ALM UNDP

Summary:

PACC Papua New Guinea- Design underground irrigation systems to help PNG adapt to current and future drought situations that may be worsened by climate change

Lowland dry sub-humid region of Central Province was declared a state of emergency in 1997 as concern over the food situation of the country mounted. Official reports showed up to one million people were affected by the drought conditions and food shortages. Large numbers of people who relied on home gardens were reported to have deserted villages in search for food. Practical guidance from the PACC will be provided to design underground irrigation networks to help the people adapt to current drought situations and future rainfall regimes.

The overall PACC project will implement long-term adaptation measures to increase the resilience of a number of key development sectors in the Pacific islands to the impacts of climate change. This objective will be achieved by focusing on adaptation response strategies, policies and measures to bring about this result. The key development sectors this project will focus on are:

1.      water resources management;
2.      food production and food security; and
3.      coastal zone and associated infrastructure (roads and breakwater).

To ensure sustainability of the project, regional and national adaptation financing instruments will constitute a fourth component of the project

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