Port Moresby Nature Park

Nature Park aims to educate students on animals found in Papua New Guinea.

The fauna of PNG comprises a large number of species of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, invertebrates and amphibians.

As the world’s largest and highest tropical island, New Guinea occupies less than 0.5% of world's land surface, yet supports a high percentage of global biodiversity.

Approximately 4,642 vertebrate species inhabit the island of New Guinea and its surrounding waters, which constitutes about 8% of the recognized world vertebrates.

They helped transport and deliver to the Port Moresby Nature Park a number of in-kind items, including four 40ft containers, two 20ft freezer units, and six structures suitable for housing animals. 

Red Sea Housing’s general manager, Kenneth Clinton, said: “Red Sea Housing is pleased to support the Nature Park and when we heard that they had received these donated items but were unable to transport them to the Nature Park, we were only too happy to help.”

The Nature Park, previously called the botanical gardens, has been undergoing a major make-over under the new management.

The look includes a new modern cafeteria and gift shop, children’s playground, re-developed bird aviary, new footpaths and new eco-friendly toilet facilities, the first of which was opened yesterday.

The park is also finalising plans for the construction of seven new bird of paradise aviaries and restoration of the main picnic area, both of which are expected to be completed by early 2017.

The park today officially opened its newly-completed ablution that caters for all people, including those in wheelchairs, baby changing facilities and children's toilets. 

The festival is set to be staged on Friday Sept 30 and Saturday Oct 1, this year at Down Town, Ela Beach.

However, the first judging of the 2016 Hiri Hanenamo will be taking place at the Port Moresby Nature Park tomorrow, Monday Sept 26^th at 10am.

This time, the 2014 Miss Hiri Hanenamo- Ms Boio Miria from Boera village and runner up- Ms Mea Lakani from Hanubada will be handing over the title to the next contestant for 2015 Miss Hiri Hanenamo.

The National Cultural Commission (NCC) is the latest to come on board with its contribution to support the Park’s initiative to encourage preservation, safeguarding, protection and promotion of the indigenous Papua New Guineans’ traditional culture.

The Pasin Tumbuna Day (day of our ancestors) is scheduled to be staged at Nature Park on September 24. It will be open to the public to participate in traditional weaving, face painting, carving, traditional food, games, music, display of artefacts and more.

NCDC’s transport department has been supporting the Park’s educational programs since 2014 by providing student pickups and drop offs during special themed weeks.

NCDC’s city manager, Leslie Alu, commended both Port Moresby Nature Park and NCDC’s transport department for working together to strengthening educational opportunities for students and providing avenues for NCDC schools to enhance their programs and activities for students.

A first-of-its kind, the program, designed for kids within Port Moresby, creates an interactive environment to learn about Papua New Guinea’s unique and diverse culture and how to preserve it.

Under the main theme “Connecting Culture and Conservation”, the event provides informative stalls throughout the park that are broken down into the Southern, New Guinea Islands, Highlands and Momase regions. It also includes animal encounters, legends and storytelling and artifacts displays.

Port Moresby Nature Park and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority have announced the inclusion of this new event, which will complement the Tourism Week celebrations.

The event, to be hosted at the Park, will be completely unique in its approach to other cultural celebrations. It will provide visitor participation in activities such as basket weaving, bilum making, traditional food processing and preparation, the art of carving, and playing of traditional games.

That’s what Port Moresby Nature Park says about its inaugural cultural day to be held this month.