NTU has signed the contract for The Ports Enabling Framework Consultants package, and will help bring crucial climate resilience solutions to Papua New Guinea, helping secure the country’s ports and coastal assets. 

Crucial climate resilience

The Independent State of Papua New Guinea is one of the islands in the Pacific. Like its neighboring Pacific Islands, the country is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, cyclones, river flooding, coastal erosion, landslides, droughts and frost. Papua New Guinea has also been buffeted by extreme climate changes, which have resulted in an increase in sea level and a change in the weather patterns. With 85% of the country’s 7 million people relying on agriculture, the increased sea levels, caused by climate change, are impacting peoples livelihood and threatening the future development of the country. In order to preserve its coastal assest, the country is now set to implement sustainable methods for climate proofing.

The Ports Enabling Framework

NTU will carry out assessments to review the current climate change vulnerabilities and risks facing ports in PNG. This will include undertaking vulnerability assessments of coastal infrastructure; institutional and training needs assessment regarding the integration of climate change risk management in port operations; assessment of existing policy provisions; and a review of experiences and lessons from other countries in climate compatible design, construction and maintenance practices.

Based on these assessments, climate proofing and steps to improve the connectivity at the Alotau Provincial Wharf will be carried out. The team will support the implementing authorities during the procurement process, ensuring that the chosen contractor is suitable and technically compliant. The team will  also support the PNG Ports Corporation Limited with their development of an enabling framework, in which climate change interventions are incorporated into the routine business activities of those responsible for the development and maintenance of the country’s ports and coastal assets.