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It is clear from various comments receive that some folks are still hoping to gain some benefit from voluntary forest carbon schemes while others are concerned about the risk of being ripped off. I have not yet seen any evidence to suggest that the risk has been reduced since we published our paper, but maybe the Climate Change and Development Authority will get its act together...
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Dr Curtin explains that that there is a little more than 10% reduction and he notes that this is a surprise given the period includes the typically large Summer intake. Feedback from Australia and internally suggest that the true downturn experienced is likely between a 20-40% decrease. Sadly that translates to 5 to 10 thousand seasonal workers who expect to return but cannot. many of those workers have loans where the guarantee is continued work and their collateral is previous remittances. Two points raised for the decrease are backpackers and the new deed rules regarding the 30 hour rule. The former is probably not a major impact because the removal of the requirement for "working holiday" people to work in industry has been removed and reports from employers show that this has created less supply from backpackers to the agriculture industry. The latter though is having a profound effect and in the context of agriculture, the demand to pay 30 hours , PLUS pay accommodation and transport if they work less than 20 is generally not sustainable over a 9 month contract. Essentially horticulture is cyclical in nature with predictable and unpredictable slowdowns in operations. NZ's RSE Scheme has a similar 30 hour arrangement but no 20 hour rule, simply because 20 hours or less is a rarity. Yet the 30 hour rule is not usually an issue and workers there very seldomly complain about hours because NZ does not have overtime rules. This means that workers typically work (and are totally happy to work) up to 65 hours a week. Workers therefore can hedge down weeks against excellent earnings. The result is that RSE workers on a 6 month contract earn more NET than their PALM counterparts. Deductions, therefore, are seldom discussed and absconding is insignificant (and basically zero for Vanuatu workers). Growers in Australia are expected now to pay casual rates for what is arguably full time positions and also cover the worker for the inevitable week or two 'downtime' weeks. For growers that can represent their season's margin based on the productivity of PALM workers. So an area for further research would be around the impact of the 30 hour week on the economic and social impact on seasonal workers. One where the 5,000 - 10,000 workers are in danger of having their land, house and overinvestments repossessed by banks and lending companies. This is becoming a major point of day-to-day discussion. This is a very serious matter that needs a remedy quickly. Personally we need to return to the days where workers were happy, no one absconded because they achieve what they want and that is to maximise remittances home. That was before we had a restriction on group piece rates, overtime and the new 30/20 hour rules. One day, the decision makers will consult the workers themselves.
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Thank you for sharing this piece on the complexities of carbon credit projects in PNG. It's quite alarming to see how the supposed benefits of these projects rarely reach the local landowners. The investigation highlights critical oversights and the urgent need for more transparency and accountability in such environmental initiatives. It's essential that local communities are genuinely involved and benefit from projects affecting their lands.
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Papua New Guinea especially up in the Highlands have huge rainforests and it's a better place for carbon deposits. I'm interested in facilitating the registration of rainforest in Highlands of Papua New Guinea.
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This is so interesting and logical.
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Request updated policy guidelines if developed.
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Good analysis of the structural decline of the Australian aid program, thank you. Somewhat ironic that this research was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (a philanthropic foundation run on the funds provided by 2 individuals) whose global funding in recent years is around double that of the entire Australian aid program.
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Dear all, The basic needs rest on everyone's responsibility whether you are rich or poor; you will solve your own problem with your own strength; no one else will solve your problem. Now Chinese company's support to fix this Hotel and this is part of the state dignity. As Timorese I am proud of this Hotel and give thanks to China, even though I am still poor, no matter at all.
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How can I participate in these research?
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As per the earlier query, provided you are from one of the participating countries (from the list in the article, but not yet confirmed exactly which ones will be participating), and you meet the other criteria set out in the article (have a passport, meet the birth criterion, and are of the right age) you can apply from your country or from Australia.
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