By Lorraine Wohi
Former Managing Director of the Climate Change Authority, Ruel Yamuna has been appointed as the special envoy for Climate and Environment.
Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Wera Mori made the announcement on Thursday 27th January, following the recent National Executive Council approval.
The NEC in its recent meeting has approved a special Envoy for Climate Change and Environment, as one of the outcomes of the COP 26 meeting in Glasgow. Cabinet endorsed the establishment of a Secretariat to focus on mobilization of climate and environment funds externally.
Mr. Mori said building on the outcomes of the COP 26 in Glasgow and conclusion of the Paris Rulebook, PNG has to restructure its institutional framework to better take advantage of the opportunities through its bilateral and multilateral relations.
“Mr. Yamuna will also oversee the secretariat and manage international climate negotiations, while providing interface with respective development partners.
“I have confidence that he will perform with distinction in his new role, building on all the key milestones that were achieved for CCDA during his tenure.”
Restructure and reorganization of CEPA are first steps taken towards putting the two organizations on the pathway to deliver the following policy targets, including;
Enactment and Implementation of the Protected Areas Legislation after endorsement by cabinet,
Implementation of policy framework on financing green initiatives,
Establishment of Independent Biodiversity, Environment and Climate Change Trust Fund,
And the formulation of regulations to promote low pollution, sustainable development and a carbon neutral pathway for PNG in alignment with the Climate Change (Management) (Amendment) Act 2021
The Climate Secretariat led by Mr. Yamuna will now make sure that all the funds that are derived from any carbon stock in this country must be visible through one system.
Minister Mori said with Ernest Young and the coalition of rainforests coming on board to support PNG in its Carbon Trade market, the Secretariat would be on active play to ensure the trust fund is established and we can be able to market per carbon credit to the global community from the money that has been raised.