Final Climate Resilience Training Under BRCC Project Completed in Morobe Province

Marking the final milestone, the last round of climate change capacity-building training under the Building Resilience to Climate Change (BRCC) Project has been successfully completed in Lae, Morobe Province. Delivered by UNDP and supported by Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), this closing workshop concludes a series of provincial-level trainings held across some of Papua New Guinea’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

November 28, 2025

Group photo of training attendees.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

In Morobe Province, the BRCC Project beneficiaries were Mandok, Malai, Aromot, and Tami Islands, respectively in Tewai Siassi and Finschhafen Districts. These remote island communities are already facing the direct and severe impacts of climate change, including coastal erosion caused by rising sea levels, reduced land availability, and disruptions to traditional food sources due to shifting weather patterns. The training is designed to support provincial and local authorities in developing tailored adaptation strategies that will help safeguard these communities’ livelihoods, food security, and access to essential services.

“Climate change is real, and its impacts are already being felt across Morobe Province, especially in our remote island communities like Siasi and Tami. This training is crucial, because unless we integrate climate resilience into our district and provincial development plans, we cannot protect our people or build a sustainable future. Despite the logistical challenges of reaching these communities, we are now beginning to see results. With the right knowledge, tools and commitment, you, the participants, can be the agents of change who drive transformational impact for your districts, your communities, and ultimately the country,” said Mr. Jacob Ekinye, BRCC Project Director and the General Manager of the Adaptation and Project Division of CCDA, in his opening remarks.

Mr. Jacob Ekinye, BRCC Project Director and the General Manager of the Adaptation and Project Division of CCDA, during his opening remarks.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The four-day workshop brought together representatives from provincial administration, district and local-level governments, and sectoral departments to strengthen their capacity to plan for and respond to climate-related risks. Through practical sessions on vulnerability assessment and climate impact analysis, participants are learning how to identify high-risk areas and prioritize adaptation actions that accommodate climate variables into coastal infrastructure construction and maintenance, strengthen sustainable land and marine resource management, and enhance community preparedness.

“It is a privilege to represent my fellow colleagues from the ten districts of Morobe Province, to participate in this important workshop. Climate change is affecting our communities at all levels, and this training is a valuable opportunity for us to better understand how to address it. Over the next few days, we are here to learn, ask questions, and gain the knowledge required to effectively implement resilience measures when we return to our respective areas. As managers and leaders, we will play a key role in passing on these learnings and guide our districts and to put them into practice. With the support of the partners, I believe we can meet the objectives of this workshop and strengthen our capacity to build safer and more resilient communities,” said Mr. Kawage Mesere, District Officer in Charge of Finschafen.

Mr. Kawage Mesere, District Officer in Charge of Finschafen, giving a speech on behalf of the LLG Managers.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

In the course of the workshop, participants also developed draft Provincial Adaptation Implementation Plans aligned with national frameworks. CCDA is coordinating the integration of these plans into key government policy documents. This alignment will help ensure island communities and the provinces are supported, including through planning for protective coastal measures, promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices, and improved community infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.

“On behalf of the Morobe Provincial Administration, I thank all participants and partners for coming together for this important workshop. Climate change is already affecting our communities. This training is timely and will help us integrate climate resilience into our planning so that our communities are better prepared and able to recover when impacts occur. As subnational governments, we must align local, district, and provincial plans with national priorities, and this training strengthens our capacity to make more informed and resilient decisions for our people,” said Mr. Gordon Aking, Provincial Planner, who gave opening remarks on behalf of Morobe Provincial Administration.

Mr. Gordon Aking, Provincial Planner, who gave opening remarks on behalf of Morobe Provincial Administration.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The training also covered strategies for mobilizing resources to implement adaptation measures across key sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, transport and health. Strengthened cross-sector coordination will help provincial stakeholders design practical solutions tailored to island communities - supporting food security, maintaining transport access, and improving water and essential services. Important takeaway is to ensure coordination with stakeholders and international NGOs in the province and identify who is supporting which sectors.

This final training session built on earlier BRCC-supported workshops delivered in Milne Bay, Manus Province, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and East New Britain.