IOM: address climate change effects at community level

International Organisations of Migration Chief of Mission to PNG James David addressing Parmel Community, in the Nondugul LLG, North Waghi District about the growing issues of climate change and impacts of it. *(Image: NBC News / John Wena Dilu)*

The International Organization of Migration says bottom-up approach is necessary to address the effects of natural disasters in rural areas.

An IOM team recently visited Jiwaka province to strengthen collaborations with Natural Disaster Centre office, outlined that climate change is one of the major disasters affecting many communities in the country.

IOM chief of mission to PNG James David first-hand approaches to address climate changes effects will be taken at the community level with the establishment of care centre facilities.

David said implementing proper community risk management plans in disaster-prone areas, with disaster authorities to identify the communities being at risk of disaster situations, would help to plan ahead.

The IOM will subsequently work with communities in Jiwaka to set-up an evacuation centre, seeding a ground range of sustainable development programs for the communities.

James David IOM Chief of Mission to PNG (right) and Mohamud Omer - IOM (left) together with the Parmel Community Development Association members with the Parmel Community Care centre building stand out at the back that was funded by the IOM through its office base in Jiwaka in partnership with the Jiwaka Provincial Disaster Office. *(Image: NBC News / John Wena Dilu)*

David said the bottom-up approach is to work directly with locals and the provincial authority in addressing disaster risk management processes.

Jiwaka provincial disaster coordinator John Kupul urged IOM to pay special attention to Jiwaka due to its geographical setting and vast landmass, which play an important role in accommodating other provinces to seek refuge from tribal fights and natural disaster.

Kupul said increasing migration of people is a burden for the province with limited services the new province receives from the government.

The IMO team led by David visited Minj to improve the work of mitigating climate change and to pave way for assistance from donor agencies like European Union.

David went to Parmel community to give a first-hand visit to an evacuation centre or safe house that was funded through the IOM Programs in partnership with the Natural Disaster Centre in Jiwaka.