From Land to Sea: New Ireland Builds Capacity for Multi-Hazard Disaster Preparedness

The workshop seeks to address New Ireland's unique vulnerability to climate change induced natural disasters

August 20, 2025

A group of people in a meeting, some seated at a table, discussing ideas. — Technical experts from various government bodies participated in the workshop to strengthen New Ireland’s disaster resilience and preparedness

UNDP Papua New Guinea

In an effort to strengthen New Ireland’s preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters, the New Ireland Provincial Government, in close collaboration with the National Disaster Centre (NDC) and UNDP, are hosting a Multi-Hazard Validation Workshop and Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) Training in Kavieng this week.

The workshop is held under UNDP’s Humanitarian Coordination and Disaster Risk Reduction Project, which is funded by the Australian Government. In close collaboration with the NDC, the project seeks to address Papua New Guinea’s high vulnerability to climate change induced natural disasters by building the country’s capacity to prevent, mitigate and respond to a variety of natural hazards.

Six men sit around a wooden table in a meeting room, with a man standing in the back. — The New Ireland Provincial Administrator, Mr. Richard Andia (second from right), participated in the workshop.

UNDP Papua New Guinea

The workshop in Kavieng brings together provincial and district stakeholders, technical officers, and decision-makers to review and validate hazard data for disaster mitigation, planning, and resource allocation. This process will enhance the capacity of both provincial and national authorities to address the risk of natural hazards by ensuring that data is accurate, locally relevant, and aligned with both national and provincial disaster risk management plans.

“New Ireland covers both land and sea, and with that comes its unique challenges. Our people face hazards ranging from natural disasters to maritime accidents. To manage these risks, we need accurate data, mapping, and effective information systems to bring our new Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan to life. We thank the National Disaster Centre, UNDP, and the Australian Government for supporting this training, which equips our local staff to map hazards, strengthen resilience, and better safeguard New Irelanders,” stated Mr. Benson Apelis, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Sector in New Ireland Province, on behalf of the New Ireland Provincial Administrator, Mr. Richard Andia, at the opening session of the workshop.

A presenter stands in front of a seated audience in a conference room. — Mr. Benson Apelis, the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Sector in New Ireland Province addressing the participants.

UNDP Papua New Guinea

Technical experts from the National Disaster Centre, National Weather Service (NWS), the Hydrology Section of the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO), the Rabaul Volcano Observatory (RVO), and technical divisions of the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazard Management (DMPGM) are participating in the validation exercise to provide their advice and oversight.

The workshop serves as a continuation of a sub-national dialogue to review and validate hazard data for disaster mitigation, planning, and resource allocation that took place in Kokopo, East New Britain Province on 11-15 August 2025.