Wildlife Conservation Society

Hundreds of cultural groups gather annually to celebrate the country’s Independence Day in their traditional attires. But have you ever thought about how many different birds and animals go into making those outfits?

WCS PNG has and with their campaign “Strongim Kastom – Lukautim Bilas Bilong Yu,” they will be giving away 250 “bilas” protection kits for free to help cultural groups and “bilas” owners look after their outfits, and in particular are focusing on the users of Vulturine Parrot feathers.

The program is carried out by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) based in NIP with 33 schools in the Kavieng, Tikana, Namatanai, Tigak and Lavongai districts already visited by the team so far.

The team, consisting of WCS staff and community facilitators, conducted awareness and educational activities related to climate change issues to the students and teachers.

The outreach program is a new climate change initiative by WCS aimed to educate children on climate change, its impacts and adaptation methods.

These actions were taken in order to preserve their forests and ensure lasting benefits from their land.

With support from the Australian Government and PNKA and Pobuma Local Level Governments,  the communities and WCS partnered to construct a community hall, primary school, foot bridge and a water supply system at the villages of Tulu 1, Tulu 2 and Lahapau on the north coast and Djackal on the south coast of Manus.