(L-R) Victoria Amenda Mislio and 
Minai Taidai pausing in front
St. Immaculata Conception 
Church in Riwo village, Madang.

Before taking off in any plane, a mother is reminded to look after herself first before ensuring the safety and comfort of her child.

Synonymously, we cannot in the context of PM Marape's statement, ‘act together in solidarity to practically address climate change as well as to ensure our Pacific oceans deliver prosperity to our people’(info@pngbusinessnews.com), without achieving these outcomes first in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

We must first ensure our provinces have practical policies and strategies in place that are tied to funds to take care of climate change refugees and related “blue economy” ventures.

Riwo villagers join other coastal villagers and 
offshore islanders in Madang province in
raising their concerns on climate change
effects and impacts.

Unless each local maritime coastal communities are economically viable, sustainable, and prosperous, we cannot blow the trumpet at the national level in the presence of heads of Pacific Island countries, representatives of Small Islands Development Forum (SIDF), high commissioners, ambassadors, and distinguished guests to act together to address climate change issues as well as to gain economically from our marine resources.

As PM Marape stated:” Act together, not only on climate change but also on ensuring our ocean resources delivers prosperity to our people.”

Whilst I commend PM Marape for this foresight, as he acknowledges the National Fisheries Authority for developing the landmark policies of the National Tuna Domestication Strategy (NTDS), and the National Aquaculture Development Strategy 2025-2015, which in my opinion needs to be reviewed and updated to 2025-2030; I cannot see how these policies will benefit an ordinary coastal villager and offshore islander in PNG, let along Madang province.

The policies are targeting industrial fishing companies.

(L-R) Clara Ladong, Atene Baleng, and
Galik Mazik witnessing the launching of
Riwo Wigabau or commonly known as
Balangut.

PM Marape has challenged NFA to collect K3 billion in 2026 for the State as quoted below.

“Reflecting on the NFA’s journey since its establishment in 1998, PM Marape praised the authority as one of PNG’s most successful state institutions.  He observed that it already contributes between K1.5 billion and K2.3 billion annually to the national economy”, as reported in Business news. He announced further, “I am now challenging NFA to lift its contribution to K3 billion by 2027”.

PM Marape added: “September 16 will come and go, but the work of building our nation never stops.  Tonight, we have launched two strategies that represent our determination to shape the next 50 years.  Our goal is to build a K200 billion economy where no child is left behind.”

In my observation, firstly, I fail to see how the NTDS will keep our village folks in our coastal and offshore island villages fish to sustain their lives, earn money and live prosperously without being directly supported.

As Riwo villagers celebrate the launching of
their 6th Wogabau or Balangut they fear
rising sea level and the impacts of climate change
will not leave their child behind.

Secondly, climate change has no mercy and will not leave a child behind.

Small Islands will continue to sink as long as climate change effects exists.  Their inhabitants will or have already been left landless and homeless.

I say this to rebut PM Marape’s statement: “In 2019, at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), I argued that our focus must be on reclamation.  Our people must remain on their land, and the Pacific family will stand with Tuvalu and every island nation facing this crisis.  You are not alone in this fight.”

Please see a video link attached herewith to learn about the steps taken by Tuvalu and Australia to practically address this issue.  The signing of the Falefili Union allows 282 Tuvaluans to migrate to Australia each year:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvCMGuIy79A

In light of this situation, has the PNG government done an assessment and compiled a report on this tragedy?  Has the government made recommendation and shared it in a report to coastal villagers and offshore islanders? 

If so can someone share the document or the link to this document?

I repeat, as a nation, do we have a blue print policy on climate change refugees?

Ward 21 villagers in Ambenob LLG,
Madang, celebrating the 50th 
Independence Anniversary at Riwo village.

Thirdly, I think it is hypocritical to invite other Pacific Island nations to come to PNG and establish their fisheries industries when we cannot first address our own people’s needs.

I say this in relation to what the PM Marape said during this event as I quote his words published in Business news:

“If you don’t have land, come to PNG,” PM James Marape said.  “We have land, and we have labour, and we are ready to share.  Together, we can ensure that Pacific fisheries sustain Pacific people, not just foreign markets.”

In my humble opinion, I suggest that the best approach for the government and or for each maritime provincial government to do, is to come up with their respective adaptation policies and strategies.

PNG is within the Coral Triangle group of 
countries.  Climate change induced threats
is severely affecting PNG's coral reefs.

This policy and strategy especially for climate change refugees must be tied to a budget annually.  Without funds, it will remain another document filed away in the shelves collecting dust, and the rhetoric will continue.