EU lauches five-year financing project for Enga

A NEW European Union multi-million-kina five-year financing project was launched last Monday to strengthen integrated sustainable landscape management of Enga on climate change.
The project was launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) and the Enga government.
UNDP PNG head Dirk Wagener said the project would help strengthen sustainable and inclusive economic development of Enga in improving climate change mitigation and adaption, strengthening food and nutrition strategy and improving biodiversity and land and forest conservation.
“We will strive to achieve our goals through the development and delivery of an innovative approach to rural development that brings together government systems, the private sector and community actions to present a model for climate compatible green growth,” he said.
The launching was attended by Wagener, delegation of the European Union in PNG ambassador Jernej Videtic, French Ambassador Guillaume Lemoine, Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Wabag MP and Fisheries Minister Dr Lino Tom and provincial administrator Dr Samson Amean.
Wagener said PNG was among the 10 most disaster-prone countries in the world and it continued to have its share of extreme weather events due to climate change.
He said the impacts of climate change could become a threat to food, water, shelter, health and well-being.
“In my country, Germany, which is experiencing heavy rain resulting in loss of lives and properties, there is a direct result of climate change.
“Supporting sustainable agricultural production systems and increased action on conservation and the restoration of natural habitats will deliver ‘greener’ economic growth,” Wagener said.
Sir Peter said Enga had lost forests and was hoping the project was the way forward for the province.