The CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat Visit to Papua New Guinea

A team from the Regional Secretariat, composed of Mr. Brian Gonne Nerre (FOM) and Ms. Reita Kalalo (FAM), led by the Executive Director Dr Mohd. Kushairi bin Mohd. Rajuddin, visited Papua New Guinea on 27-31 May 2023. 

The trip began with a visit to Bootless Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) to see the coral rehabilitation demonstration conducted by IRI Coral in collaboration with the Director of Papua New Guinea Conservation and Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA), Ms. Kay Kumaras Kalim, and her team. It was an insightful experience to see firsthand the efforts being made to preserve and restore the precious coral reefs in the MPA.

A concrete example of how a sustainable blue approach can provide transformative livelihoods while protecting PNG's incredible marine biodiversity. Hiri Coral PNG was privileged to share their success story with the RS team. The project is funded by UNDP PNG GEF and aimed at rebuilding coral reefs using climate resilient corals farmed within the Bootless Bay National Marine Sanctuary and out planting in degraded reefs. The event was witnessed by Loloata Island Resort General Manager,  Uday Kumar, Councillor for Gwarumemase, Hon. Mary Kuseni,  senior Managers from CEPA and local fisher families and youth.

On the second day of the trip to Bootless Bay, the team engaged in an exciting activity - scuba diving, led by Ms. Kay Kumaras Kalim, the Director of CEPA, and Ms. Yvonne Tio. The team explored the underwater world of Bootless Bay and witness the diverse marine life thriving within the MPA. 

The following days were full of meetings. On 29 May 2023 the team had a productive meeting at the Conservation Environment and Protection Authority (CEPA) Meeting Room. The focus of the meeting was to discuss matters related to implementation of RPOA 2.0 and the development of the National Plan of Action (NPOA) with the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) of Papua New Guinea. Participants included Mr. Jude representing CSO, Ms. Kay Kumaras Kalim, the Director of CEPA and NCC Focal Point, and Ms. Yvonne Tio, the CEPA Manager and NCC representative. 

Following the meeting at CEPA, the team proceeded with a meeting with the National Fisheries Department. The participants included Mr. John Dotson, the Acting Managing Director of NFD, Mr. Anas Aisi, the Executive Manager of FMU, Ms. Angela Kwapena, the Manager of Resource Assessment, Mr. Terrence, the Manager for Coastal Fisheries, and Ms. Yvonne Tio, the CEPA Manager. The discussions revolved around the management and conservation of fisheries resources through the EAFM Working Group in which PNG is leading.

Later in the day, the team continued with a meeting with the Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) to discuss climate change adaptation and projects. Participants included Jacob, the Director of Adaptation at CCDA, Mr. Iki Pieter, the Acting Manager for Adaptation, as well as Ms. Garau Podi, Mr. Joe Kunda, Mr. Albert Milala, Ms. Joy Simo, Mr. Ruben Robin Kipoi, and Ms. Yvonne Tio. The meeting focused on the initiatives undertaken by CCDA to address climate change mitigation and adaptation projects, among others were community-based mangrove planting activity, capacity building and implementation of blue carbon initiatives, and the national adaptation plan which has been launched and uploaded to the IPCC adaptation project. 

The following day, the RS team had a meeting at the Department of Treasury. The participants included Mr. John Waure, the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Department, Ms. Yvonne Tio from CEPA and NCC, and Ms. Martha Wamo, also representing CEPA and NCC.

The final engagement in PNG was a discussion at the Department of Foreign Affairs. The participants included the Foreign Affairs Team, Ms. Yvonne Tio from CEPA and NCC, and Ms. Martha Wamo, also representing CEPA and NCC. The discussion aimed to strengthen partnerships and ensure PNG will be ready to lead the CTI-CFF on the next term rotation following the alphabetical order.

Overall, our trip to PNG was filled with insightful field visits, productive meetings, and meaningful discussions. It strengthened the commitment of both RS and NCC of PNG to collaborate towards preserving the natural heritage and addressing environmental concerns.