By Jason Wuri Gima of The National
THE Manus provincial government signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday with the University of PNG and partners from non-governmental organizations that will now see the implementation and effective delivery of sustainable development for the island province.
Governor Michael Sapau signed the MoU with representatives from The Nature Conservancy (TNC), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Centre for Locally Managed Areas (CLMA), Manus Civil Society Organization Forum (MCSF) and the University of PNG.
It is important to note that the Manus provincial government alone could not manage the challenges of climate change in the province without the support of national and international partners and the people.
The MoU is a significant milestone as we see all partners agree to work together to address the problems of climate and environmental issues.
The provincial government acknowledges the contribution of NGOs and community-based organizations recently in Manus in collaboration with the provincial administration in the true spirit of public private partnerships.
Michael Sapau, Manus Governor
Sapau said some communities in Manus had shown concern over the rapid decline in their marine resources and bio-diversity as a result of commercialization and rapid population increase.
As a result of severe rise in sea levels in late November 2008, Olive Capital, a national company, was tasked by the Manus government to help draft the provincial climate change and environment policy but the work was left half done because of unaffordable consultancy cost.
In early 2009, the Pere people launched the first community-based marine conservation organization now known as locally managed marine area.
Sapau
He said the MoU that was signed would remain a paper effort unless they embraced it seriously and made it work.