The FINANCIAl — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) signed a project agreement for an ADB-supported initiative that is helping PNG better respond to the impacts of climate change.
ADB Country Director for PNG Mr. David Hill with Milne Bay Provincial Administrator Mr. Michael Kape and Climate Change Development Authority Managing Director Mr. Ruel Yamuna signed the agreement. Deputy Prime Minister, Treasurer, and ADB Governor Mr. Charles Abel witnessed the event at Masurina Lodge in Alotau.
Two major consultancy packages to support project implementation were signed in June 2018 and preparation for major activities in 2019 is well underway. These include climate change and vulnerability assessments and adaptation plans for the project’s 21 vulnerable islands in Bougainville, East New Britain, Manus, Milne Bay, and Morobe, as well as 9 sustainable fishery ecosystems and food security investments in East New Britain, Manus, and Milne Bay. Training is also being provided to provincial and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville administrations in the targeted areas to help incorporate climate change considerations into the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of coastal infrastructure—including wharves, ports, and jetties.
The project is extending the radio communications network to improve communications and will establish an early warning system through the installation of a very high frequency network linked to PNG’s National Disaster Center.
Earlier this year, the Strategic Climate Fund and the Government of Australia provided $8 million in additional financing to expedite the climate-proofing of an existing wharf in Alotau in Milne Bay Province. This initiative supports the government’s development objective to improve marine transport connections in maritime provinces.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region. In 2017, ADB operations totaled $32.2 billion, including $11.9 billion in cofinancing.
