Climate change group struggles in POM

National, Normal
Source:

The National – Wednesday, December 22, 2010

A FIVE-man team from Goroka took a journey to Port Moresby in the hope of building awareness on climate change matters concerning their last standing resource, the rainforest. They represent the eight integrated land groups of the Upper Ramu People’s Association (URPA) in the Goroka district, but unfortunately, their dreams have been halted due to financial reasons.
They said they had the recognition and the full support of their people including their provincial government.
Group spokesman Wesley Isembo said URPA started last year after they attended a workshop by Office of Climate Change at the University of Goroka.
He said they had experienced changes in the climate and wanted to collaborate with relevant authorities and organisations to carry out biodiversity studies of their area to better understand the forest and its ecosystems.
Isembo also said they had submitted proposal to the Office of Climate Change to help conduct biodiversity study and land survey.
They are also looking for an office space where they can serve as an agent in helping to disseminate information and awareness to their people back at home.
Isembo said because most of their people lack access to vital information regarding climate change,  it was important that they get themselves organised.
URPA deputy chairman Max Ovone said so far, they had spent more than K20,000 for transport, accommodation and other work and all this was made possible through their people back home.
The group is also looking forward to taking part in carbon trading in 2014.