Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has issued an impassioned appeal to the international community to act urgently and decisively in preserving the world’s forests and oceans – describing them as the “lungs and lifeline of our planet” – during his keynote address at the 42nd Meeting of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board held in Port Moresby.

Welcoming global climate leaders to Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister Marape highlighted PNG’s unparalleled ecological and cultural significance, stating: “Our country, with just under half a million square kilometres of land and ocean, holds 6 to 7 percent of the world’s biodiversity. From the vast rainforests of the Highlands to the pristine coral reefs of our islands, we are custodians of an environmental treasure that belongs not only to us but to all humankind.”

A Nation Rich in Biodiversity, Culture, And Responsibility

Papua New Guinea is one of the few remaining megadiverse countries on Earth, home to more than 800 distinct languages and cultural groups, alongside thousands of endemic species found nowhere else.

“Our people have lived in harmony with nature for over 10,000 years,” said Prime Minister Marape. “Before there were climate treaties, before Article 5 and 6 of the Paris Agreement, Papua New Guinea had already inscribed into its Constitution the duty to protect and sustainably use our environment. That was in 1975, at Independence.”

Prime Minister Marape reiterated that climate responsibility is embedded in PNG’s nationhood, a commitment passed down from founding Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare to present leadership.

Oxygen Is Humanity’s Greatest Need

Prime Minister Marape underscored the moral urgency of saving Earth’s forests by appealing to the most basic human truth “The number one need for every human being is not food, water, or clothing – it is oxygen. It is freely given by God through nature. Destroy the forests, destroy the oceans, and you destroy oxygen. Then life itself is in peril.”

He noted that forests and oceans regulate the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen – and that countries like Papua New Guinea must be supported for preserving them, not pressured to exploit them.

“If you offset oxygen and carbon dioxide balances in the wrong direction, you will not just experience rising seas or hotter days — you risk compromising the gift of life for future generations.”

Time To Stop Talking and Start Paying Forest Nations

Prime Minister Marape said it is no longer acceptable for wealthier nations to make pledges without follow-through. He called for direct and accessible climate financing to incentivise protection rather than exploitation.

“We do not want to be beggars for climate funds. We are offering a service — the preservation of one of the world’s greatest carbon sinks. If you want us to keep our forests standing, then pay us to preserve them. That is justice.”

He also addressed the challenge of accessing pledged Green Climate Fund support, calling it slow and overly bureaucratic, especially for small island states and forest nations.

Oceans And Forests: The Twin Pillars Of Earth’s Survival

Papua New Guinea is also home to one of the most biologically rich marine ecosystems in the world. Prime Minister Marape called for urgent protection of corals and oceans, stating: “Our coral reefs and marine life are under threat. These oceans are the second lung of the planet. Protecting them must be a climate priority equal to forests.”

Cleaner Energy for An Asian Century

Looking toward economic development, Prime Minister Marape affirmed Papua New Guinea’s readiness to power the region with clean, renewable energy – including hydro, hydrogen, solar, and wind.

“For the last 100 years, the world was powered by the West. The next 100 will belong to Asia. We are strategically positioned and rich in clean energy resources. Support us, and we can help phase out coal and transition the Asia-Pacific to a cleaner future.”

Stop Looking to Mars, Start Saving Earth

In a powerful metaphor, Prime Minister Marape criticised the global obsession with space colonisation: “Billions are being spent trying to reach Mars – a planet with no water, no light, and no life. Why not spend that money to protect the only habitable planet we have?

Earth is irreplaceable. In 96 billion light-years of observable universe, there is no other Earth.”

A Personal Mission at COP30 And King Charles’ Summit

Prime Minister Marape announced his upcoming participation in the COP30 Climate Summit in Brazil and a private roundtable with His Majesty King Charles III on 7 July, where he will raise the same issues on behalf of Papua New Guinea and fellow Pacific states.

He expressed disappointment with past climate negotiations, many of which he had boycotted in protest: “I did not attend the last six COPs. I could not continue sitting through global hypocrisy. Forest nations like Papua New Guinea absorb the carbon, yet we receive the least support.”

An Open Invitation to The World

In closing, Prime Minister Marape invited delegates and international leaders to return to Papua New Guinea, not just for meetings, but to see the reality of a country committed to conservation and development.

“We are not what the headlines say. We are a kind, resilient, and generous people. Come see our forests, our oceans, our children — and our determination to build a better world.”