Global South

198. ASPLES PNG

Protecting & Restoring Old Forests as Key Climate Response

Ecological science attests that deforestation and other terrestrial ecosystem destruction are primary causes of climate change. Yet policy-makers throughout the world continue to assert that ‘sustainable forest management’ of primary and old-growth forest (ie: logging) is possible and desirable. We assert that this is certainly not the case. Such old forests are vital components of the Earth’s biosphere as they naturally sequester carbon and continue to do so effectively.

 This project seeks to permanently end PNG’s primary rainforest logging. The ‘Asples Madang’ (people of Madang) project will be based in PNG, and will build communication and advocacy networks between landowners, local NGOs and the international community. Landowner patrols, educational materials, peaceful protest, and internet-based social networks will be used to build an alliance to end primary forest logging. Multi-directional information flows will empower landowners to stop illegal logging and carry out large scale ecological restoration, using materials from our tree-nursery. We hope to set an important precedent that old forests are needed to solve climate change.

Ecological Internet, Inc. specialises in the use of the internet to achieve ecological science-based environmental conservation outcomes. Ecological Internet's mission is to empower the global movement for environmental sustainability by providing information retrieval tools, portal services, expert analysis and action opportunities that aid in the protection of climate, forest, ocean and water ecosystems; and to commence the age of ecological sustainability and restoration.