The Enga Province has successfully validated and endorsed its Climate Resilient Green Growth (CRGG) Action Plan in a two-days’ workshop which concluded today. The Action Plan captures priority climate-resilient and green growth initiatives to be mainstreamed into the Province’s “Enga Step-up” Strategic Development Plan 2022-2030.
“Climate change poses risks and challenges both at the national and international fronts,” said Acting Managing Director for Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) Mr. William Lakain.
“The Government of PNG is committed to ensure that there are appropriate plans and policies in place to support PNG adapt to growing challenges induced by climate change and global warming.
“This means practical local actions are needed. The CRGG Action Plan for Enga is one crucial step that paves way for mainstreaming CRGG at the provincial level”, said Mr. Lakain.
The Enga CRGG Action Plan was developed based on a provincial assessment conducted from 2019-2022. The assessment identified entry points for CRGG priorities in Enga Province with recommendation from the Provincial Climate Change Committee (PCCC) to have climate change mainstreamed in the provincial development plan.
Strategic initiatives under the Action Plan includes sustainable forests (REDD+) and sustainable landscapes; climate-smart agriculture; water conservation and access; green industries and jobs; green infrastructure, transport, energy, buildings, and cross-cutting green growth interventions.
Country representative for Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Mr. Sakiusa Tuisolia commended the Enga provincial government and participants for their local knowledge and inputs in the formulation of the Action Plan and stressed on the importance of implementing the plan.
He reiterated that the action plan is world class action plan which aims at achieving climate resilience and green growth in the province.
“What’s important to note is that plans are just ideas on paper, until we take action and mobilize resources to implement it, and only then the intended objectives will be met for the benefit for the people and the country.
“GGGI is happy to support the PNG Government and the Enga Provincial Government and its people in the CRGG interventions”, said Tuisolia.
Deputy Provincial Administrator of Enga, Mr. Raphael Tamean, highlighted the Action Plan validation as a way forward for the province to identify, commence and upscale its climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
On behalf of the Enga Provincial Government, Mr. Tamean acknowledged the support of GGGI, CCDA, the Government of Australia and key stakeholders for the partnership in the development and validation of Enga’s CRGG Action Plan.
The Enga Province is one of three pilot provinces to mainstream CRGG into its strategic development plan. The other two provinces are New Ireland and Milne Bay.
The CRGG Project is being implemented by GGGI in partnership with CCDA and funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)