The Managalas Plateau at Afore in Ivijitari, Northern Province, is considered for conservation to protect the world’s largest butterfly.
The endangered Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing butterfly is endemic to the area.
Minister for Environment and Conservation John Pundari said PNG has a lot of endangered species and conservation is very important.
Pundari explained that while the plateau is considered for conservation, finding alternatives for the people to sustain their livelihood is a challenge.
Pundari said this in Parliament yesterday when answering a question from Member for Ivijitari, David Arore, on alternatives for income revenue for the people who depend on agriculture to sustain their livelihood.
Managalas Plateau is high up in the volcanic rich south-eastern highlands of Oro and has a population of about 20,000 people, with over 360,000 hectares of land on which they plant coffee.
The people are looking at extending their coffee plantation and going into rice and cocoa production.
Pundari said: “Income measures that people can be able to participate in some form of economic activities, but will always be a challenge for us as we try to conserve and protect our unique biodiversity.
“I am really not sure as to the progress made by the department and I assure you that I will confirm the status of the conservation initiative.
“But the question of an alternative is a way forward for the people to ensure that they maintain their livelihood going forward,” Pundari said.
He added that trying to economise on conservation or protected area is an important challenge that the international community as well as the Government will have to innovate on.
Picture courtesy of www.animals-zone.com