West Sepik is the third province to begin preparations for a six-year US$63.4 million Green Climate Fund programme aimed at protecting forests, strengthening climate resilience and improving community livelihoods.

The provincial inception workshop was launched in Vanimo on November 10 by the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the West Sepik Provincial Administration.

The programme recognises Papua New Guinea’s achievements in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, while ensuring communities benefit from protecting their forests.

Newly appointed CCDA Managing Director Debra Sungi said the programme would give communities an opportunity to identify their development priorities, particularly in sustainable agriculture, food security and climate resilience.

Ms. Sungi, who is also CCDA’s first female Managing Director, said establishing a West Sepik Provincial Climate Change Committee would strengthen local ownership and coordination of climate initiatives.

West Sepik Provincial Administrator Timothy Diklan reaffirmed the province’s commitment to establishing the committee and working with CCDA, district administrations and communities.

FAO Chief Technical Advisor Dr Itofumi Abe said the US$63.4 million funding, approved in July 2025, recognised PNG’s verified reductions in emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

The programme will run for six years across six provinces: West Sepik, East Sepik, West New Britain, Western, Chimbu and Hela.

The inception process in West Sepik follows consultations with seven communities across Nuku, Aitape-Lumi and Vanimo-Green districts.