US committed to help Pacific adapt better to climate change

The US government is committed to working with Pacific Islands to build a resilient, self-sustainable, region, US Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Catherine Ebert-Gray says.
Speaking at the launching of the first project preparation training in Port Moresby yesterday, Ebert-Gray said: “USAID in partnership with the Papua New Guinea government will hold a five-day project preparation training to boost
the capacity of participants to help facilitate the flow of climate-change adaptation finance in the country.
“The training aims to develop the skills of government and non-government stakeholders in PNG to prioritise areas of support that align with their climate adaptation plans and goals, designing bankable climate change adaptation projects, and improving access to external financial resources that could support them.
“This training programme will use the talent and leadership that is available right here in Papua New Guinea and the region to
build the foundation for Pacific islanders to develop effective adaptation measures that attract international financing and enhance country ownership and sustainability.”
Mary Karo, one of the 40 participants, noted that even with significant amounts of funding flowing into the region: “We are hindered by delayed disbursement because we struggle to come up with quality project proposals.
“Training will give me the opportunity to learn and understand the key components of a sound project proposals to help my country to be more environmentally and disaster resilient.”