OCCES executive director Dr. Theo Yasause said over the next few weeks, officers would be compiling information briefs about the office and its mandate.
He had also extended an invitation to meet with Eastern Highlands Gov. Malcolm Kela-Smith, who had publicly questioned the office and its set-up, and discuss how best they could all work together to develop a climate change program for PNG.
Kela-Smith had questioned the legality of the OCCES and its handling of climate change issues, and also warned landowners and provincial governments not to enter into any deal solicited by the office.
Yasause said the OCCES was created and placed under the Department of Prime Minister and NEC to oversee and coordinate existing programs on climate change issue and increase activities in the sale of carbon credits.
He said the office also had the task of developing an integrated approach to natural resource management; a domestic plan for reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation; and a communication strategy for increasing awareness and knowledge of climate change and environmental issues.
The office also has to facilitate the development of a climate change policy and action plan focusing on both mitigation and adaptation issues, and develop a broad-based donor engagement strategy.
