Eastern Highlands Province Unveils Climate FIRST Project: A Bold Step Towards Climate Resilience
October 24, 2024
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Goroka, Papua New Guinea October 24, 2024 –The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is excited to announce the continued rollout of the innovative Climate FIRST project, marking a significant step in its Phase II scoping and planning phase. Eastern Highlands Province recently hosted a crucial Inception and Stakeholder Consultation Workshop, bringing together 40 key stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, district representatives, private sector leaders, NGOs, and civil society, to collaboratively shape the project’s future.
Fully funded by the Government of Australia with AUD 20 million under the PNG-Australia Climate Change Action Plan (PACCAP), the Climate FIRST project aims to empower Papua New Guinea (PNG) to combat the adverse impacts of climate change and foster a resilient, inclusive society. By enhancing institutional climate finance coordination, the project will increase PNG’s access to both domestic and international climate finance and green investments, including support for Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“This workshop is a vital step in aligning our provincial goals with the broader objectives of the Climate FIRST project,” said Peter Gare, Deputy Provincial Administrator of Eastern Highlands, during his opening address. “We are eager to explore how we can collaborate to build a greener, more resilient future for our communities and contribute to PNG’s national climate action agenda.”
The Climate FIRST initiative emphasizes gender equity, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI), ensuring that women, people with disabilities, and vulnerable groups benefit equally from its outcomes. Officially launched by Powes Parkop, Governor of the National Capital District, on March 11, 2024, the project is a collaborative effort involving Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA), and GGGI as the implementation partner.
The project’s scope includes subnational components aimed at mainstreaming climate change in provincial plans and budgets while scaling up investments in seven targeted provinces: Eastern Highlands, Enga, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, New Ireland, and Simbu. All seven provinces signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with CCDA and GGGI on June 5, 2024, during the project’s national inception meeting in Port Moresby, establishing a framework for engagement and collaboration.
This workshop was the fourth convened by GGGI at the subnational level. The Joint Mission Team, which included Debra Sungi, Acting Managing Director of CCDA; James Bolt, First Secretary Economics (Forestry and Climate Change) at the Australian High Commission; Greg Roaveneo, Special Projects Officer at the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs; and Saki Tuisolia, GGGI PNG and Solomon Islands Country Representative, facilitated productive discussions and strategic planning sessions focused on local community needs.
In her opening remarks, Debra Sungi expressed gratitude for Eastern Highlands Province’s commitment to the Climate FIRST project, stating, “I appreciate the support from the Deputy Provincial Administrator and the Government of Australia. Together, we are working to coordinate national climate plans with provincial initiatives to effectively address climate change.”
James Bolt reinforced Australia’s commitment to the initiative, highlighting the importance of listening to PNG’s priorities: “The Climate FIRST Program, funded with AUD 20 million over four years, reflects our close partnership with PNG. We aim to deliver essential climate finance investments to support PNG in adapting to climate change impacts.”
Saki Tuisolia thanked the Australian Government for its catalytic funding, which will significantly enhance access to climate finance and investments for PNG. “Climate FIRST is a timely intervention designed to help provinces accelerate their climate change agendas and actions,” he affirmed.
As Papua New Guinea continues its journey toward climate resilience, the Climate FIRST project stands as a testament to collaboration and commitment, ensuring a sustainable future for all communities.
About GGGI
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is an international organization committed to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. GGGI partners with countries to integrate green growth into their development agendas, addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management.
About CCDA
The Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) is Papua New Guinea’s lead government agency responsible for coordinating climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives. CCDA works to develop and implement policies that address climate change impacts while promoting sustainable development across the country.
For more information, visit: https://gggi.org
Contact:
Jason Pundu
Provincial Projects Officer – Eastern Highlands
Kelly Vacala
Regional Communications and Knowledge Sharing Officer