Climate change talks in Kokopo

A TEAM from the Office of Climate Change and Development is in Kokopo, East New Britain, this week to run a week-long climate change consultation with the provincial administration and multiple stakeholders.
The programme, which started on Monday and ends on Friday, will cover visits to nine schools, two wards, an open forum at Kokopo market and a day workshop with the provincial administration today at the Seaview Resort.
The workshop will include representatives from civil societies, private sector, churches, schools and local communities.
In a media statement, the office said the aim of these provincial consultations were to gauge a better understanding of climate change issues facing communities.
They will focus on obtaining feedback on what it will take communities to take part in a national REDD+ (reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation) and prioritise adaptation measures appropriate for communities.
It is understood this programme has been ongoing since 2010 when the office was legally established by the government as the mandated national climate change authority.
East New Britain is the second province to be visited this year after Jiwaka in April.
Provincial consultation team leader and acting director for measurement reporting and verification and national communication William Lakain said the aim of the climate change school programme was to educate students about the basic science of climate change and the issues involved.