Relocation a harsh reality for Pacific: PCC

Ahimsa Kibikibi, NBC PNG, Climate Pasifika
Saturday 12 December 2009, COPENHAGEN--The Pacific Conference of Churches' General Secretary, Fei Tevi has expressed concerns that resettlement does not feature in the mandate of sovereign Pacific states but is the harsh reality the region has to face up to. He said climate change is already taking its toll in the Pacific, with many small lying atolls being forced into resettlement because of raising sea levels. He said churches play a major role in the Pacific and Copenhagen must produce a legally binding agreement otherwise the economic cost of rebuilding and resettlement will be just too much. The Pacific Conference of Churches will be facilitating those that are forced to move, he said. The Pacific Conference of Churches, Fei Tevi has expressed concerns that resettlement does not feature in the mandate of sovereign Pacific states but is the harsh reality, the region has to face up to. He said climate change is already taking its toll in the Pacific, with many small lying atolls being forced into resettlement because of raising sea levels. He said churches play a major role in the Pacific and Copenhagen must produce a legally binding agreement otherwise the economic cost of rebuilding and resettlement will be just too much. “The role of the Pacific Conference of Churches is to ensure those who move, move in dignity,” he said--ENDS.