Carteret Island Update CatholicClimateCovenant.org Special thanks to: Sr. Wendy Flannery, S. M., Brisbane, Australia for recording assistance and to Ms. Ursula Rakova, Director of Tulele Peisa, Carteret Islands

Tulele Peisa “Sailing the Waves on Our Own” CatholicClimateCovenant.org Elders form Tulele Peisa to move Islanders to Bougainville Elders hire Ursula to organize and mobilize Islanders for the move Tulele Peisa is registered with the Papua New Guinea Government. PNG recognizes Tulele Peisa as the key organization to begin the relocation process.

Catholic Church and Carteret Islanders 2007: Bishop Unabali visited islands for two weeks. Sees impacts: hunger, king tides, land erosion. Organizes a meeting with the landowners in Tinputz, the local parish council and Tulele Peisa. Outcome: Church would offer land in Tinputz and from parishes in three other villages in Bougainville. Australian Catholic Church helps fund classrooms. CatholicClimateCovenant.org

Adjusting to the Mainland First families adjusting from fishing to gardening Cooperation: Gardening in the morning Local agriculturalist assist 6:00-8:00 am work cooperatively 8:00-10:00 tend own gardens CatholicClimateCovenant.org

New Housing Housing projects are slow Agriculture projects faster –Poultry –Cocoa –Coconut –Integrated forest project CatholicClimateCovenant.org

Building Community Classrooms are shared. Exchange program of Elders: –Tinputz elders to Carterets to see first-hand. Young People: –Carterets and Tinputz youth on speaking tours –Share life experiences –Peers can influence each other in a positive way. CatholicClimateCovenant.org

Ursula’s Final Message CatholicClimateCovenant.org Carterets relocation program:  A community initiative; a homegrown effort Climate change:  Global issue  Everyone’s responsibility Urge US Leaders  To endorse binding programs and policies so low-lying nations can survive