Mt Wilhelm National Park management plan launched

The Department of Environment and Conservation now Conservation and Environment Protection Authority or CEPA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kundiawa Gembogl Administration on the redevelopment of Mt Wilhelm National Park.

The MOU was signed on Thursday along with the launching of the Development and Management plan 2016 to 2026 for Mt Wilhelm National Park.

The Development and Management plan 2016 to 2026 of Mt Wilhelm National Park document was prepared for CEPA by the Kundiawa Gembogl Administration.

CEPA Managing Director, Gunther Joku on behalf of Minister John Pundari officiated the occasion and received the document.

Joku said since the department changed to  an Authority, it is able to seek potential partners for environment conservation projects to generate revenue.

Also the Authority can control and manage the Global Environment Fund.

He said this will also assist in environment conservation projects as well as rehabilitation of existing conservation projects.

However, CEPA cannot set this project up without landowner participation, hence it encourages landowners to take ownership and assist in the project.

Under the Development and Management Plan, the National Government and CEPA are tasked to provide separate and increased budget for the National Park Systems of PNG and also support the Park system through policy framework, partnerships, capacity building and on-going financial support.  

Meantime, Mt Wilhelm National Park Rangers Centre was opened in preparation of the Development and Management plan .

Author: 
Tere Alex