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SCP Context

National SCP context and Connection to the Global Agenda: industries and consumption wastes

The National Strategy for Responsible Sustainable Development (StaRS) aligns with the UN's 2030 SDG agenda, promoting a shift towards eco-friendly economic growth through clean energy and resource usage. [1] The government launched the 30 by 30 Roadmap, prominently considering SDG 12 within the mineral industry sector, with its primary objectives being the mitigation of productivity losses, effective waste management, and the transformation of global consumption habits in light of climate change. [2] In 2020, PNG launched its first Voluntary National Report, which covered SDG 12. Sustainable consumption and production are critical agenda items for the survival of the national economy and social life. The government has implemented the National Land Use Policy, the National Agriculture Development Plan 2007 - 2016[3], the SME Master Plan 2016 - 2030[4], the National Nutrition Policy 2016 - 2026[5], and the PNG National Trade Policy 2017 - 2032[6] to drive production and investments in agriculture and livestock and promote downstream industries in the country. [7] In addition, the Papua New Guinea Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022 - 2026 is framed on the recognition that tourism is a key resource in the renewable sector of the economy and that its contribution to the PNG economy and society needs to be fully tapped based on a strong sector plan.[8]

Challenges

Key challenges hindering SDG progress include limited technical and financial capacities, coordination issues, and governance shortcomings.7
The public sector is ineffective and lacks the capacity and resources to deliver on its mandated roles and responsibilities. The full and effective implementation of policies and enforcement of laws and regulations remain the biggest challenges for the PNG government.[9]
Urbanization and a fast-expanding population have led to an increase in garbage production, while residents are not separating out reusable resources and recycling options are extremely limited.[10]
The country relies heavily on imported goods, particularly in agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, and other downstream industries,7resulting in increasing waste streams, including e-waste and single use plastics.

Priority sectors

PNG's virgin forests are crucial for carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and potential carbon credits.
Effective management of municipal solid waste (MSW) to facilitate city growth.
Sustainable agriculture practices to cope with extreme weather conditions.
Sustainable supply chains for the extractive, oil, and gas industries.
Other key sectors include sustainable fisheries, cultural and eco-tourism, small and medium enterprise development, and the greening of transportation systems and cities.

Opportunities

Supporting the strengthening of laws and enforcement regarding the efficient use and sustainable management of natural resources, and waste management in the mineral industry sector.2
Expanding economic opportunities through Blue/Green circular economy, enterprise development, and innovative financing for sustainable and transformative livelihoods.[11]
Induce and enable communities and educational institutions to implement awareness-raising and educational initiatives that address waste minimization strategies and marine plastic contamination.10
Further value and strengthen fisheries supply networks, relevant private sector support, from small to large entities, and collaboration with global entities are crucial[12], considering the extensive fisheries zone of PNG.
Development of a National Strategy to guide the management of e-waste, a fast-growing waste stream, with adequate laws and their compliance.
Integrating SCP into the 2030 NDC adaptation targets across nine priority areas, addressing data gaps to strengthen implementation.[13]