PM's Special Envoy to Portugal to Discuss PNG's Efforts to Protect Oceans

Papua New Guinea will discuss the recently approved Global Climate Fund component, among others, at the Second United Nations Oceans Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.

Other agendas PNG will bring to the table include, the approval and implementation of the maritime transportation bills, particularly the use of the Jomard Passage in Milne Bay Province by large vessels . 

PNG has also implemented the ban on single use plastic bags as a way forward to protect the health of its oceans. 

Secretary for the Department of Justice and Attorney-General, Dr. Eric Kwa, said he was humbled to be appointed by Prime Minister James Marape, as his special envoy, to represent the country at this auspicious week-long international oceans event.

Special Envoy Kwa is expected to present the PNG Country Statement this Tuesday.

He stated that as the Chairman of the National Oceans Committee, he is well versed with the oceans issues as well as the agendas that are to be presented at the Conference that impacts the livelihood of Papua New Guineans. 

Dr. Kwa said in their interactive dialogues he expects to provide separate but intense and specific reports with the support from PNG's respective sector agencies and the wider implications of the challenges the country's oceans face, in the various meetings they will attend.

The First UN Oceans Conference was held in 2017, in New York. 

However, the PNG Oceans Policy was only passed and implemented in 2020. 

In this Second Oceans Conference, PNG will discuss the recently approved Global Climate Fund component, the approval and implementation of the maritime transportation bills, particularly the use of the Jomard Passage in Milne Bay Province by large vessels. 

PNG has also also implemented the ban on single use plastic bags as a way forward to protect the health of its oceans. 

Meantime, Dr. Kwa said they will also in this Conference aim to impress to the United Nations on the use of the UN Sustainable Development Fund to empower the SMEs, particularly the local fisherman in PNG.

He added that he will also agree that PNG is implementing the goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goal, which is the overarching framework of the conference.

Statement / NBC / PNG Today 

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