Kavieng, Papua New Guinea, July 9 2026 –  The Government of Papua New Guinea, through the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), in partnership with the New Ireland Provincial Administration (NIPA), ClimateABILITY Pty Ltd, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), has completed a stakeholder consultation and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) mission to inform the development of the Adaptation Fund Full Funding Proposal for the project, “Enhancing Climate Resilient Water Security in Remote Vulnerable Regions of New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea.” The consultations were held from 29 June to 3 July 2026 across Djaul Island, Lemakot, and the Tigak Islands.

The mission engaged customary landowners, ward councillors, women and youth groups, persons with disabilities, community leaders, schools, health facilities, and local institutions to ensure that proposed adaptation measures reflect community priorities and uphold customary rights. The project seeks to address growing climate-induced water insecurity driven by prolonged droughts, changing rainfall patterns, declining freshwater availability, sea-level rise, coastal flooding, and saltwater intrusion. Lessons from the severe 2022 drought underscored the urgent need for climate-resilient water systems that can protect livelihoods, health, education, and food security in New Ireland Province.

Consultation findings revealed widespread dependence on rainwater harvesting systems that frequently fail during prolonged dry periods, forcing communities to rely on unsafe or distant water sources. Women and girls reported spending hours collecting water each day, while schools and health facilities highlighted the challenges of maintaining essential services during drought conditions. Communities identified priority adaptation measures including climate-resilient rainwater harvesting systems, solar-powered borehole water supply systems where feasible, expanded storage capacity, improved water distribution networks, and stronger community-based water governance structures.

The FPIC process formed a critical component of project preparation, ensuring that communities were fully informed and able to participate in decision-making regarding proposed investments on customary land. Attention was given to gender equality, disability inclusion, and the recognition of customary governance systems, including the role of women as custodians of land and water resources in matrilineal communities.

The consultation mission builds on earlier project development efforts initiated following a request from the New Ireland Provincial Government in 2023 for support to improve climate-resilient water access. It also follows extensive scoping consultations conducted across New Ireland Province and forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to mobilize climate finance for adaptation and resilience-building.

Mr. Mohammad Ali Shaikh, GGGI Country Representative for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, said: “The strong participation of communities throughout the consultation process highlights the importance of locally led adaptation. The voices of women, youth, customary leaders, and vulnerable groups are essential in shaping solutions that are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the realities of climate change in New Ireland.”

The findings from the FPIC mission will now be incorporated into the Adaptation Fund Full Funding Proposal, including technical designs, safeguard measures, gender-responsive actions, and long-term sustainability arrangements. Following finalization, the proposal is expected to be submitted through SPREP to the Adaptation Fund Board for consideration in October 2026.

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PNG Office  

Lorraine Basse, Communications Associate 

lorraine.basse@gggi.org  

GGGI Pacific (Regional Office)      

Kelly Vacala, Regional Communications & Knowledge Sharing Lead 

kelly.vacala@gggi.org