John Pundari

At the launch of Brian Bell Group’s paper bag initiative, former Minister for Environment & Conservation, John Pundari, and Managing Director of the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, Gunther Joku, said they await on advice from the State Solicitors to guide them as they had authorised certain manufacturers of plastic shopping bags in PNG with permits from 22 to 25 years.

Minister responsible for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, John Pundari, said this when officially opening the event yesterday (Aug 21).

The symposium focuses on ‘Overcoming the Challenges of an Uncertain Future with Enhanced Climate Information Services’.

He said apart from making the environment look untidy, plastic bags are just too harmful.

Parkop’s statement follows the international theme for the World Environment Week, “Beat Plastic Pollution”.

“We are developing a bad habit, bad culture and bad attitude,” said the Governor.

“We are making money more important than the natural environment.”
Parkop said 18 months have been given to plastic firms but after that, he urged Minister Pundari to ‘just ban it’. 

“No more excuses,” said the Governor.

Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Environment and Conservation, John Pundari, and his Australian counterpart, Environment and Energy Minister, Josh Frydenberg, have both signed the Papua New Guinea-Australia Climate Change Action Plan.

Through this agreement, both countries acknowledge their mutual commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement, which reinforces stronger regional cooperation to address climate change risks whilst also contributing to mitigating climate change.

The Act is set to be reviewed in the coming weeks, says Minister for Environment and Conservation, John Pundari.

Pundari said he has given instructions to immediately work on the review of the act to make changes that will ensure the conservation of the environment, which is also in the best interest of the people.

The minister was referring to fines and disciplinary actions against companies or organisations that breach the laws set under the environment act.

The ban will be re-introduced this year, outlawing all plastic bags, both degradable and non-degradable.

Minister Pundari announced this stating it is in the best interest of the environment, especially marine life.

The ban was initially announced in 2014 but was halted due to financial constraints and lack of management.

He noted that there are about 460,000 kilograms of plastic bags imported or manufactured every year and the amount of plastic bag waste in the country is shocking!

This was the main point raised recently during the official ending of the Adaptation Fund Project product launching.

This project was to enhance the adaptive capacity of communities to climate change-related floods in the North Coast and Islands Region of Papua New Guinea.

Despite the project ending, coastal communities have recognised the destruction of some of the main climate resilient environmental ecosystems, including mangroves.

The Plan includes a number of undertakings which must be completed before the end of the year.

Pundari made the announcement during a gathering hosted by the CCDA to welcome Pundari who was reappointed to the Ministry by the O’Neill led coalition.

He said over the next 100 days a series of prioritizations will be made on what areas need immediate attention.

Pundari said the prioritization will ensure that unnecessary costs are reduced and that there is alignment and cohesion within the CCDA in carrying out those objectives.

Kua successfully retains seat!

Kerenga Kua has successfully retained his seat as MP for Sinasina-Yongumugl in Chimbu Province.

http://www.looppng.com/elections/kua-successfully-retains-seat-63372

First from Enga to be declared

John Pundari was the first Member to be declared winner in Enga Province for the Kompiam-Ambum Open seat on Thursday afternoon.