What is global warming?

Global warming is a distinct, measurable and long-term increase in the Earth's average temperature.

What is climate change?

Climate change is a change in the distribution of global weather patterns over a long time.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that absorb heat and re-radiate that heat into the atmosphere.

What is a carbon credit?

A carbon credit is an independently certified unit representing greenhouse gas emissions that have been removed from or prevented from entering the atmosphere.

What is carbon trading?

Carbon trading is a market-based approach to managing pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. REDD+ projects can generate carbon credits by protecting forests from deforestation and degradation.

AFOLU stands for Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. AFOLU projects include activities such as afforestation, reforestation, improved forest management and reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation.

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy comes from naturally replenished resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat.

What is the difference between voluntary and compliance carbon markets?

Compliance carbon markets allow trading of carbon units to meet legal obligations, while voluntary carbon markets allow organisations and individuals to purchase carbon units voluntarily.

What is carbon neutrality?

Carbon neutrality generally refers to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero or balancing remaining emissions through measures such as purchasing carbon credits, subject to applicable definitions and requirements.

Carbon Projects

Carbon Project Development in Papua New Guinea: A Guide for Landowners and Investors

Papua New Guinea is home to one of the largest remaining tropical rainforests on the planet. These forests store enormous amounts of carbon, support extraordinary biodiversity and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people. Carbon projects offer a way to earn income from keeping those forests standing, but success depends on working with an experienced carbon project developer in Papua New Guinea who understands the country’s unique land and legal systems.

Why PNG is important for forest carbon

Much of PNG’s forest faces pressure from commercial logging, conversion to agriculture and plantations, and infrastructure expansion. Projects that prevent deforestation (REDD+) or change logging practices to protect carbon stocks (Improved Forest Management, or IFM) can generate verified carbon credits while protecting the forest.

Customary land and landowner consent

Most land in PNG is held under customary tenure by clans and landowner groups. This means a carbon project cannot move forward without the genuine agreement of the people who own the land. A credible developer will:

Map clan boundaries and landowner groups carefully
Run awareness programs so communities understand what carbon credits are, how long the project runs and what obligations apply
Obtain free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) and document it properly
Agree a transparent benefit-sharing arrangement

Skipping or rushing these steps is the single biggest cause of disputes in PNG carbon projects.

The regulatory landscape

PNG’s Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) oversees climate policy and carbon market activity in the country, and the framework governing carbon projects has changed significantly in recent years. Project owners should expect national approval and registration requirements alongside international standards such as Verra’s VCS. A good developer tracks these changes closely and builds compliance into the project plan from day one.

What types of projects work in PNG?

REDD+: Avoiding planned or unplanned deforestation
Improved Forest Management: Converting logged forest to protected forest, or reducing the impact of logging
Afforestation and reforestation: Restoring degraded land
Sustainable agriculture and renewable energy: Smaller-scale projects with strong community benefits

Benefits beyond carbon

Well-designed PNG projects can fund schools, health services, clean water, ranger programs and local employment, while protecting biodiversity and cultural sites. Many buyers pay a premium for credits with strong, verified co-benefits.

Partnering with Asia Pacific Carbon

Asia Pacific Carbon has deep experience developing forest carbon projects in Papua New Guinea, from landowner awareness programs through to registration and credit sales. Contact us to discuss a potential project.