In the framework of the European Union–funded Migration, Environment and Climate Change: Evidence for Policy (MECLEP) project, this national assessment brings together existing evidence on the migration, environment and climate change nexus in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The report provides a review of environmental migration materialized in local realities and compiles data from a wide variety of sources, including government policy documents, academic research, working papers and other publications and research carried out by national and international organizations, NGOs and research institutions.  

The aim of the report is twofold. First, it provides an overview of PNG’s exposure to environmental and climatic changes, as well as the factors influencing human vulnerability. It maps the complex relationship between migration, environment and climate change, and particularly looks at two case studies of Carteret Islanders and people displaced by the volcanic eruption in Manam Island since 2004. Second, it examines the existing policy frameworks and offers guidance to integrate environmental migration in PNG’s national planning. An outline of the developmental achievements and challenges, and an in-depth exploration of the role of the environment and climate change in shaping the country’s long-term migration dynamics are provided to this end.  Based on the review of the existing policy framework and the key findings, the report offers a “policy toolkit” with suggestions of policy options and identified priorities.

This publication is one of six national assessments to be published under the MECLEP project. Assessment reports for the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Kenya, Mauritius and Viet Nam are forthcoming.