UNDP and CCDA Progress Climate Resilience Training in Milne Bay Province.

UNDP and the Climate Change and Development Authority have completed the latest round of climate change capacity-building trainings in Alotau, Milne Bay Province from 17-20 November 2025 - as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen provincial and district-level climate resilience across Papua New Guinea’s most climate change vulnerable communities.

November 20, 2025

A participant presenting their adaptation plans during the training.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The four-day workshop, delivered under the joint Building Resilience to Climate Change (BRCC) Project, brings together provincial, district, and local-level government, and sectoral representatives to enhance their ability to plan and respond to climate-related risks.

“This workshop is critical as we move into the next phase of the BRCC project, which is about sustainability and continuity. Our priority is to mainstream climate change into local, district and provincial development plans so that outcomes continue beyond the project. The lessons shared here will guide how we extend support to other remote communities. With stronger planning and collaboration, we can ensure long-term impact,” 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

Throughout the training, government planners and sector officials are being equipped with tools and approaches to integrate climate change adaptation into their development and investment planning. Sessions focus on understanding climate impacts at the community level, using vulnerability assessment methodologies, and identifying priority actions that support long-term resilience.

Participants are working towards developing draft Provincial Adaptation Implementation Plans aligned with national frameworks. CCDA specialists are guiding the integration of these plans into key policy documents, including Provincial 5-Year Integrated Plans, the National Adaptation Plan, and Vision 2050, ensuring coherence between local action and national climate priorities.

“This workshop will equip local-level government managers and sectoral departments to integrate climate resilience into their plans and operations. By aligning with the National Adaptation Plan, participants can coordinate activities, optimise resources, and deliver tangible, long-term benefits to Milne Bay’s vulnerable island communities,” said Mr. Michael Viula, Acting Deputy Administrator - Technical and Advisory Services, Milne Bay Province.

Mr. Michael Viula, Acting Deputy Administrator - Technical and Advisory Services, Milne Bay Province, giving his opening speech and officially opening the training.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The workshop also highlights opportunities for resource mobilization to support the implementation of adaptation activities across priority sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, and transport. Strengthening cross-sector coordination remains central to the training, enabling provincial actors to design locally relevant solutions that address both immediate vulnerabilities and future climate risks.

“This training is vital for local-level government managers and sectoral teams, as it equips us with the knowledge and skills to integrate climate resilience into planning and decision-making. On behalf of the communities we represent, we sincerely thank UNDP and CCDA for their support. Through this project, we have gained practical skills in sustainable agriculture, access to water, and improved infrastructure such as community halls, which have strengthened our ability to cope with climate change. Beyond these tangible benefits, BRCC has fostered collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a sense of community, empowering us to build resilience for the future.” Kiriwina Area Manager Manager Mr. Nelson Tauyuwada.

Mr. Nelson Tauyuwada, Kiriwina Area Manager Manager, during his opening remarks.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The training in Alotau builds on previous BRCC-supported sessions recently conducted in Manus Province, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, and East New Britain.