Deliverables: 2.1.B.1 Lead
participatory risk mapping exercise
across C-CAP communities &
2.1.C.1 Update community hazard,
risk and/or vulnerability maps
This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID). It was prepared by the Coastal Community Adaptation Project
(C-CAP) implemented by DAI for USAID/Pacific Islands.
March 2013
INTRODUCTION
From mid November 2012 through early February the C-CAP technical team carried out
participatory risk and infrastructure assessments and mapping in five communities in each of CCAP’s year one counties of Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.
A standard methodology was developed and used in each of the communities to determine first,
what climate related impacts are being faced by the communities and secondly, what community
infrastructure whether built or natural was being affected by climate change related events. The
C-CAP Community Engagement Methodology can be found in Annex 1.
The climate change risks and infrastructure information gathered was registered in a geo-spatial
format using a simple Google maps platform where both images and text were incorporated to
provide important information regarding both the risks and infrastructure identified by the
community members.
The following report documents each of the twenty community sessions by country and
summarizes the information provided by community members in each of the workshop sessions.
This information will first be used in the development of a C-CAP Infrastructure Prioritization
Index. The index, to be tested in March 2013, will assist communities in deciding what climate
change adaptation projects they would like to undertake. The risk and infrastructure mapping
information will also help the communities develop longer term disaster risk reduction strategies
and land use plans while incorporating climate predictions including precipitation, storm surge,
high tide events and sea level rise.
Papua New Guinea
Working closely with the Office of Climate Change and Development (OCCD) and their
Adaptation department the C-CAP project team and OCCD staff facilitated Risk Mapping
exercises in five coastal villages in the Central and National Capital Districts of Papua New
Guinea. Prior to contacting the village authorities, C-CAP consulted with the other new USAID
program, MARSH and WWF technical staff in order to coordinate efforts and explore possible
collaborative activities. Given previous work in several Central Province villages and good
receptivity from the local authorities the following communities were identified: Gabagaba,
Tubusereia, Pari, Boera and Lealea. During the first half of December 2012 and early January
2013 a joint C-CAP and OCCD team visited each community to conduct one day risk mapping
exercises.
Each community meeting was organized by the village Councilor, the official government
representative. Councilors asked a representative group of village members to participate in the
exercises to include women, elders, youth and disabled in order to get a representative view of
each village.
Background
Papua New Guinea consists of the eastern half of New Guinea Island and about 700 offshore
islands between the equator and 12°S, and 140°E–160°E. At 462 243 km2, Papua New Guinea is
the largest of the 15 Pacific Climate Change Science Program Partner Countries. The country’s
geography is diverse and, in places, extremely rugged. A spine of mountains, the New Guinea
Highlands, runs the length of New Guinea Island, which is mostly covered with tropical
-3-
rainforest. Dense rainforests can also be found in the lowland and coastal areas as well as the
very large wetland areas surrounding the Sepik and Fly Rivers. The highest peak is Mount
Wilhelm at 4697 m (Papua New Guinea Country Statistics, SOPAC, 2010). The population of
Papua New Guinea is approximately 6 744 955, with 40% living in the highlands and 18% in
urban areas. The capital, Port Moresby, is located in the south-east and has a population of
approximately 500 000.
Eighty-five percent of the population live a subsistence lifestyle in rural areas. These people
depend on traditional agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods. Mining and oil production are
the main sources of revenue for Papua New Guinea, accounting for 60% of export earnings and
20% of government revenue. Agricultural crops are still a major source of revenue, in particular
copra (Papua New Guinea is the biggest producer in the South Pacific), coffee, palm oil and
cocoa. Export of forestry products, once among the country’s main sources of revenue, has
declined in recent years. (Source: Chapter 11- Climate Change in the Pacific: Scientific
Assessment and New Research, Australia’s Pacific Climate Change Science Program, 2011)
The Central Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is particularly vulnerable to climate change
impacts due to the accelerated increases in population from the interior. Many are flocking to
the capital in search of employment by companies in the expanding mining and petroleum
sectors. The cost of food and lodging in the capital is so high that many, including public
servants, have no choice but to live in the surrounding villages where housing options are less
costly. This population pressure translates into a heavy demand for land and natural resources
in the neighboring communities. This additional stress will only intensify problems associated
with a changing climate such as damage to crops from extremes in rainfall, wind and drought
and a drop in fish availability from coral reef degradation and bleaching. An already acute land
tenure problem will only be acerbated by climate change related risks and effects.
Recurring concerns surrounding climate change related issues included longer droughts, stronger
and more regular? flooding events, increased storm intensity, accelerated coastal erosion,
stronger king tide events and sea level rise. The need for potable water was expressed in all
communities where for several months in the year the population is dependent on water trucked
in from Port Moresby at very high costs. Those who cannot afford the trucked water must drink
contaminated water from boreholes or rainwater catchment tanks. Many cited waterborne
diseases like diarrhea, typhoid and malaria as common health issues.
The following sections summarize the information provided by each of the communities during
the participatory risk identification sessions. They are a result of a standard community
engagement methodology developed by the C-CAP team prior to visiting with each community.
The methodology can be found in Annex 1.
Gabagaba
The village of Gabagaba is located approximately 80 km south of Port Moresby. It is a bedroom
community for some working in the capital who cannot afford the very high costs of lodging in
the city. The population of the village is estimated at around 2,000. Contact with the village
leaders was facilitated by the Office of Climate Change and Development who recommended a
long time local partner, Felix Mavaru Morea to accompany the C-CAP team to Gabagaba after
making contact with village leaders to request their participation. The government official in
Gabagaba, Councillor - Joe Kila was an active participant in the mapping exercise on the 17th of
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November 2012. The session was attended by 20 participants, which included women leaders,
elders, and youth.
Risk Identification
The session started with a general open discussion on risks and impacts due to climate change.
The C-CAP team reviewed the causes of global warming and its effects on climate. Several
examples from the United States were provided to help focus the discussion. After the general
overview, the members of the community were asked to provide examples of risks and impacts
that they have been experiencing which may also be attributable to global warming and its
effects. The following list was provided during the brainstorming session:
Global Warming Impacts
Unpredictable weather – There are no longer two distinct seasons with drought and rain now
coming at random periods. This is having a negative impact on traditional knowledge as the
natural indicators like animal movements are no longer accurate. This is resulting in less
communication and information sharing between generations. Wind patterns are changing and
impacting fishing by driving stocks away.
Precipitation Pattern Changes
Increased incidence of flooding with poor drainage has resulted in sanitation problems from
standing water. This is compounded with poor sewage management. Drought is affecting
agriculture and drinking water supplies and heat waves are more frequent.
Natural Disasters
Corals are dying/ bleaching and fishers must go farther to get fish. Overfishing with small mesh
nets is depleting fisheries. Coastal soil and beach loss from wave action and higher king tides
compounded by mangrove deforestation is leaving little vegetation in the coastal zone to protect
the community.
Image 1: Erosion of coastal lands risks destroying homes and livelihoods such as this pig pen on the right of the image. More images from
Gabagaba can be found here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90755241@N08/sets/72157632198145584/detail/
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Economic, Social and Water Infrastructure Mapping
The community was then asked to identify their local infrastructure and its vulnerabilities to
climate change impacts by dividing it into three categories Economic, Social and Coastal &
Water infrastructure. In four groups, they then made hand drawn maps of the infrastructure they
had identified as important to the community. See Annex 1 for the maps. Representatives of the
community then accompanied the C-CAP team in geo-referencing and photographing the
infrastructure and risks identified by the group in the brainstorming sessions. Located below is a
screenshot of the simple Global Positioning System (GPS) data in the free Google Maps internet
mapping application which can be consulted by following the link provided. Following the
screenshot is the list of infrastructure as presented and analyzed by the community.
Image 2: Gabagaba Climate Change Risk Map, with geo-referenced economic, social and water and coastal infrastructure points, photographs
and risk profiles. Interactive map can be found here: http://goo.gl/maps/ipvQa
Economic Infrastructure
Table 1: Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability

Fishing boats –
mooring/jetties
Fish are an important source of food and income
2.
Informal roadside
stores/open market
Income generation for mostly women
3.
Trade stores
4.
Bus stop for people
1.

House jetties are susceptible to storms, surge
and waves
Boats are thrown against house posts in bad
weather

Rain, wind and heat limit the amount of time
that people can be out selling small goods
Access to manufactured goods for those who cannot
afford the transport costs into the capital

Flooding to the point of stopping goods from
entering the village for 3-4 days at a time
Major source of revenue for many in Gabagaba who

No shelter from flooding and storms. In very
-6going mostly to Port
Moresby to work
commute ever day
bad flooding the bridge is submerged and
vehicles cannot make it to the village
Social Infrastructure
Table 2: Social Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Churches (6)
Community unification, moral guidance and stability

Coastal erosion, river flooding and storm
damage
2.
School – Gabagaba
primary
Lower cost education for children in Gabagaba for
parents who cannot send them elsewhere


Flooding from the river
Overflowing sewage and risk of spreading
disease
3.
Clinic – Aid Post
Health services for the population


Flooding from the river and high tide events
Low quality construction with risks of wind
damage and salt spray corrosion
4.
Women’s Fellowship
Hall
Gathering for women’s meetings to organize events

Low quality construction with risks of storm
damage
Low lying flood area

5.
Sports Field

Good for organizing youth and teaching them about
team building and sportsmanship
Major flooding from the river especially during
high tide
Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Table 3: Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Sirovai river
A source of fresh water for washing and sometimes for
drinking and cooking in times of drought

High rainfall increases flooding potential and
erosion of banks
2.
Rainwater tanks
Personal tanks but can be shared in times of need


Longer droughts will leave them dry
Corrosion from sea spray
3.
Hand pumps to
boreholes
Four in the community but they are not functioning
properly

When working they can be contaminated
with salt water intrusion / foul smell
4.
Main water
distribution system
and 10,000 liter
tank
Was the main water source for the village. Supplied by
a pump over 5 kilometers away before it was sabotaged

Corrosion and coastal erosion destroyed the
piping system and the main tank
5.
Jetty
Used for boat commerce to and from Port Moresby. A
potential emergency access route to the capital.

Coastal erosion has cut off the road making it
inaccessible and the stone jetty is in disrepair
6.
Cemetery
Where the community buries their dead. There is no
other location in Gabagaba


Coastal and riverine erosion
Sea level rise and extreme tidal events
7.
Households
High tide access is not good and getting worse

Flooding resulting in human waste flowing
out of pit latrines
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Tubusereia
Tubusereia is a large village with an estimated 4,000 inhabitants. Its proximity to Port Moresby
at less than 50 kilometers, makes it an area where people working in the capital come to look for
more affordable housing. The townspeople say the population pressure is very important with
more and more people coming from the interior of the country. As economic conditions worsen,
many landowners are forced to lease their land to others for rental income. The Councillor, Vagi
Morea welcomed the C-CAP team and interested 32 people to participate in the risk mapping
exercise.
Risk Identification
The group was asked to provide examples of risks associated with climate change after the CCAP team provided some explanations regarding the effects of global warming. The following
risks and impacts were shared by the members of the group:
Global Warming Impacts
Coastal erosion has washed many coconut trees into the ocean. Winds seem to be getting
stronger with 1 house destroyed and 3 roofs blown off in recent storms. King tides have become
more powerful and a number of houses were damaged by high waves. The tides are pushing
more of the human waste and pollution thrown out of houses on posts, onto the land.
Precipitation Pattern Changes
Droughts are longer and rainwater catchment does not provide enough water to make it through
the dry season. Many will drink contaminated water from the bottom of rain tanks and cases of
typhoid and dehydration are becoming more common. Gardens are becoming harder to tend
because of the lack of rain. Yields of bananas and yams are going down and one variety of yam
called Toyota has completely disappeared. Coconut trees are getting sick and this is thought to
be provoked by stress from the drought. Mango production has also decreased. During the rainy
season flooding occurs more often and pit toilets will overflow into the village.
Natural Disasters
Fish sizes and quantity are decreasing and coral reefs are dying. This is compounded by
dynamite fishing and overfishing. Approximately 20% of the households in Tubusereia depend
on fishing to supplement their income and the number is fast declining due to the scarcity of fish.
Deforestation in the hills and in the coastal zone is increasing and contributing to the force with
which waves and winds hit the village. Poverty and overpopulation are compounding the
problem as people do not have the financial resources to buy fuel and must get it from cutting
trees and mangroves for ever increasing household size. Scarcity of land is also aggravating the
scarcity of resources.
Economic, Social and Water Infrastructure Mapping
After listing infrastructure in three different categories three groups drew the important
infrastructure in the community on a map. The Water/Coastal infrastructure group added
infrastructure they felt was necessary in the community. This is also valuable information in
understanding the priorities placed by the members on what issues they feel need to be
addressed. An additional step was added to the process and the community was asked to rank
the top 5 priorities on each list. When consensus was not clear, they were asked to vote. The
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following tables will list the top five priority infrastructure according to their importance to the
community group as a whole.
There is a growing tension in the village between those who are from long established clans and
families and newcomers who have moved to Tubusereia to be near their place of work or who
have set up a trade shop or other business in the area. With the growing need for affordable
housing in Port Moresby, this trend will most likely increase.
Not all priority infrastructure was geo-referenced due to weather and distance. The priority
infrastructure will be considered in a second more rigorous step aimed at identifying the
infrastructure needs of the community.
Image 3: The Tubusereia Climate Change Risk Map, with geo-referenced economic, social and water and coastal infrastructure points,
photographs and risk profiles. Interactive map can be found here: http://goo.gl/maps/JOPBJ
Economic Infrastructure
Table 4: Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Roads and feeder
roads
Transport to and from the main road and to Port
Moresby for employment and for manufactured goods


Erosion from heavy rain
Flooding
2.
Gardens
The community, mostly women, rely on crops for
additional income in the village. Women in
Agriculture, an organization,


Flooding
Drought
3.
Fishery
Although declining in importance, with estimated 20%
of population fishing, fish are an important supplement
to household incomes

Coral reef decline/fishery decline
4.
Bus service
Linked to roads, many are dependent on work in the
capital.

Extreme weather events, flooding
5.
Markets
A source of income for mostly women in the village

Extreme weather events, flooding
-96.
Mangroves
Source of wood for construction and for yam and
banana supports. Protection from coastal erosion

Coastal erosion/king tides
7.
Jetties
Mooring for boats

Storm surge, waves, wind
8.
Trade stores and
shops (15)
Source of goods from the capital and a source of
income for those who lease their land/building to
entrepreneurs

Wind, heavy rains with extreme weather events
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Water tanks (7) and
distribution system
Drinking water especially during extended droughts
such as experienced in 2012

Drought, storm damage
2.
Aid post
Source of health services and medication

Extreme weather events especially wind
3.
Drainage system
Reduces health risks such as waterborne diseases –
malaria and typhoid

Flooding, extreme rainfall and compounded
by deforestation
4.
Schools – Lower and
upper primary
Education for children before seeking higher education
in Port Moresby

Winds that may blow the roofs off and
weather events that may damage the
structures
5.
Feeder roads
Allow the population to reach the main road to get
public transport to major centers, particularly Port
Moresby

Erosion from flooding and rain events
Social Infrastructure
Table 5: Social Infrastructure
Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Table 6: Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Water
source/spring
Source of drinking water in times of drought

Salt intrusion and contamination with
diseases
2.
Mangroves –
replanting needed
Protection from coastal erosion and habitat for fish and
other animals important for local food security

Extreme weather events and over harvesting
3.
Habitations in
coastal area
With land becoming scarce these areas are very
important to especially those living over the water.
Human waste had become a serious issue in stilt homes
who throw their waste directly into the sea.

Extreme weather provoking diseases
transmitted through improper waste
management.
- 10 -
Pari
Risk Identification
Pari village is divided into two parts, each with its own Councillor. Councillors Willie Willie
and Nou Mataio Nou-Taboro were not available for the first session but attended second and
third sessions to discuss climate change risks and impacts in Pari. The population of Pari is
approximately 2,000 and growing due to the influx of urban job seekers. With Pari’s location at
20 minutes by road from Port Moresby, the pressures from the capital are very acute. The
community expressed a serious concern regarding expanding settlements which are putting
pressure on the natural resources in the area namely deforestation for fuel wood and fishing for
food. This pressure is only compounded by climate change impacts, further adding to the social
tensions felt in the community. The sessions on December 10 and January 15, 2013 were
attended by 22 community members with strong participation from the Pari Women’s
Development Association. Following is a list of risks and impacts identified by members of the
community.
Global Warming Impacts
King tides are provoking coastal erosion where walkways and homes are being destroyed
Cyclones with strong winds have blown roofs off of homes
Precipitation Pattern Changes
Flooding events where water stands in the village. Deforestation aggravates the problem with
water coming from denuded hills with more force. Droughts have reduced the gardening
potential in the area
Natural Disasters
Loss of mangroves to protect against the tides. Coconut trees are dying from an illness and/or
environmental causes. See image 5 below demonstrating the effects of accelerated coastal
erosion.
Images 4 and 5: Accelerated coastal erosion is impacting livelihoods as shown in these images taken less than 6 weeks apart. A coconut tree and
a substantial amount of soil have been washed away. More images from Pari can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90755241@N08/sets/72157632566931113/detail/
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Economic, Social and Water Infrastructure Mapping
The following section documents the participatory risk mapping session held in Pari with local
women leaders, elders, and youth. The infrastructure mapping and prioritization followed the
methodology described in the Tubusereia mapping exercise.
Image 6: Pari Climate Change Risk Map, with geo-referenced economic, social and water and coastal infrastructure points, photographs and risk
profiles. Interactive map can be found here: http://goo.gl/maps/IEnsE
Economic Infrastructure
Table 7: Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Fish market and
fishing areas
Income and food source for community members


Ocean temperature rising and acidification
Extreme weather events damaging market
2.
Trade stores (10)
Source of commodities otherwise hard to acquire due
to distance and cost of transport

Susceptible to high winds and heavy rains
3.
Food gardens
Crops used to supplement the family diets where
foodstuffs from the capital are every expensive

Susceptible to flooding, salt water intrusion,
drought, and severe winds
Bus stop
Ten to twenty trips are made from Pari to the capital
every day and the members of the community rely on
this transport to go to and from work.

4.
There is no shelter for the moment and people
must deal with the weather while waiting for
transport
5.
Road access
Pari is close to the capital and dependent on good
transport links with the commercial center

Erosion, flooding and extreme weather will have
an impact on the road system
- 12 -
Social Infrastructure
Table 8: Social Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Churches (4)
Gathering places for the community promoting
cohesion

Subject to high winds and cyclone damage
2.
Primary school
Access to education for the community members who
want to prepare their children for higher education
possibilities in the capital

Vulnerable to flooding and high winds
3.
Water
source/spring
Drinking water for times when the irregular provision
of city water is not available.

The source is exposed to contamination as it
is not capped
Deforestation risks affecting the volume of
water available for the community.

4.
Clinic
Urgent health care for cases that require immediate
attention especially for small children susceptible to
diarrheal diseases.

The Pari Health Clinic does not have the
proper wind proofing installed on its roof and
waiting area. Vulnerable to high winds
5.
Village court
Provision of conflict resolution and basis legal services
in the community

No building for the court leaving the staff to
hold meetings outside. Hearings are
postponed due to bad weather.
Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Table 9: Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Water
source/spring
When the city water service is not functioning, the
village spring serves as source of drinking water.


Contamination from human and animal waste
Potential drying from deforestation
2.
Fishery
75% depend on fishing in one way or another


Overfishing from growing urban pressures
Damage from warming leading to bleaching
3.
Coastline/Mangrove
areas
Habitat for food fish and crustaceans

Erosion and deforestation
4.
Disposal area for
pollution/trash
Human and chemical waste having an effect on
population especially children who bathe and play in
coastal waters.

Human waste further dispersed by coastal
flooding and storm surge
5.
Coastal area
Housing on stilts is especially vulnerable to coastal
erosion and damage.

Oil spills affecting fishing and potential
coastal health hazards
- 13 -
Boera
Risk Identification
Councillor Mea Henao interested 15 members of Boera to participate in the risk mapping
exercise on January 10, 2013. The group was comprised of elders, women leaders and youth
representatives. Boera is a community with a population of approximately 1,500 inhabitants and
is growing significantly due to its proximity to the Exxon/Mobil - Liquefied Natural Gas plant
which employs 8,000 on site workers and another 4,000 service providers who commute to the
site on a daily basis.
Global Warming Impacts
The community members estimate coastal degradation due to sea level rise as much as 4 meters
(measured on the coastal slope) in last 15 years. This is being aggravated by mangroves being
cut for firewood and construction, which in turn results in less fish due to habitat loss. Coral
degradation is also being observed with an increase in coral bleaching and overharvesting of sea
cucumbers, seaweed is disappearing in the coastal area due to pollution.
Precipitation Pattern Changes
Rain and storm events are more severe causing damage to homes especially to roofing material
which is can be blown off with the strong winds. Drought and water management are serious
issues including contamination from latrines to ground water sources. Droughts have negative
impacts on gardens, reducing production and exacerbating land ownership issues. Flooding
provokes waterborne diseases such as malaria and diarrheal illnesses.
Natural Disasters
Boera has been subjected to tsunami warnings that caused the population to panic and move to
higher ground. This brings into question potential damage to the LNG facility during an
earthquake, tsunami or storm event. The community is concerned regarding potential leaks from
the production facility.
Image 7: This image of Boera Health Clinic demonstrates a number of climate change vulnerabilities including coastal erosion removing
protective vegetation and the proximity of the health clinic to the shore line and related risks to storm surge, cyclones and sea level rise in the
long term. More images from Boera can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/c-cap/sets/72157632607012173/detail/
- 14 -
Economic, Social and Water Infrastructure Mapping
The following section documents the participatory risk mapping sessions held in Boera with
local women leaders, elders, and youth representatives. The infrastructure mapping and
prioritization followed the methodology described in the Tubusereia mapping exercise.
Image 8: Boera Climate Change Risk Map, with geo-referenced economic, social and water and coastal infrastructure points, photographs and
risk profiles. Interactive map can be found here: http://goo.gl/maps/nBLQk
Economic Infrastructure
Table 10: Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Fishery
A large number of households depend on fishing for
their livelihoods. Fish are an income source for many

Coral reefs are being impacted by increasing
temperatures
2.
Gardens
Although decreasing in importance, vegetables and
root crops are still important as food and income
sources in Boera

Severe droughts and flooding are reducing crop
success where some are no longer planting
3.
Informal markets
An income earning activity for those of lower socioeconomic levels

Severe weather is affecting open market sales.
4.
Trade shops
Important for those who cannot afford to go to the
capital to purchase manufactured goods

Severe winds, and cyclones can damage the
stores.
5.
Animal raising/breeding
Proximity to Port Moresby makes Boera an important
source of especially pigs for urban consumers

Weather events such as high winds and
extended drought negatively impact the animals.
- 15 -
Social Infrastructure
Table 11: Social Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Borehole water
supply
Water distribution is not assured full time in Boera and
the community is reliant on boreholes for drinking
water

Saltwater intrusion and contamination by
pathogens is a serious issue during droughts
and water shortages
2.
Feeder roads
Homes with agricultural products need roads to
evacuate their goods. Manufactured goods are
distributed via these roads

Heavy rains and flooding make certain
roads impassable by vehicle
3.
Sea wall
Protects the village infrastructure from coastal erosion

Storm surge and wave action during severe
storms are damaging
4.
School
Education for children preparing for higher studies

Strong winds can damage roofs
5.
Clinic
Important health services

The clinic is very close to the water line and
susceptible to winds, flooding and coastal
erosion (See Image 7)
Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Table 12: Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Bore hole/ water
distribution
system
Boreholes are important source of drinking water

Contamination by pathogens and salt
intrusion
2.
Coastal
vegetation –
Mangroves &
coconut groves
Source of fuelwood (mangroves), oil, food and
revenue (coconuts) and trees for soil
stabilization/protection (See Image 7 above)

Coastal erosion, storm surge and sea level
rise in the long term
3.
Sea walls
Protection of important infrastructure

Erosion, wave action and storm surge
4.
Coral reefs
Source of food from fish and crustaceans, protection
from wave action

Temperature increases provoking bleaching
5.
Coastal area
polluted by
trash/waste
Coastal areas are important living areas especially for
communities living in stilt houses

Human waste provoking contamination with
pathogens, pollution is damaging near shore
resources like clams and animals dependent
on seaweed that is killed by the pollution.
Lealea
Risk Identification
Concilor Konio Morea convened a group of 15 community leaders including women’s
association and youth representatives on 8 December 2013. Lealea has a population of around
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2,000 and that relies greatly on agriculture production for revenue. The main population of
Lealea is separated from the mainland by a river and can only be accessed via a wooden
footbridge built with assistance from the LNG plant just East of Lealea. The new bridge was
built after a storm damaged the old bridge constructed by the community using local materials.
Image 9: A home in Lealea which suffered cyclone damage. It is located not far from the Lealea Health Clinic and middle school buildings.
More images from Lealea can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/c-cap/sets/72157632193957581/detail/
Economic, Social and Water Infrastructure Mapping
The following section documents the participatory risk mapping sessions held in Lealea with
local women leaders, elders, and youth representatives. The infrastructure mapping and
prioritization followed the methodology described in the Tubusereia mapping exercise.
Image 10: Lealea Climate Change Risk Map, with geo-referenced economic, social and water and coastal infrastructure points, photographs and
risk profiles. Interactive map can be found here: http://goo.gl/maps/RwtGS
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Global Warming Impacts
Community members expressed concern with a visible rise in sea level as evidenced by higher
and higher high tide events. Storms are reported as being more and more severe with around 6
homes losing their roofs in recent storms. (See Image 9 above)
Precipitation Pattern Changes
Flooding of garden areas and the village is becoming more and more of a problem. With
agriculture so important for livelihoods, this is a growing concern. On the opposite end of the
spectrum, droughts are an increasing problem with dry seasons becoming longer and provoking
the failure of crops.
Natural Disasters
A tidal event destroyed the main footbridge over the river. It was rebuilt by the LNG plant. The
footbridge is the only evacuation route for Lealea. With the footbridge as the only way for the
community to access higher ground in the event of a tsunami warning, it is important
infrastructure to protect in terms of disaster preparedness planning for Lealea. Coastal soil
erosion is also of concern especially for those who have homes in the coastal zone.
Economic Infrastructure
Table 13: Economic Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Gardens
Especially important for this community for revenue

Flooding and droughts are more severe
2.
Roads
Evacuation of crops for sale in markets

Storms can make transport difficult
3.
Footbridge
Main transportation corridor for Lealea especially for
school kids

Tidal action and storm surge
4.
Mangroves
Construction, fuel wood, fish, crabs

Coastal erosion human pressure from over
harvesting
5.
Bus stop
Transport to the LNG plant and to Port Moresby

Exposed to the weather as there is no shelter for
the passengers.
Social Infrastructure
Table 14: Social Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Aid post
Health services in emergencies given distance to Port
Moresby

Strong wind and cyclone damage (See image
9 taken next to the Aid Post)
2.
School
Education for children to prepare them for higher
education

Cyclone and storm damage, flooding
3.
Sports field
Entertainment and teaching teamwork for youth
development

Flooding damage
- 18 4.
Church
Gathering place for community cohesion

Storms and wind damage
5.
Roads and bridges
Important for evacuating agricultural production

Storm surge and tidal action. Sea level rise
Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Table 15: Water and Coastal Infrastructure
Infrastructure Point
Significance to Community
Vulnerability
1.
Water wells
An important source of drinking water

Seawater and pathogen contamination
2.
Coastal area
Living area for community especially the youth

Storm surge, sea level rise, exacerbating
pollution and human pathogen transmission
3.
Sea wall
Protects homes from tidal action and increasing high
tide events

Coastal erosion, tides, sea level rise
4.
Irrigation/drainage
Water management for crops to control water

Flooding and drought
5.
Mangroves
Fish and crustacean habitat, firewood, construction
materials

Coastal erosion, deforestation