Papua New Guinea's (PNG) most vulnerable communities will soon benefit from strengthened disaster preparedness with the launch of a new initiative to predict and respond to natural disasters.
The Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific Phase II (BSRP II) project, officially launched at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby, will strengthen PNG's ability to detect, monitor, and communicate life-saving information when disasters strike.
The PNG launch is part of the broader EUR 14 million initiative funded by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund, which aims to reduce the impacts of disasters and increase resilience across 14 Pacific Island countries and Timor Leste. PNG's unique geography-situated along major tectonic plate boundaries and subject to both volcanic activity and extreme weather events-makes this project particularly crucial for the nation's sustainable development.
"This isn't just about resilience-it's about creating a technological shield for our most vulnerable citizens," said Mr. Hari John Akipe, Secretary for the Department of Defence and Chairman of PNG's National Disaster Committee.
"With these advancements, communities that have historically been cut off during disasters-including persons with disabilities and the elderly-will now be connected to potentially life-saving early warnings."
Implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC), BSRP has identified PNG's unique challenges and opportunities, focusing on five interconnected technological and systemic improvements:
- Establishment of a state-of-the-art National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre with specialised equipment and a dedicated coordinator.
- Comprehensive upgrade of seismic monitoring capabilities, including modernising the Lae Seismic Station from short-period to broadband operation.
- Creation of PNG's first integrated database for tracking vulnerable populations during disasters.
- Development of a Climate Resilience School Infrastructure Policy with digital monitoring tools.
- Implementation of targeted digital communication systems for disaster alerts.
SPC's Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division Director, Mrs. Rhonda Robinson, emphasised the project's collaborative approach: "Today's launch represents another significant milestone in our shared commitment to building resilient Pacific communities. By strengthening early warning systems, improving infrastructure, and ensuring inclusive disaster planning, we are helping to safeguard lives and livelihoods across the region."
The European Union's Head of Delegation to Papua New Guinea, Mr. Jacques Frandin, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting disaster resilience in the Pacific region; "This project exemplifies the strong partnership between the European Union, SPC, and Pacific nations in addressing our shared challenges of climate change and natural disasters."
The project's National Steering Committee in Papua New Guinea includes representatives from the National Disaster Centre, National Weather Service, Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory, Department of Community Development and Religion, and Department of National Education.
Planned activities for 2025 include:
- Equipment procurement for the National Multi-Hazard Early Warning Centre
- Upgrading the National Disaster Centre's Information Management System
- Enhancing the Lae Seismic Station
- Re-establishing a database for vulnerable populations
- Implementing targeted awareness programs
The BSRP II project is scheduled to continue until November 2026, with similar initiatives being implemented across 14 Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste.