No plans on rising sea level, says minister

Source: 

The National, Thursday 22nd March 2012

THE government does not have mitigation plans to address the needs or relocate islanders in PNG currently affected by the rising sea level.
Environment and Conservation Minister Thompson Harokaqveh said although there were no plans, the issue would be part of the national protective system which aims to preserve the environment.
Harokaqveh was responding to concerns raised in parliament by Hela Transitional Authority
chairman James Marape yesterday.
Marape said small islands and atolls such as the Cartarets and Mortlock groups were sinking and this was affecting the lives of traditional inhabitants.
He said a recent documentary had indicated that the islands were sinking and action was needed to prepare and plan for the worst.
Marape said he was moved when he saw how the lives of the island people were being threatened by the rising sea level due to climate change.
There are several voluntary arrangements in place for the people to relocate to Bougainville but the government had yet to develop a relocation and resettlement plan for the people.