The Prince of Wales hails a significant step forward in finding a solution to deforestation

The Prince of Wales today praised governments for reaching a consensus on emergency funding to tackle tropical deforestation.

The consensus comes in the form of an inter-governmental report produced this month by the Informal Working Group (IWG) of 35 countries that was set up after the meeting of world leaders convened by The Prince at St James’s Palace in April.

The IWG report outlines a process that would reward rainforest countries for reducing deforestation rates. Payments would be made on a performance basis, and by ensuring that the forests were worth more alive than dead, the financing is aimed at encouraging rainforest countries to pursue more sustainable forms of economic development.

Speaking today at a meeting at St James’s Palace to discuss the report, The Prince said that he had been heartened by the Working Group’s findings and the support that these had received. Today’s meeting was attended by two Heads of State – President Jagdeo of Guyana and President Bongo of Gabon - senior ministers from 18 countries, including the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Miliband, business leaders from a range of regions and industries, and many of the world’s leading environmental NGOs (non-governmental organisations).

View video of highlights of the meeting

View video of Public Awareness Campaign highlights

View corporate leaders film for 19th November meeting

View video message from David Nussbaum, Chief Executive of WWF

View video message from John Varley, Chief Executive of Barclays

For more details, download the official press release

Download a PDF of HRH The Prince of Wales' speech, as spoken at the meeting

Read the press coverage

The Guardian 19/11/09 - Prince Charles announces funding scheme to protect rainforests
Times Online 20/11/09 - £22bn emergency aims to cut rate of deforestation
The Telegraph 27/11/09 - Charles, Prince of the rainforests and scourge of climate change