YOUTHS INITIATE CLIMATE RESILIENT ACTIVITIES IN RIWO-NAGADA COASTLINE
Youths in Madang Province are taking the lead in addressing climate change impacts along the Riwo-Nagada coastline.
The initiative was highlighted last week when youths from six Green Impact Clubs gathered at Ambarina Primary School during Youth Climate Action Day and showcase solutions they have developed to respond to climate challenges in their communities.
The project focuses on empowering young people, who are among the most vulnerable to climate risks but are often excluded from climate discussions. Many schools lack proper climate education materials, while communities do not have structured youth groups to lead environmental action.
Through the Youth-Led Climate Action project backed by technical guidelines and resources from World Vision’s Economic Empowerment and Resilience program, a Green Impact curriculum has been developed for both youths in schools and those in the communities to use. The program provides hands-on learning in climate change, environmental stewardship, and disaster risk management.
Green Impact Club president, Daniel Auki spoke about the impact of heatwaves on students, saying the extreme heat has affected learning for years by making it difficult for students to concentrate in class.
“The Green Impact Club has not only helped me understand climate change but built my confidence to create awareness about what is affecting my school and how to adapt to these challenges,” Auki said.
World Vision PNG Youth-Led Climate Action Project Coordinator Terry Gabby also stress on their assistance behind the project to address the impacts of climate change.
Gabby said one of the achievements of backing the course has been the establishment of Green Impact Clubs and the rollout of the curriculum.
He said the initiative has helped young people better understand the challenges faced in their respective communities as the result of climate change and the role they can play in addressing the issue.
He said the project has also increased awareness and confidence among youths, enabling them to speak about climate issues, identify risks in their communities, and encourage others to take responsible environmental actions.
Moreover, during the event the youths showcased recycled creations, smart agriculture demonstrations, and mangrove restoration models that highlighted practical solutions that strengthen climate resilience at the community level.
