Papua New Guinea Committed to Climate Action
4th October, 2023 - Opening Address by the Acting General Manager, MRV and National Communications, Climate Change Development Authority - Ms Debra Sungi for the Papua New Guinea MACBLUE Inception Workshop
Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen.
As we embark on today’s workshop, I am pleased to be here today representing the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) to voice our unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and environment sustainability. Today’s workshop provides a significant platform to highlight the critical role of international cooperation in mitigating the climate crisis and advancing sustainable practices worldwide.
1.The Global Climate Imperative
The climate crisis knows no borders, and it is a challenge that requires united efforts from nations around the world. To this end, I commend the efforts from our regional partners the NDC Pacific Regional Hub, GIZ, SPREP, SPC and others in recognizing the urgency of climate action and its dedication to the Pacific Island nations.
2. Strenghtening the Paris Agreement
At the international front, the Climate Change and Development Authority as the authority for climate change policies and related interventions in the country, we reaffirm our committment to the Paris Agreement as a government in the quest for climate action. We support efforts to strengthen this historic accord, increase climate ambition, and accelerate the transition to a low carbon, resilient global economy.
3. Collaborative Biodiversity Conservation
We also acknowledge that biodiversity is another global challenge that demands our immediate attention. To this end, we emphasize the importance of international and national collaboration to protect and restore blue carbon ecosystems, conserve wildlife, and ensure the long-term health of our country and planet. We believe that this workshop today will introduce the project that will utilize innovative remote sensing approaches to map the extent of seagrass and mangrove (SaM) ecosystems in Papua New Guinea and will assess and model related carbon storage capacity, emission potential and ecosystem services.
4. Engagement and Public Awareness
Climate action is a collective responsibility that extends beyond governments. The Climate Change and Development Authority acknowledges the crucial role of civil society, local communities, schools and individuals in driving change. Public awareness and grassroots engagement are essentials components of our global climate efforts.
Remember, your voices and actions matter. As stakeholders, you hold immense potential to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.
Finally, the Climate Change and Development Authority remains dedicated to supporting international and national climate action and stands ready to collaborate with partners like GIZ, SPREP and SPC to address the climate and environment challenges of our time.
Em tasol. Thank you for your attention and God bless.