Community launches development plan to tackle disasters and drive growth

Leaders signing the Community Disaster Action Plan: *(from right)* Care Humanitarian Project Manager Emily Meren, Unggai Bwna District Administrator Jonathan Resis, Eastern Highlands Provincial Disaster Cordinator Danny Benjamin and Lower Bena LLG President Mr Sabumei *(Image: NBC Owned)*

The Nagamito Community in Ward 4 of Lower Bena LLG, Unggai Bena District, Eastern Highlands Province, has launched a development plan to tackle disasters and boost growth, thanks to Australia Humanitrian Partnership (AHP)and Care PNG.

The plan followed the Community Disaster Risks Management Training last year, putting the community at the center.

Locals will now take ownership and strengthen ties with authorities.

Leaders, including the Unggai Bena District Administer, Ward member, LLG President and Eastern Highlands Provincial Disaster Coordinator have taken a crucial step towards realizing development goals through inclusive participation.

CARE PNG Coordination Manager - AHP Disaster READY project, Naomi Basika says the plan is a new beginning.

"The Nagamito community is prone to drought and bush fires, but this plan guides them towards a safer community where children, women, elderly and PLWD thrive", she said.

The Community Action Plan tackles three main drought risks:

Water shortage: installing water catchment systems
Food insecurity: training on mulching, food processing, and storage
Bush fires: creating by-laws to regulate burning during drought

Partners PLAN International, Child Fund, United Church, and Baptist Union, implementing Disaster READY in their provinces, joined the launch.

They also witnessed Village Savings Loans Association (VSLA) share out and participated in a field learning exchange with Nagamito community.

CARE, with Australian government support, rolled out the program to empower the community.