A K1.5 million agreement has been signed to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the provinces of East and West New Britain.
The funding will go towards a community-based forest and coastal conservation and resource management in PNG project.
The project is implemented by the Conservation Environment and Protection Authority (CEPA) of PNG, with two years of funding provided by the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed today by CEPA and ENB Provincial Government, and separately with the WNB Provincial Government, which enables the project to go ahead.
Out of the K1.5m, K500,000 is committed by ENB and K230,000 by WNB every year.
CEPA managing director Gunther Joku said environment protection is high on the Government’s agenda and the MOA brings out CEPA’s commitment to conserving the environment.
Joku said this partnership also illustrates CEPA’s commitment to look at how they can establish protected areas in the provinces.
Some of the key initiatives to be rolled out under this partnership include recognition of communities managing protected areas and trainings to build the capabilities of community leaders.
Recognition of communities managing protected areas will be done through a series of awareness and community consultations.
Capacity building targets community leaders to have a better understanding of their land rights, appreciate the scientific and cultural values of traditional plants and animals and finds ways to protect their natural assets.
UNDP resident representative Roy Trivedy commended CEPA and the two provinces for joining forces towards achieving a common goal of sustainable development through conservation.