Port Moresby – The Northern (Oro) Province in Papua New Guinea is prone to the impacts of climate change and several natural hazards such as volcanic activity, floods, droughts, and strong winds that have affected and displaced several communities in the past.

The threats of climate change and exposure to natural hazards, among other factors, require joint efforts to address the risks and build resilience. In its efforts to build resilience to disasters, the Northern Provincial Administration, through the Northern Provincial Disaster Centre, continues to work in partnership with the National Disaster Centre, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and partners to implement disaster risk management (DRM) initiatives.

Such initiatives include disaster awareness, drills, and community-based disaster risk management planning and implementation.

The Northern province achieved a positive milestone through the launch of its Provincial DRM strategy on 18 November 2022. The development and launch of the Northern Provincial DRM strategy was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“I would like to thank USAID and IOM for being active in disaster management issues in the country. The effects of climate change and sea level rise are evident, and the frequency of disasters is likely to increase. We have to be mindful of this reality to better prepare and continue to educate our communities on disasters,” said the Governor for Northern Province, Honourable Garry Jufa. 

Developed with the technical support from the NDC, IOM, and partners, the Northern Provincial DRM strategy aligns with Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework (2017–2030) and Sendai Framework as well as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Disaster Risk Reduction Plan, following best international practices regarding resilience building.

“Disaster management is a responsibility for us all and I would like to commend the provincial disaster team for the excellent effort in developing and launching this strategy. On behalf of the provincial administration, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to USAID for the financial support,” noted Trevor Magei, Northern’s Provincial Administrator.

“Managing disasters is not only for the Provincial Disaster Centre. We need support from various sources, including our partners, and it is through such support that we can better manage emergency situations,” highlighted Nohoro Akai, Northern’s Provincial Disaster Coordinator.

“This DRM strategy is a living document and will help us to advance risk reduction efforts, including responding to emergency situations,” added Nohoro.

“We congratulate the Northern Provincial Administration and the Northern Provincial Disaster Centre for taking the important step by launching the Provincial Disaster Risk Management Strategy,” said Serhan Aktoprak, Chief of Mission, IOM Papua New Guinea. “The document provides a strong roadmap for the Northern Province to move ahead to implement disaster risk management initiatives from planning through completion. The Strategy also represents a unique opportunity to streamline efforts across the provincial bodies, civil society organizations and communities towards ensuring sustainable and resilient societies,” he added.

The launch was attended by various stakeholders including staff from the Northern Provincial Administration, Provincial Health, Chamber of Commerce, police, local community members, partners, and the media.

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For further information, please contact at IOM Port Moresby, Getachew Mekuria, Tel: +675 4 3213655 Email: gmekuria@iom.int or Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int

SDGs: 10, 11, 17