Picture: A view of rainforest covered islands in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. THOMSON REUTERS FOUNDATION/Catherine Wilson

Source: Thomson Reuters Foundation

An international summit aimed at stemming rapid deforestation in the Asia Pacific region has fallen short of expectations, according to environmental experts and Pacific Islanders who sought significant actions to combat both climate change and corruption associated with illegal logging.

The Bob Brown Foundation and the Australian Forests and Climate Alliance (AFCA) today held a demonstration outside the Asia Pacific Rainforest Summit. Lorraine Bower from AFCA said that while the groups welcome the Summit on protecting rainforests taking place at a regional level, it is disappointed in the Australian government’s performance in protecting rainforests at home and in our region.

Source: Radio Australia

Several Papua New Guineans who travelled to Australia for the Asia-Pacific Rainforest Summit say little attention was paid to PNG or the Pacific.

The Summit is billed as a get-together of ministers from forest nations, donor countries, corporate leaders and NGOs with a focus on practical action to reduce forest loss.

The Asia Pacific Rainforest Summit being hosted this week by the Australian Government, must address the serious problems of land grabbing and illegal logging in Papua New Guinea and the rampant corruption that underpins them, says community activist group, ACT NOW!