- I look forward to discussing how we can co-operate in the conservation and sustainable use of the rain forest in DR Congo. The rich countries bear the historical responsibility for the state the world is in, and the rich countries must take the main burden of reversing climate change, says Minister Solheim.
- Through effective measures against deforestation we can achieve large cuts in greenhouse gas emissions - quickly and at low cost. The Norwegian government will increase its support to prevent deforestation in developing countries to more than 500 million US dollars a year, says Minister Solheim.
Some of the world’s largest rain forests are situated within the territories of DR Congo. World wide there is a growing pressure for utilising the resources that the rain forests represent. Forestry is an important source of revenues for many countries but ddeforestation in developing countries contributes to almost one fifth of the total greenhouse gas emissions
- To protect and sustain rain forests is an important responsibility for each country that possess such resources, but it is also the responsibility of the industrial world to assist developing countries, says the Minister.
During his visit in DR Congo, the Norwegian minister will meet the President of DR Congo, H.E Joseph Kabila, and relevant ministers. He will also visit a forest project and meet with representatives of the local population, local authorities and representatives of the UN and civil society.