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| Figure 1: Some members of Kaviak village displaying the educational awareness materials presented to them by MAKATA at the Kaviak Red Corner beach. Picture by Wenceslaus Magun. |
WENCESLAUS
MAGUN
1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge and appreciate the
Kaviak villagers’ sustainable resource management and livelihood initiatives in
Ward 4, of North Karkar Local Level Government, in Madang Province, Papua New
Guinea.
Kaviak villagers’ invitation to Mas
Kagin Tapani Association Inc., or MAKATA, a local Community Based Organization
here in Madang to build the capacity of some of its project’s participants, is
proof of the villagers’ desire and commitment to partner with our government
and relevant stakeholders to work towards achieving our common shared
sustainable resource management and livelihood vision, mission, goals, and
objectives with the local communities we work with.
In addition, this collaborative effort
strengthens the global commitment to find sustainable and lasting solutions to
address climate change impacts and its rising global warming and rising sea
level effects.
The myriad of cascading negative
impacts of Greenhouse emission is affecting all sectors of our planet
unabated. These negative effects and
impacts are acerbated and exhilarated since the industrial revolution in the
1850’s and into the 21st century.
We
are now at the crossroads of either allowing our human activities to contribute
further to the world’s tipping point or stop this rising Greenhouse emission to
at least 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030, which is just five years away or prevent it from happening.
Scientists predict that by 2030 if we fail to cut Greenhouse emission, we will be looking at a figure of 55 billion tons of Greenhouse emission and the Earth would heat up by three (3) degrees by the end of this century. Unless, we take steps at the community level to address concerns raised at the Parish Agreement in 2015, and at the ongoing United Nation’s Conferences of Parties (COP) to address this grave concern, we could be passively or actively contributing towards leading our grandchildren to their doomsday destiny, when our planet will eventually tip over.
We are therefore very grateful to the leaders of Kaviak village, particularly to Ms. Winnifred Duk for reaching out to us to support Kaviak villagers in their efforts to address Climate Change, and the Blue Economy issues in their village on Karkar Island.
We also thank the clan representatives from the local communities within the Kaviak villagers’ project area’s catchment and relevant stakeholders for making time available to attend this training.
We acknowledge the presence of the Madang Provincial Fisheries Sector. We are grateful and thankful for its answer to our request to attend this training and to collaborate with us to support the Kaviak villagers implement their blue economic activities in compliance with its provincial sector’s blue economic master plan.
Moreover, we thank the Acting Provincial Fisheries Sector’s Director, Mr. Greg Serar for supporting us with a 200 liter fuel drum, and for sending his Project Coordinator, Mr. Mark Sete Umunei to accompany us to Kaviak and to run a couple of sessions on the provincial fisheries sector’s master plan.
We further thank the NBC Madang, Director Provincial Radio, Mr. Makalai Bel for sending a Senior Radio Archivist, Mr. Richard Kaukebia to cover the Reef Restoration Training (https://drive.google.com/.../1Z9Sn1ghlKZ887y7hdLDVD2.../view). He further supported us with a pick up car to help us collect a fuel drum donated by the Madang Provincial Fisheries Sector from the Mobil service station to the boat stop.
Finally, we thank our major funder, the UNDP-BCF for funding this training workshop and for the Kaviak CBO’s leaders for allowing us to use their land, sea, and for the food, hospitality, accommodation and training facilities for this training.
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| Figure 2: Mrs. Sandy Malol sharing her views on Blue Economy in the training. Picture by Wenceslaus Magun |
2. ABSTRACT
This
report outlines the proceedings and
outcomes on the topics of Blue Economy, Climate
Change, and the Madang Provincial Fisheries Sector’s Master Plan, conducted in
Kaviak village, on Karkar Island, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea, in
November 2025.
The goal of
this training was threefold: It aimed at
empowering participants on the concept of blue economy and how villagers can
benefit from blue economic projects whilst protecting and sustainably using their
marine and forest resources. It further
empowered them on the issues of climate change and its impacts and challenged
participants to take steps to mitigate, or adapt to climate change’s induced
threats. The final goal was aimed at informing participants on the Madang
provincial fisheries sector’s master plan.
The objectives
of the training was to explain to the participants the concept of blue economy,
climate change, and the provincial fisheries sector’s master plan and how
villagers can benefit from, manage and use their marine resources sustainably
through some ideally appropriate, suitable, and user-friendly blue economic
enterprises activities in the face of climate change induced threats to sustain
their lives and restore their natural resources and their environment.
The expected outcomes was to ensure
that by the end of this training participants would have gained knowledge and
established some solutions to:
Kaviak Community Organization’s
project’s activities; Understand what the blue economy means and why use it;
Recognize the value of their marine resources; Explore how their village can
contribute to sustainable blue economic practices; and Commit to one small
action that supports the blue economy.
The second part of the
training was informing participants about the Madang Provincial Fisheries
Sector’s Master Plan. Participants were
given the opportunity to meet a provincial fisheries sector’s officer, gain
knowledge about the sectors Master Plan and learn how they could collaborate
with the provincial fisheries sector to develop and implement their blue
economic plan.
The final part of the
training outcome was on Climate Change.
Participants learned the definition of Climate Change, the factors contributing
to increased Greenhouse gases, the effects of these Greenhouse gases and their
subsequent threats. They were motivated
to take up actions to adapt to and or mitigate some of the negative impacts of
climate change affecting their environment, natural resources, and their lives.
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| Figure 3: Kunse Tamago placing laces on MAKATA'S officers in welcoming them to Kaviak village. Picture by Wenceslaus Magun |
3.1.Registration Opening Prayer;
3.2.House Keeping;
3.3.Attendance Check List; and
3.4.Sessions
4. TARGET
GROUP
Village
youths, elders, fisher folk, teachers, women’s groups, government and NGO reps;
5.
LOCATION
Kaviak village, Ward 4, North Karkar
LLG, Sumkar District, Madang, Papua New Guinea.
6.
DURATION
2-5 hours each day
7. FACILITATORS
MAKATA staff & a Madang Provincial
Fisheries Project Coordinator
8. TRAINING
MATERIALS
SD cards or flash drives for
participants; Laptop, projector, screen, fan; Genset or power supply for video
documentary viewing; Flipcharts or whiteboards; Videos and pictures or
drawings, posters, promotional materials, bumper stickers or educational
awareness materials of marine life, fisheries, coral reefs, MPAs, Blue economic
projects, and climate change issues, impacts and projects; Markers, paper,
stick-on pads, and pens; Rocking chair, tea pot or any pot, shells, reefs,
mangrove, seaweed, or actual marine objects for show-and-tell; Maps or
resources of Madang’s or PNG’s coastline and WMA/LMMAs or CMMA-CDs areas; The TURTLES
RETURN, and related educational awareness posters.
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| Figure 4: Mrs. Saramet John, Mrs. Cathy Joel, Mrs. Resta Sam, Mrs. Susan John, and other participants who attended the Blue Economy, Madang Province's Fisheries Sector's Master Plan, and Climate Change training in Kaviak village. Picture by Wenceslaus Magun |
9. INTRODUCTION
9.1.MAKATA;
9.2.A provincial fisheries officer representative; and
9.3.Participants
10.
SOURCES:
10.1.
https://www.undp.org/papua-new-guinea/projects/gutpela-solwara-gutpela-bisnis
10.2.
https://www.jointsdgfund.org/where-we-work/papua-new-guinea
10.3.
https://png-data.sprep.org
10.4.
https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf);
10.5.
The
Vienna convention for the protection of the ozone layer
10.6.
https://ozone.unep.org/treaties/montreal-protocol;
10.7.
The
Montreal protocol
https://ozone.unep.org/treaties/montreal-protocol;
The convention on biological diversity
10.8.
The
UN convention to combat desertification
10.9.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals
10.10.
National Oceans Policy 2020-2030
10.11.
Bougainville
Green-Blue Economy Policy
11. SESSION:
BLUE ECONOMY BACKGROUND
11.1.
The participants were informed that Papua
New Guinea (PNG) is recognized as
one of 17 megadiverse countries in
the world. They further learned that PNG is home to a marine ecosystem of
international significance.
11.2.
The participants gained knowledge
that PNG’s coral reefs form part of the Coral
Triangle – an
area with the highest levels of marine biodiversity on the planet.
11.3.
They learned that despite the
abundance of aquatic life and natural
resources, PNG’s marine and coastal
ecosystems and species are still inadequately protected and are subjected to
multiple anthropogenic pressures
including overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation.
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| Figure 5: Blue Economy background translated into Tok Pidgin and explained to the participants by Community Facilitator, Mr. Bonny Wadui. Picture by Wenceslaus Magun |
11.4.
With
a few exceptions, the participants learned that there is no revenue being
generated
by protected areas for active conservation management and thus little incentive
to manage natural resources sustainably.
Mr. Wadui elaborated further by giving practical examples from the WMAs
in Riwo village where he comes from.
11.5. The participants learned that this leaves them vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and human-induced threats, such as pollution, overfishing and habitat degradation.
11.6.
The participants were informed and
empowered to learn that many of the local
communities lack the skills,
knowledge and financing to develop conservation-first business models connected
to marine and coastal environments, or blue businesses which could provide both
livelihoods and conservation outcomes. Mr.
Wadui shared a story on the Mud crab project initiated by World Vision
for the Laugum clan in Riwo village to elaborate further and touched base on an
example of a failed blue economy business plan and project.
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| Figure 6: Mr Magun presented a hard copy of the Blue Economy and Climate Change Training Manual to Kaviak clan leader, Mr. Levi Lapp. Picture by Bonny Wadui. |
11.7.
Mr. Magun and his team emphasized
that this is especially the case for women
who remain marginalized in the
business and labour markets. He was
emotional when it came to sharing his experience of seeing women in the New
Guinea Islands, Highlands, Southern Region as well as parts of Morobe and East
Sepik provinces leading effectively in blue economic enterprises compared to
women in Madang province.
11.8.
The team further informed the
participants that one of the missing link the Blue
Economy sector has is in technical
assistance. The team pointed out that
apart from education received at the Technical Vocational Education Training centers,
there is limited technical assistance available to support entrepreneurship or
social and community enterprise development at the grassroots level. They stressed further that blue economy
opportunities constitute an underexplored and untapped market in Madang Province
and most likely throughout the country.
11.9.
Concept
11.9.1. Community Facilitator Mr. Bonny Wadui informed the participants further that Blue Economy is a concept that refers to the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources, with the aim of promoting economic growth, social inclusion and environmental conservation.
11.10.
Threats
11.10.1.
He further informed, educated and
empowered the participants to learn that
according to the
UN Environment report, it is estimated that overfishing, pollution, coastal
urban development and climate change alone have caused a 50% decline in coral reefs
over the last 30 years.
11.11.
Alternative
solution
11.11.1.
Mr. Wadui pointed out that in this
sense, the Blue Economy seeks more
sustainable
solutions when it comes to using the seas and oceans as a source of innovation
and growth for economic development in line with good environmental practices.
11.12.
Sectors
11.12.1.
Mr. Wadui stressed that this
approach encompasses a wide range of sectors,
including fisheries, maritime
transport, coastal tourism, renewable energy, aquaculture and much more.
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Figure 8: Information on Blue Economy Sectors translated into Tok Pidgin Picture by Wenceslaus Magun |
12. MARINE
ECOSYSTEMS LACK SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY OPPORTUNITIES
12.1.
Mr. Wadui added that conservation
projects, particularly around marine ecosystems, are not able to attract
commercial or impact capital at the same pace as other economic sectors due to
a confluence of factors.
12.2.
He informed participants that
these include: a lack of knowledge about the blue economy; a lack of expertise
and capacity to develop bankable projects for investment; low financial
literacy, especially amongst women and other disadvantaged populations; lack of
affordable finance and inability to fulfil bank/investor requirements and risk
aversion on the part of domestic and international investors to diversity
portfolio into more environmentally focused (non-traditional) investment areas.
12.3.
Mr. Wadui concluded that putting
the health of the reef first can be a surprisingly good model for so-called
‘blue businesses and encouraged to work in partnership with MAKATA and the
Madang Provincial Fisheries Sector to explore opportunities to embark on
potential blue economy projects in Kaviak village.
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Figure 9: Mark Umunei, Madang Provincial Fisheries Project Coordinator informing Kaviak participants about the Madang Provincial Fisheries Sector's Master Plan. Picture by Wenceslaus Magun |
13. PROVINCIAL FISHERIES SECTOR PLAN
13.1.
Mr. Mark Umunei informed participants
about the Madang Provincial Fisheries Sector’s MASTER PLAN for the Fisheries
Development in Madang Province, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, for
2025
and beyond.
13.2. He deliberated on the Executive Summary and
Strategic Vision; and the
13.3. Overview of Fisheries Development in Madang Province.
13.3.1. Under
Sustainable Fisheries Development, he said, the Sector aims to foster
sustainable fisheries development in Madang Province by implementing innovative
practices that promote the conservation of marine resources. “This involves
collaboration with local communities to ensure that fishing practices are not
only environmentally friendly but also economically viable, helping to secure
livelihoods,” he said.
13.3.2. Under
Economic Growth through Fisheries, Mr. Mark elaborated that by
enhancing the fisheries sector, the initiative seeks to drive economic growth
in Madang Province. “This includes increasing fish production and improving
market access, which can lead to better income opportunities for local fishers
and associated businesses, thereby contributing to the overall economic
landscape of the region” he added.
13.3.3. Under
Food Security Initiatives, Mr. Mark said, the proposed initiatives also focused on food
security by ensuring that local communities have access to sustainable fish
resources. “This is crucial for nutrition and health, as fish is a key protein
source for many families in the province. Programs aimed at educating
communities on sustainable practices will reinforce this goal,” he stressed.
13.4. Strategic Objectives for Fisheries Management
13.4.1.
Under Enhancing Fisheries Infrastructure, Mr. Mark pointed
out that to support sustainable fisheries, it is essential to enhance the
existing infrastructure in Madang Province. “This includes upgrading fishing
ports, providing better storage facilities, and improving supply chain
logistics to reduce post-harvest losses and increase efficiency in the
fisheries sector,” he informed the participants.
13.4.2. Under
Promoting Sustainable Fishing Practices, Mr. Mark added that education and
training programs of the sector will be initiated to promote sustainable
fishing practices among local fishers. “By adopting responsible techniques, the
community can help protect marine ecosystems while ensuring that fish stocks
remain healthy for future generations,” he emphasized.
13.4.3. Under
Strengthening Trade Ties, Mr. Mark informed the participants that, “Efforts
will be made to strengthen trade ties with international markets, particularly
with China. This includes exploring export opportunities for local fish
products, which can significantly boost the economic prospects of the fisheries
sector while ensuring adherence to quality and sustainability standards.”
13.5. He shared further the Mission and Vision for
Sustainable Fisheries.
13.5.1. It
positions Madang as a regional leader.
Mr. Mark said, the mission of this initiative is to position Madang
Province as a regional leader in sustainable fisheries development. “By
leveraging innovation and forming strategic partnerships, the province can
enhance its profile in sustainable fishing while promoting responsible resource
management,” he stressed.
13.5.2. It
empowers local Communities. He added
that a key objective of this Master Plan is to empower local communities
through job creation and skills development in the fisheries sector. “This will
not only improve economic opportunities but also ensure that community members
are actively involved in the sustainable management of their marine resources,”
he elaborated.
13.5.3. Under the Expected Outcomes of the
Proposed Initiatives, Mr. Mark informed the participants that the expected
outcomes of this proposed initiatives include increased fish production,
improved market access for local fisheries, enhanced community engagement in
sustainable practices, and a strengthened regional economy driven by a thriving
fisheries sector. These outcomes, he said, will contribute to long-term food
security and economic resilience.
13.6. He
ended with an invitation to the Kaviak villagers to participate in the Blue
Economy Project.
13.7. Mr.
Mark concluded by encouraging Kaviak villagers to establish a blue economic
project so the provincial fisheries sector may provide any assistance deemed
necessary under its provincial fisheries sector’s master plan to the community in
partnership with MAKATA.
14. KAVIAK
REEF SURVEY
14.1.
Introduction
On Friday, November 14,
2025, the Provincial Fisheries Coordinator, Mr. Mark Umunei and MAKATA’s
Community Facilitator, Mr. Bonny Wadui conducted a rapid reef assessment for
the Kaviak reef.
Here is
Mr. Umunei’s Brief on this survey.
The purpose of this survey
was to provide advice to the Kaviak CBO who are working on a reef restoration
project to restore the reef along the coastlines of the Kaviak community to the
Kinim Station on Karkar Island, Sumkar District.
Coral reefs are important
in that they control coastal erosion, provide food and livelihood for hundreds
of millions of coastal people via the harvestable marine resources that they
generate, and through tourist attracted by their beauty, biodiversity and the
white sand beaches that they support and protect.
Degradation of reefs means
the loss of these economic goods and services, and the loss of food security
and employment for coastal people, many of them in developing countries and
many of them living in poverty.
In the context of
restoration, it is important to distinguish between acute and chronic
disturbances. Restoration interventions are unlikely to succeed on reefs
that are chronically stressed. Management measures must be undertaken first to
ameliorate or remove the chronic anthropogenic stressors (e.g., sediment
run-off, sewage, overfishing). On the other hand, there is little that managers
can do in the face of the large-scale natural drivers of degradation such as
climate change related mass-bleaching, storms, tsunamis, and disease outbreaks.
However, these stochastic factors should not be ignored during the restoration
and should be considered during the design of restoration projects with efforts
being made to minimize the risks posed by such events.
14.2.
Objective
14.2.1. To assess
the status of the coral reef; and
14.2.2. To identify
the potential drivers and threat to the coral reef system.
14.3.
Materials
& Methods
14.3.1.
Materials
14.3.2.
Diving
Goggles and Snorkels;
14.3.3.
Camera
(Mobile Phn); and
14.3.4.
Reef
Id
14.4.
Methods
14.4.1.
To
estimate the coral reef cover, we had dived along reef system. Each different
species of reef seen, was taken out of the water and photographed;
14.4.2.
The
assessment of the status of the reef was physical observed by diving above and
along the reef system; and
14.4.3.
The
identification of the potential drivers of the threat to the reefs was
discussed with the locals as well as observation through diving.
14.5.
Findings
There is evidence of coral
bleaching observed along the reef system. The potential drivers and threat observed
during the survey include:
14.5.1.
Human
Activity- diving, and collection by mothers for producing lime (Kambang);
14.5.2.
Strong
wave action;
14.5.3.
Predatory
fish - parrot fishes; and
14.5.4.
Trees
and coconut stumps carried in by wave.
15. SUMMARY
In summary, the Blue Economy training
seeks to help participants attending the Blue Economy training to reconcile
economic development with environmental sustainability and social inclusion, by
recognizing the value of their sea and water as sources of economic
opportunities and as fundamental ecosystems for life on the planet.
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Figure 10: Some members of the Kaviak clan presenting their group’s views on Picture by Wenceslaus Magun |
16. CLIMATE
CHANGE
16.1. On Friday, November 14, 2025, Mr. Wenceslaus
Magun informed, educated, and empowered the participants on Climate Change issue.
16.2. What
is Climate Change?
16.2.1. Definition
Mr.
Magun informed participants that:
Climate
change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in
the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions.
But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of
climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil,
and gas. Burning fossil fuels generates
greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around the Earth,
trapping the sun’s heat and raising temperatures.
16.2.2. Greenhouse gases
The
participants learned that the main greenhouse gases that are causing climate
change include carbon dioxide and methane.
These come from using gasoline for driving a car or coal for heating a
building, for example. Clearing land and
cutting down forests can also release carbon dioxide. Agriculture, oil and gas operations are major
sources of methane emissions. Energy,
industry, transport, buildings, agriculture, and land use are among the main
sectors causing greenhouse gases.
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Figure 11: Wolan clan representatives presenting their views on climate Picture by Wenceslaus Magun |
16.2.3. Humans are responsible for global warming
Mr.
Magun informed the participants that climate scientists have showed that humans
are responsible for virtually all global heating over the last 200 years. Human activities like the ones mentioned
above are causing greenhouse gases that are warming the world faster than at
any time in at least the last two thousand years.
He
added that, the average temperature of the Earth’s surface is now about 1.2oC
warmer than it was in the late 1800s (before the industrial revolution) and
warmer than at any time in the last 100,000 years. The last decade (2011-2020) was the warmest
on record, and each of the last four decades has been warmer than any previous
decades since 1850.
“Many
people think climate change mainly means warmer temperatures. But temperatures rise is only the beginning
of the story. Because the Earth is a
system, where everything is connected.
Changes in one area can influence changes in all others. The consequences of climate change now
include, among others, intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising
sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms, and declining
biodiversity,” Mr. Magun added.
Figure 12: Australia is currently facing intense bush fire.
Source: Intense bush
fire webp
16.2.4. People are experiencing climate change in
diverse ways
The
participants learned that, climate change can affect human beings health,
ability to grow food, housing, safety and work.
“Some
of us are already more vulnerable to climate impacts, such as people living in
small island nations and other developing countries. Conditions like sea-level rise and saltwater
intrusion have advanced to the point where whole communities have had to
relocate. Protracted droughts are
putting people at risk of famine. In the
future, the number of people displaced by weather-related events is expected to
rise.” Mr. Magun stressed.
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| Figure 13: Mr. Tobias Mosen Duk, deputy chairman of Kaviak CBO playing a keyrole in coordinating all the training program. Picture by Wenceslaus Magun |
16.2.5. Every increase in global warming matters
Moreover, Mr. Magun informed the
participants that, in a series of UN reports, thousands of scientists and
government reviewers agreed that limiting global temperature rise to no more
than 1.5oC would help us avoid the worst climate impacts and
maintain a livable climate. Yet policies
currently in place point to up to 3.1oC of warming by the end of the
century.
He
informed the participants that, the emissions that cause climate change come
from every part of the world and affect everyone, but some countries produce
much more than others.
“The
six biggest emitters (China, the United States of America, India, the European
Union, the Russian Federation, and Brazil) together accounted for more than
half of all global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. By contrast, the 45 least developed countries
accounted for only 3 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
He
urged the participants to join others and take climate action at their local
community level.
Mr.
Magun stressed however, that people and countries creating more of the problem
have a greater responsibility to act first.
16.2.6. We face huge challenge but already know many
solutions
Mr.
Magun informed the participants that in the face of climate change challenges
there are also many climate change solutions.
These climate solutions, he said, can deliver economic benefits while
improving human lives and protect the environment.
“We
also have global frameworks and agreements to guide progress, such as the
Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change,
and the Paris Agreement. Three broad
categories of action are: cutting
emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and financing required adjustments,” he
added.
Mr.
Magun informed the participants that, switching energy systems from fossil
fuels to renewables like solar or wind will reduce the emissions driving
climate change.
“But
we have to act now,” he urged the participants.
He
said, while a growing number of countries is committing to net zero emissions
by 2050, emissions must be cut in half by 2030 to keep warming below 1.5oC.
“Achieving
this means huge declines in the use of coal, oil, and gas: production and consumption of all fossil
fuels need to be cut by at least 30 per cent by 2030 in order to prevent
catastrophic levels of climate change,” stressed Mr. Magun.
He
told the participants that, adapting to climate consequences protects people,
homes, businesses, livelihoods, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems.
“It
covers current impacts and those likely in the future,” Mr. Magun said.
Mr.
Magun concluded that adaptation is required everywhere, but must be prioritized
now for the most vulnerable people with the fewest resources to cope with
climate hazards.
“The
rate of return can be high. Early
warning systems for disasters, for instance, save lives and property, and can
deliver benefits up to 10 times the initial cost,” he gave as an example.
He
also indicated that in Tranche 3, MAKATA will support Kaviak villagers
establish their reef nurseries as a lead up to restoring their coral
reefs.
“This
exercise will be quite expensive in its initial stages but in the long term
Kaviak villagers will regain their corals, hopefully have plenty more fish to
catch for protein as well as for income.
This project will also contribute towards achieving some of the
Sustainable Development Goals,” he reiterated.
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Figure 14: Strong king tides and rising sea level continue to wash Kinim station and Kaviak village. Picture by Wenceslaus Magun |
16.3.
Key Discussion Points
The participants were
divided into clan groups to discuss key points they learned on this topic and
to present their views to the main group.
Here are some of the key points they raised:
16.3.1. Climate Change Impacts on Kaviak
Participants identified
several visible changes in their local environment. They pointed out:
16.3.1.A. Human
Activity: The participants pointed out that much of
the reefs were destroyed due to frequent harvesting of corals for lime making
to chew betelnuts;
16.3.1.B. Strong
Wave Action: The participants informed MAKATA of
the loss to their shorelines from Kinim government station all the way to
Kaviak Plantation as a result of ongoing king tides and rising sea levels over
many years;
16.3.1.C. Coral
harvesting for fish, shells and other marine creatures: The participants further pointed out additional
destructive practices leading to lower fish catch in the inner reefs. Some of these practices include breaking
corals in the process of searching for shells, fish speared and trapped in the
corals, catching octopus and other marine vertebrates and invertebrates for
protein.
16.3.1.D. Predatory fish - parrot
fishes eating corals contributed to the decline of healthy coral’s survival;
16.3.1.E. Trees
and coconut stumps carried in by waves have also contributed to the destruction
of their healthy corals.
17. BRIEF
WITH ACTING PROVINCIAL FISHERIES DIRECTOR
17.1.
On Wednesday, November
12, Wenceslaus had a briefing with the Acting Director for the Madang
Provincial Fisheries Sector, Mr. Greg Serar and his Project Coordinator Mr.
Mark Umunei at the Madang Lodge.
17.2.
He was informed on the
provincial fisheries sector’s master plan, which includes developing a
provincial fisheries sector plan, which is at present not in place.
17.3.
He was informed on the
China Sister City arrangement, and the establishment of the ‘Taliorai’, a
fishing company for the provincial fisheries sector.
17.4.
This company will
implement the provincial fisheries’ master plan, which covers both the inland
and coastal fisheries areas to support local fishermen and women in their blue
economic activities.
17.5.
According to Mr.
Serar, Taliorai will also engage in floating, and buying shares.He added that
Taliorai will embark in commercial fishing.
It will encourage local fishermen to fish, and sell their fish to
Taliorai. “This is to move from the
‘kitchen and seasonal’ fishing practices to a commercial scale fishing practice,”
he stressed.
17.6.
He pointed out that
Taliorai will build its infrastructure facilities in the coastal ports in all
the districts to buy fish from the local fishermen and women.
17.7.
Mr. Serar said the
master plan includes creating five positions at the district level. “The sector will create positions for program
managers and district fisheries officers with the aim of employing graduates
from the University of Natural Resources and Environment at Vudal, in East New
Britain Province.
17.8.
These officers will conduct
research and collect data of fish species in each zones and identify popular
species to breed for commercial purposes.
17.9.
“Taliorai will buy your fish for K10, sells it
at K12, gets its K2 and you get your K10,” he demonstrated.
17.10.
Mr. Serar said, Taliorai
will also establish a Special Economic Zone.
17.11.
The company will
declare its Fisheries Water, and collect fees from every vessel that trespasses
through its waters. “The fees will
depend on the length of the vessel,” he said.
18. SUMMARY
18.1.
The team left for
Kaviak on Thursday, November 13, and returned to Madang on Saturday, November
15 after conducting the Blue Economy, Madang Provincial Fisheries Sector’s
Master Plan and the Climate Change workshop.
18.2.
All the clan
representatives were issued with hard copies of the training manual and
e-copies with the Power Points in flash drives.
18.3.
On
Wednesday November 26, 2025, MAKATA delivered reefs restoration equipment and a
kayak to Kaviak to begin the reef restoration project activities.
18.4.
Thank
you to UNDP BCF for funding this project.
19. INDEX
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