Vanimo, WSP: Caritas PNG staff have wrapped up a baseline survey in the wake of the Papal visit on the 22nd of September 2024 at two parishes for its upcoming climate change project, Community-Led Environmental Adaption and Response (CLEAR) Programme.
The Programme, made possible through support by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand focuses on helping some of Papua New Guinea’s most vulnerable and remote communities reduce the risks posed by climate change while enhancing the resilience of both the people and the natural environment to deal with current and future challenges.
In one project site, Utai Parish, located in the Amanab Local Level Government area within the Vanimo Green District, Diocesan Caritas Coordinator for Vanimo diocese, Mr. Tony Inikre conducted an awareness session. He encouraged locals to take an active role by forming a Parish CLEAR Project Committee, which would oversee the project’s implementation in Utai Parish. Following this, the CPNG team then carried out the baseline survey with locals at Utai Catholic Mission Station at the Parish Church.
PHOTO: Vanimo Diocesan Caritas Coordinator addressing the Utai parishioners at the St Anthony church in preparation for the survey.
On hand to witness and help coordinate the baseline survey at Utai Parish was Nursing Officer Sr. Susan Esis from the Utai Health Sub Centre and the Parish Priest, Fr. Luigi Win.
The Parish Priest pointed out that the rivers traditionally used for drinking and cooking have become unsafe due to logging operations upstream and expressed that there was a real need for improving water management practices.
"Mi hamamas tru lo Caritas PNG kam lo Utai lo halpim ol komuniti blo mipela wantaim dispela (CLEAR) project," he added.
Meanwhile, the nursing officer highlighted that Malaria and Yaws are frequently reported at the local health facility, indicated that there is need for safe water management practices.
Similar awareness and baseline were also conducted in Lietre Parish on the 21st of September 2024.
The information gathered from these consultations will aid Caritas PNG in planning and executing project activities in both parishes.
Caritas PNG has two remaining baseline surveys to conduct for the CLEAR Programme in the Aitape Diocese, before project implementation goes into full swing.
PHOTO: CPNG staff conducting the survey with Lietre community members.
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