a new direction toward fewer, larger deals by America's single largest dedicated funds for conservation of tropical forests.
As usual, TFG would like to see more details, which are always scant on these announcements, usually restricted to a press release. Specifically, it would be good to see more explicit expected conservation outcomes and more information on how the money will be spent. But for now, a toast to Indonesia and America for this important announcement!
Bureau of Public Affairs, US State Department
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
June 30, 2009
The Governments of the United States of America and the Republic of Indonesia, Conservation International and Yayasan Keanekaragaman Hayati Indonesia (KEHATI) announced today that they have concluded the largest debt-for-nature swap under the Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) since its passage in 1998. The agreements will reduce Indonesia’s debt payments to the United States by nearly $30 million over the next eight years. In return, the Government of Indonesia has committed these funds to support grants to protect and restore the country’s tropical forests.
Indonesia is one of the most biologically-diverse countries on earth. Funds generated by this program will help Indonesia protect several forest areas on Sumatra, Indonesia’s second largest island. These forests are home to species found only in Indonesia, including the endangered Sumatran tiger, elephant, rhino, and orangutan. In addition, these forests provide important ecosystem services such as maintaining the quality and quantity of freshwater supplies and carbon sequestration.
The swap was made possible through contributions of $20 million by the U.S. Government under the TFCA and a combined donation of $2 million from Conservation International and KEHATI. Grants provided under the TFCA program will support activities such as conserving protected areas, improving natural resource management, and supporting the development of sustainable livelihoods for communities that rely on forests.
The Indonesia agreement marks the 15th Tropical Forest Conservation Act deal, following agreements with Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, Panama (two agreements), Paraguay, Peru (two agreements) and the Philippines. Over time, these debt-for-nature programs will together generate more than $218 million to protect tropical forests.
PRN: 2009/663
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
addendum on vote numbers
The early reports were not quite right. It appears the final vote was 219 to 212.
You can find the roll call of who voted for and against the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) through the link in the title bar.
You can find the roll call of who voted for and against the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454) through the link in the title bar.
Friday, June 26, 2009
WOW!!! US House of Reps pass climate change bill with major tropical forest provisions
This is a day to celebrate. Several news agencies are reporting that the US House of Representatives passed by a narrow vote of 217-205 the American Clean Energy and Security Act.
A few years ago, this would have been absolutely laughable. America should be proud that such a bill could pass this chamber in such difficult times.
This vote will also give US negotiators to the UNFCCC some much needed credibility.
In celebration, I am posting one of my favorite photos for everyone to enjoy. You Bet! It's Mr T and Nancy Reagan.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Waxman & Markey Have support all the way at the top
This from NYT today.
June 23, 2009, 1:34 pm
Obama Urges Passage of Climate Bill
By John M. Broder
(Jason Reed/Reuters)
President Obama on Tuesday gave a full endorsement to energy and climate change legislation now pending before the House, calling it “extraordinarily important.”
At a midday press conference, Mr. Obama said that the bill, sponsored by Representatives Henry A. Waxman of California and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, both Democrats, “will finally spark a clean energy transformation that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and confront the carbon pollution that threatens our planet.”
He said the bill will be paid for by utilities and other industries that produce the bulk of climate-altering emissions and will help position the country as a global leader in clean energy technology. “And that is why I urge members of the House to come together to pass it.”
The president’s strong endorsement comes three days before a scheduled House vote on the 1,201-page measure that has as its centerpiece a cap-and-trade program to limit emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases that scientists blame for changes to the global climate.
As part of his lobbying efforts, Mr. Obama has dispatched cabinet officers and other top officials to a half-dozen states this week to tout the benefits of the bill and the administration’s spending on a variety of clean-energy projects, like wind power and loan guarantees for energy efficiency projects.
Mr. Waxman and Mr. Markey are still negotiating aspects of the complex legislation and there is no certainty that they will assemble enough votes to pass it on Friday over near-unanimous Republican opposition. But Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday evening approved a floor debate and vote at the end of the week, a signal that she believes that ultimately supporters of the bill will prevail.
June 23, 2009, 1:34 pm
Obama Urges Passage of Climate Bill
By John M. Broder
(Jason Reed/Reuters)
President Obama on Tuesday gave a full endorsement to energy and climate change legislation now pending before the House, calling it “extraordinarily important.”
At a midday press conference, Mr. Obama said that the bill, sponsored by Representatives Henry A. Waxman of California and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, both Democrats, “will finally spark a clean energy transformation that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and confront the carbon pollution that threatens our planet.”
He said the bill will be paid for by utilities and other industries that produce the bulk of climate-altering emissions and will help position the country as a global leader in clean energy technology. “And that is why I urge members of the House to come together to pass it.”
The president’s strong endorsement comes three days before a scheduled House vote on the 1,201-page measure that has as its centerpiece a cap-and-trade program to limit emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases that scientists blame for changes to the global climate.
As part of his lobbying efforts, Mr. Obama has dispatched cabinet officers and other top officials to a half-dozen states this week to tout the benefits of the bill and the administration’s spending on a variety of clean-energy projects, like wind power and loan guarantees for energy efficiency projects.
Mr. Waxman and Mr. Markey are still negotiating aspects of the complex legislation and there is no certainty that they will assemble enough votes to pass it on Friday over near-unanimous Republican opposition. But Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday evening approved a floor debate and vote at the end of the week, a signal that she believes that ultimately supporters of the bill will prevail.
revised UNFCCC negotiating text for Copenhagen
The UNFCCC has released the latest 199 page negotiating text (hyperlinked in title). This text follows from the Bonn climate change talks and is crucial to the UNFCCC process, since there are provisions with the Framework Convention on Climate Change that require a 6 month notice of proposed amendments to the Convention. With Copenhagen now less than 6 months away, this 200 page hodge-podge of ideas (plus other submissions by Parties) will be the mud from which a new agreement must be drafted.
TFG has yet to go through the latest version for key REDD language, but we will soon and will report back here.
TFG has yet to go through the latest version for key REDD language, but we will soon and will report back here.
Friday, June 19, 2009
breaking news on US Waxman-Markey climate bill
NYT (hyper linked in title) has an excellent update on where the Waxman-Markey climate change bill is. It sounds like there will be efforts to try and wrap up significant changes over the weekend. Thus far, no news about changes to tropical forests components.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
