Assessing the effectiveness of climate change programmes and project implementation in Papua New Guinea A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Geography at the University of Canterbury by Peter Konam Bosip Department of Geography 2012 Abstract Papua New Guinea has faced a challenge to subsistence livelihoods caused by the rapidly changing climate since the early 1990s. In response to the challenges, PNG has adopted and promoted the adaptation concept since 2007. The adaptation initiatives have taken place at various levels, by a number of responsible groups and institutions: state institutions have targeted policy development while the local communities have initiated projects to overcome the changing environment. Since the programmes and projects happen at various levels, this study aims to assess and gain insights into the experiences of those stakeholders who are directly involved in implementation, to see whether community projects complement or challenge government programmes. A case study approach to data gathering was employed to gain qualitative insights into the challenges and opportunities experienced. In-depth interviews, general observations, and online questionnaires were employed for primary data collection. Data collected were analysed to identify the common issues experienced. The study found that community initiated projects do not intuitively correlate with government established programmes. There is no clear mechanism established between government and communities to work in partnership to address climate change impacts at the community level. Communities initiate and implement projects based on their own local knowledge and circumstances. To encourage and enable communities to achieve the maximum expected outcome, state institutions and other stakeholders would need to support and build skills and technical capacity. Such an effort would require the integration of different stakeholders’ programmes so that effectiveness can be achieved through coordinated efforts. Effectiveness of climate change adaptation programmes and project implementation in Papua New ii Guinea- 2012 Acknowledgement It has been a journey for me to achieve this goal in advancing my academic career and I am indebted to the kindness and support from individuals, organisations and communities that have assisted in every way in this study. For technical advise, support and commenting on my thesis writing: my supervisors Professor Eric Pawson, and Dr. Garth Robert Cant of the University of Canterbury. My heartfelt thank you to the staff at International Student Support Service in University of Canterbury for their unselfish support and advise; namely, Sarah Beaven, Stephen Harte, Mohammad Zeiden and Heather Knox. Also my thank you to Dr. John Duguman of the University of Papua New Guinea and Dr. Richard Hindmarsh of Griffith University for their guidance and provision of reference materials; a community volunteer of Upper Riccarton Methodist Church for proofreading sections of my manuscript; Kenn Mondia and Rufus Mahuru of Partners with Melanesians, Theresa Kas, and Manuai Matawai of The Nature Conservancy for responding positively to my emails and making contacts with communities of OnaKeto and Pere for my field work; and to Damien Ase and Godfrey Yerua for supporting me in my wish to continue studies here in New Zealand. I thank my sponsor NZAid for providing me the opportunity through its Development Scholarship to study in New Zealand; the Geography Department Research Grant Committee and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) for their financial support to assist me in conducting my field work in Papua New Guinea; and Dame Meg Taylor for supporting air travel between Port Moresby and Goroka. My sincere appreciation to my beloved wife Christina and our children, Johnny Kare, Verolyne Konsy, Garth Kulangie and Cicinurus Kopunamb for their compassion, fun and support for the entire study period. I also extend my warm gratitude to Elizabeth Cant and the congregation members of Upper Riccarton Methodist Church, Christchurch for their prayers and support. Participant organisations and individuals for supporting field work in Papua New Guinea or data collection on the subject: The Ward Councillors of Pere village, the Chairman of Pere Alalau Association, and the Board of Directors of OnaKeto Peoples Foundation, the community members of Pere, Fatau, Kenangi, Mangiro and Foindomo villages for accepting me to carry out my research in their communities; Wildlife Conservation Society, CELCOR, WWF, OCCD, RCF, DNPM, Ruth Pune, Jenny Tumun, John Kuange, James Sabi, Vagi Rei, and Arthur Ganubella for responding to questions and personal assistance in my research; Pada David Kanumbom and family, Roslyn Mill and family, Josephine Mill and family, Ms Merilyn Mill, Maria Kulunga and family, Mr. Carroll Poyep, John and Lucy Ambang, POM Tsenglap yewalwal, and Martin Zeng of Kefamo for accommodation and logistic supports. Effectiveness of climate change adaptation programmes and project implementation in Papua New iii Guinea- 2012 A very special acknowledgement to my father and mother inlaw: Arnold and Ovin Mek of Malapau peles (Kokopo) for their endless support, both in PNG and New Zealand whenever I and my family needed support. With their kind assistance, many foreseeable stresses had been relieved and that enabled me to concentrate on my studies. Finally but not the least, I would like to acknowledge and dedicate this thesis to those who have nurtured and supported me throughout my life and study: my poster parents- Maria Margaret Wulum, and late Wasnite Paulus Numanjinga; my parents - Michael Bosip Konam and late mum Maria Susanna Mol. Without you I would not have been where I am now. Poroporo ka wei kerma ne ngond! Effectiveness of climate change adaptation programmes and project implementation in Papua New iv Guinea- 2012 Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgement ............................................................................................................. iii Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ v List of Tables ................................................................................................................... viii List of Figures .................................................................................................................. viii Appendices ......................................................................................................................... ix Acronyms ........................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background to research - climate change in Papua New Guinea ............................. 1 1.2 Country overview...................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Research aim and objectives ..................................................................................... 6 1.4 Rationale for this study and the selection of case studies ......................................... 7 1.5 Scope of the study ................................................................................................... 10 1.6 Outline of the thesis and organization of chapters .................................................. 10 1.7 Research interests and self confessions .................................................................. 12 Chapter 2: Conceptual frameworks for understanding climate change in PNG and enabling mechanisms for successful adaptation: a review ............................................... 16 2.1 The meaning of climate change adaptation and its conceptual issues: a PNG perspective .................................................................................................................... 17 2.2 Overview of climate change issues in PNG ............................................................ 19 2.3 The political system ................................................................................................ 22 2.3.1. PNG’s political and governance system ......................................................... 22 2.3.2. The government’s service delivery mechanism ............................................... 24 2.4 Overview of the pros and cons of centrally versus community driven projects ..... 26 2.5 Chapter summary and conclusion ........................................................................... 29 Chapter 3: Global climate change politics and PNG’s undertakings locally: An analysis 30 3.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 30 3.2. PNG’s position in the international climate change debates and dealings ............ 31 3.3. The viable option for climate change response areas: Mitigation or adaptation ... 36 3.4. Why PNG Government works with NGOs ............................................................ 39 3.5. Chapter summary ................................................................................................... 45 Chapter 4: Research Methodology...................................................................................