Local communities at the heart of policy roadmap

Mangroves along the Bootless Bay, approximately 20 kilometres southeast of Port Moresby.

Speech by Ms. Debra Sungi – Acting Managing Director, Climate Change Development Authority

Papua New Guinea National Blue Carbon Policy Roadmap Workshop

Distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and valued partners,

Good morning, and welcome to this significant Blue Carbon Workshop. I am honoured to stand before you today as we embark on an important journey towards preserving our vital coastal ecosystems and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.

Papua New Guinea is blessed with an incredibly diverse and rich blue carbon ecosystem, encompassing vast mangrove forests and coastal areas that play a critical role in carbon sequestration. Despite our natural wealth, we have faced numerous challenges and gaps that have hindered our efforts in this space. Today, we are here to address these challenges and lay the groundwork for a robust National Blue Carbon Policy.

Our mangrove forests and coastal ecosystems are not only beautiful landscapes; they are powerful allies in our fight against climate change. These ecosystems act as natural carbon sinks, capturing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. To harness their full potential, we must prioritize the preservation of existing mangrove forests and the restoration of degraded areas. By doing so, we can enhance our carbon sequestration capacity and contribute to global climate stability.

At the heart of our blue carbon initiatives lie the local communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. It is imperative that we integrate these communities into our conservation efforts, ensuring their active participation and benefit-sharing. Sustainable livelihood opportunities, such as eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries, can be linked to mangrove conservation. By promoting these activities, we not only protect our environment but also uplift the socioeconomic conditions of our people.

A robust policy framework is essential to recognize and harness the value of blue carbon ecosystems in our climate mitigation strategies. We must advocate for policies that protect these critical ecosystems and incentivize conservation efforts. Additionally, international collaboration and partnerships are crucial in supporting our efforts. By working together with global partners, we can exchange knowledge, resources, and best practices to effectively manage and conserve our blue carbon resources.

This workshop, hosted by the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is a testament to our commitment to these goals. It provides a platform for us to address the gaps and challenges identified in last year’s workshop and to present the latest developments in our blue carbon project.

As we move forward, let us remember that the preservation and restoration of our blue carbon ecosystems are not just environmental imperatives but also moral obligations to future generations. By engaging our communities, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and building strong policy frameworks, we can ensure that our efforts are impactful and lasting.

Thank you for your dedication and participation in this workshop. Together, we can create a sustainable and resilient future for Papua New Guinea and contribute meaningfully to the global fight against climate change.

Thank you.

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