If you’d bothered to look at the Global Forest Coalition website, you might have found that while the international secretariat is based in Amsterdam, GFC also has a southern office in Paraguay. GFC consists of a series of focal points based in USA, UK, the Netherlands, Aotearoa / New Zealand, Russia, Panama, Columbia, Paraguay, South Africa, India and Indonesia. The board consists of Fiu Mata’ese Elisara-La’ulu, Ole Siosiomaga Society Inc., Samoa, Mary Louise Malig, La Via Campesina, Philippines and Estebancio Castro Diaz, International Alliance of Indigenous and Tribal People of Tropical Forests, Panama. I’m sorry, but that really doesn’t sound much like a “northern NGO looking for donor dollars”, does it?

As you are no doubt fully aware, the issue of safeguards for indigenous peoples and local communities is one of the key issues in any discussion about REDD – including the UNFCCC negotiations. You seem to have forgotten what happened in Poznan – “Indigenous Peoples outraged at removal of rights in REDD outcome“. Currently, Bolivia and other countries have inserted some very useful text on safeguards. It remains to be seen whether this text will still be in any final agreement coming from the UNFCCC on REDD.

Perhaps “Redd Observer”, rather than anonymously launching ad hominen attacks, you would like to explain who you are, and what your interest in REDD is. Thanks. I look forward to hearing from you.

Chris there is lots to discuss. Could we communicate initially by email and then advane a more direct line of communication. I say this to all commentators who understand the priniciple of REDD but knows that it needs a fundamental overhaul to make it person and planet friendly.

ALSO – I ask any commentator who wishes to continue serious dialogue on developing a SEEBIF Initiative which I am developing to contact me ASAP. Time is running short for all forests, local communities and their right to their own choice activated development goals and to steward and protect our indigenous biodiversity….SEEBIF can work but only with your help…..