'Raise your voice, and not the sea level', is the theme for this year’s World Environment Day.
The theme echoes the message of climate change that is affecting the livelihood of people the world over. And in Papua New Guinea, it is no different, with the Office of Climate Change calling for Papua New Guineans to be proactive in practicing environmentally friendly behaviour.
Sea level rise is a major indicator of Climate Change. But though the signs are visible, people tend to be oblivious.
Head of Office of Climate Change and Development, Varigini Badira, says people must not turn a blind eye anymore. He says, a collective approach from all stakeholders is expected to raise more awareness on this issue.
The government, through its partnership with the United States Embassy, is actively empowering coastal communities to build their resilience to the negative impacts of climate change.
Mr. Badira urged coastal communities to act now to halt the rising sea level. One way is to stop over harvesting of mangroves. He said, a community based mangrove planting handbook will be issued to coastal communities on how to plant and conserve mangroves.
This will educate them to fully understand the importance of their environment and its benefits. Also to empower them to mitigate the climate change at the community level.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=EZtL2Th6Tlo%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
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