A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today between the Climate Change & Development Authority, and the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The signing makes way for the implementation of PNGs Strategic Program for Climate Resilience, called Building Resilience to Climate Change in PNG.
Secretary for the Department of Community Governance & District Affairs in the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Wesley Kenneth, said the project is timely, as rising sea levels is a real problem for atoll communities in the Autonomous Region.
The Building Resilience to Climate Change in PNG (BRCC) is a USD$27 million pilot programme that the CCDA is implementing over six years – 2016 to 2021.
The aim of the BRCC is to mainstream climate resilience into development plans to address country priorities that focus on vulnerable communities.
It will be piloted in island and atoll communities in Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, East New Britain, and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
ABGs Secretary for the Department of Community Governance & District Affairs, Wesley Kenneth, said with the well-known case of the Carteret Islands and other atoll communities, climate change needs to be addressed, and is a priority of the ABG.
The BRCC is comprised of three components, being in summary;
- Vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans developed for target communities;
- Sustainable fishery and food security investments piloted in selected communities;
- Enabling framework for climate resilient infrastructure, and early warning communication networked extended;
The BRCC is funded through a grant from the Climate Investment Fund (CIF) to the Government of PNG, through the ADB which the CIF appointed as PNGs fund administrator.
Mr. Yamuna said the first quarter of 2017 is dedicated to developing, and building strategic relationships between all stakeholders to enhance greater collaborations.
