Speech of President, OllantaHumala Tasso, during the

signature of the Cooperation Agreement between Peru

and Norway for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
from deforestation and forest degradation

New York, September 23, 2014.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

To understand the significance of this moment, I think it is pertinent to start by
recognizing that the logging and burning of forests in Peru is the largest source of
greenhouse gas emissions, with more than 40 percent of the total emissions.

This situation means, besides the loss of natural capital, losing other ecosystem services,
and the livelihood of indigenous peoples and other communities depending on our
forests. Changing this situation is a great challenge and thus the commitment of the
country needs to be equally great.

In this regard, we recognize there is growing evidence that economic growth and good
environmental management may be successfully combined; that is essential to mitigate
climate change and adapting to its effects.

We also recognize that Amazon indigenous peoples have been traditionally the best
guardians of the forest, and they still are, so by committing to a low-carbon
development we are paying tribute to their endeavors and sacrifices. We expect to have
their entire collaboration, so that we can move together towards a more sustainable and
inclusive future, at a competitive time, and this will allow better life quality to all.

Thus, it is Perus interest to reduce deforestation and maintain our forest heritage. We
are assuming significant commitments that are coherent with our regional and global
role in the 21 Century. We still have a hard road to go through in order to maintain and
sustainably use Peruvian forests, and to complete the formalization of indigenous
peoples right, among other tasks.

Therefore, this agreement and the support of Germany and Norway, together with the
IDB, is very important to the Government and citizens of Peru, as well as for our forests
and the climate; and it creates a commitment for us to make progress in the task of
reducing current deforestation rates. Thus, I would like to point out that the Peruvian
Government is taking strong measures to reduce the impacts of illegal logging, illegal
crops, and illegal mining; so we are fighting these activities and strengthening our
native communities, which help us taking care of our forests, as they always do.

Thank you.