More relief assistance is reaching villages on Bougainville island affected by the Mt. Bagana eruption on 7th July 2023.
Yesterday the US Army airlifted the first load of relief supplies into Torokina District, three weeks after the eruption.
Through the US Agency for International Development (US AID), $ 200, 000 was injected into the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to support the humanitarian response.
IOM is leading the camp management at the declared care centers at Piva and Wakunai. Two new care centers were also declared for locals in Panguna and Kunua Districts.
With most of the water source considered unsafe for drinking, the Australian Government through the Australian Defense Force had supplied water purifying tablets.
An ADF aircraft landed in Buka on 10th August 2023, carrying with it shelter and hygiene kits.
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Jon Philp who who flew in with Australian Defense Advisor, Colonel Travis Gordon on at the ADF aircraft C-27 handed over the supplies to Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama.
“This support demonstrates the strength of our commitment to cooperation and friendship particularly in times of need,” said Commissioner Philp.
The New Zealand Government is assisting in this humanitarian response through collecting and testing of water samples for drinking.
Last Wednesday, a Papua New Guinea Defense Force Naval Vessel sailed into Bougainville for the first time after 23 years.
All these responses by the National Government and international partners come after a request by the Autonomous Bougainville Government to assist more than a 1000 people displaced by the eruption.
Mt. Bagana is an active volcano located on South-west of Bougainville.
While no deaths were reported, the ash fall and lava that flowed into river systems and food gardens have affected several other villages in Central Bougainville.
A PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) soldier has confessed to firing live ammunitions that allegedly killed leading seaman Eric Gwale and Corporal Watata Kutegen in Kupiano.
PNGDF Commander, Mark Goina said a month-long investigation by PNGDF identified three suspects.
“There were three main suspects identified, one has owned up to firing the live ammunitions because he had the live ammunition on him during the activity,” said Goina.
The investigations also revealed that the deceased members were hit by high velocity ammunitions fired within 40 meters.
“Results of the post-mortems are consisted with the manner and how they sustained those fatal injuries resulting in instant death. Basically, those late members were being hit with high velocity round or bullets fired in close range less that 40 metres during the activity,” said Goina.
Late members Gwale and Kutegen were part of 43 participants in the final exercise for the Corporal Qualifying Course. They were killed on 4th July 2023.
“The tragic incident occurred during the assault phase of the attack; the deceased members were found dead during the reorganization phase which is after the assault was completed” said Goina.
The investigations showed that military processes were not followed right from the start and did not establish the allegation that some soldiers were drunk at the time of the incident.
“The personnel entrusted to perform their duties and responsibilities in relation to the conduct and control of Corporal Qualifying Course to some extent have failed to do their job or responsibilities effectively,” said Goina.
The three soldiers identified will be prosecuted both through the Military Code of Disciple and the Civil Criminal Court. Others have been suspended since 31st of July pending the outcome of the investigations.
PORT MORESBY – Development plan is the tool that will guide the districts and provinces in achieving its ambitious goals such as nurturing economic transformation and human development through infrastructure development.
Strategic planning sets the pace for development within the districts; and provinces basically strive to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the people which is to improve their welfare and effectively deliver much needed basic government services to the people.
Office of the Department of Implementation and Rural Development
Mr. Vaki said during his presentation that planning is very important to capture people’s need because the government is frontloading huge development grants of more than K1.2 billion in the form of Service Improvement Program (PSIP & DSIP) to sub-nationals to distribute evenly for effective basic services.
He said development plans are intended to promote and guide our districts and provinces on a path of sustainable economic growth, achieving economic prosperity and a high quality of life for people in the rural areas that would increase the economic base activities starting from the districts.
Mr. Vaki reiterated that the plans should be in line with our national plans such as Vision 2050, PNGDSP 2010 – 2030 and MTDP IV which is going to be launched soon.
“Development priorities for the district, which are supposedly initiated through a bottom up planning approach are captured and reflected in the rolling Five Year Development Plan in consultation with stakeholders, and this forum is the way forward, and I congratulate Wau Waria district for the initiative,” he said.
Mr. Vaki stressed that as DIRD being the mandated government agencies to facilitate, monitor and coordinate SIP programs around the country, have sighted that districts and provinces continue to receive SIP funding despite not reporting on previous years implementation, budget resolutions, meeting minutes and project documents that were not aligned to the province or district plans.
“The district development plan must clearly identify the projects under various sectors and costs involved so that the implementation of the plan be realistic.
“Wau Waria will receive K50 million whilst District Support Grants, a K2.5 million over the five year period. That entirely depends on the cash flow. This alone is not enough to fund the five year district development plan nor development aspirations of the district. District should strategies on using these funds to solicit support from other GoPNG programs, development partners or investors for value added and economic of scale,” Mr. Vaki said.
He told the participants that as far as the national government is concern, the SIP program is here to stay, all we want is sub-national administrations and stable political leadership required to deliver basic services based on five year development plans and good decisions, not contrary.
He also highlighted that violating of the Administrative Guidelines and Financial Instruction by not submitting acquittal reports, development plans and budgets raises serious concerns.
The three days development forum was attended by the Department of National Planning & Monitoring, Department of Treasury, Department of Commerce and Industry, Department of Works, Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology, Department of Education, National Youth Development Authority and other relevant stakeholders and development partners.
Wau Waria is a newly created district in Morobe province, and it’s one of the historic district during the pre-independence.
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force has released details of the incident that claimed the lives of two PNGDF members, thirty-six hours after the initial incident happened on Monday 4th July at 4:45am.
However, details as to what went wrong during the training exercise have been withheld to allow the process of investigation to take its course.
PNGDF Commander, Major General, Mark Goina said it’s a regrettable incident that should have never happened.
Goina identified the deceased members as;
Leading Seaman, Eric Gwale of Morobe and New Ireland, employed at HMPNGS Tarangau at Manus and;
“At the outset, I want to convey my deepest condolences and those of all the men and women of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force to the loved ones and families of the deceased,” Commander Goina said.
The PNGDF hierarchy said the families of these servicemen will be supported during this difficult time.
PNGDF has launched a 14-day preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
A fortnight, a wait too long for two grieving families, in need of answers.
Meanwhile, a third soldier and a civilian who were also wounded during the Dawn Attack Exercise are being treated at a private hospital.
Two Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) soldiers are confirmed dead while another was rushed to Port Moresby General Hospital with gunshot wounds after being shot during the final exercise of a Corporal Qualifying Course.
A fourth person sustaining gunshot wounds as well, is a civilian. He is also admitted at the Port Moresby General Hospital.
The Ministry of Defence in a statement confirmed this, adding that police and the defence force have commenced investigations into the incident.
The Ministry has confirmed that the incident took place in Kupiano, Central Province at 4am, this morning.
The training at Kupiano was the final phase of the Corporal Qualifying Course the soldiers have been undergoing at the Goldie River Training Depot.
Defence Minister, Win Bakri Daki said the PNGDF is ensuring that it continues to provide the duty of care to the families of the deceased and wounded members during this time.
“As the Minister responsible for Defence, I convey my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased members, and also my assurances to those who were wounded that their recovery will have our priority of support.”
The Chief of Defence Force will host a media briefing tomorrow to provide more details of the incident.
InsidePNG will bring more updates as the story develops.
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – At the request of the government of Papua New Guinea, Task Force Koa Moana returns to PNG again. Task Force Koa Moana 23, comprised of U.S. Marines and Sailors from I Marine Expeditionary Force, have deployed to Papua New Guinea to support PNG’s stability, security, and prosperity.
Their goal is to strengthen relationships with Papua New Guinea through a bilateral and multilateral security cooperation exercise that runs from June until September. The exercise includes capacity training and infrastructure improvement projects. Koa Moana is an ongoing partnership that began in 2016.
Task Force Koa Moana 23 is comprised of approximately 200 U.S. Marines and Sailors from 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group and I MEF Information Group who will organize into multiple detachments. These detachments will conduct subject matter expert exchanges throughout Papua New Guinea at the request of the government of Papua New Guinea.
The task force established a mutual agreement with Papua New Guinea to provide expertise in engineering, medical care, infrastructure development and community engagements.
Named “Koa Moana,” a Hawai’ian phrase meaning “ocean warrior,” the task force is designed to strengthen relationships between the U.S. and Papua New Guinea, enhance cooperation with PNG security establishments, and support national sovereignty of across the Oceania region.
The Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau also requested to participate in Task Force Koa Moana as well.
The PNG Media space is now well dominated by women elevated to higher positions.
While that is acknowledged by many as a way forward for breaking gender barriers and stereotypes, challenges still remain both at the helm and those that report to them.
Challenges not only at work place but at home.
Realizing this, the PNG Media Council in collaboration with ABC’s Media Development Initiative is conducting consultative forums for women in the media in Papua New Guinea to see if there is a possibility of starting a Women in Media Association.
The most recent forum was held in Madang Province.
PNG Media Council Secretary, Belinda Kora said the concept will be similar to Fiji’s Women in Media Association which not only tries to address challenges faced by women in the industry but also build capacity to allow them to excel.
The first consultation was held in Lae, Morobe Province, and the 2nd one in Port Moresby.
All three consultation received overwhelming support from the participants with many saying the concept is long overdue.
Nineteen officials from government and non-government organizations (NGOs) were awarded certificates today for actively participating in a six weeklong online Dedicated Mentoring Program (DMP) held from April – June 2023. The DMP aimed to train government officials across different sectors on the development of project concept notes and funding proposals to access international climate finance through the Green Climate Fund Mechanism to fund Papua New Guinea’s climate actions.
The participants also participated in a five weeklong Green Growth Fellowship Program (GGFP) held from May – June 2023. The GGFP aimed at providing support to Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) and relevant national and provincial government staff in providing green growth policy advisory support, including low-carbon growth and sustainable development advice.
Acting Managing Director of CCDA William Lakain congratulated the participants and described both programs as critical for broadening their knowledge and skills in developing climate finance projects, and green growth policy interventions towards a low carbon growth in Papua New Guinea.
“These two programs are very important and should be supported into the future as it will greatly improve the knowledge and skills of government officials on key areas such as developing project concept notes and providing policy advisory support on low carbon growth and sustainable development”, said Mr. Lakain.
The participants were also the first to receive their certificates under a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), Climate Change and Development Authority with support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the three Universities; the University of PNG (UPNG), University of Technology and the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) to run the programs.
DFAT Australia was represented at the ceremony by Mr Nic Jonsson, the Counsellor Economics at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby. Mr Jonsson said Australia was very proud to fund the DMP and GGFP knowing the value it added will help build the capacity of the Government of PNG and NGOs to access international climate finance and render quality climate change policy advice.
Ms. Priscilla Pep, one of the participants expressed that these two programs are very important because currently, workplaces are becoming more competitive as new ideas or skills are introduced.
“These programs have helped us upscaled our knowledge in building and managing projects at different scales be it private or public sectors”, said Ms. Pep.
The Pacific Leatherback turtle, an awe-inspiring species, now faces critical endangerment due to numerous factors, including industrial fishing, nestling and egg harvesting, and water pollution. Despite these challenges, leatherback turtles hold immense cultural significance for indigenous communities in Papua New Guinea.
Villages such as Karkum, Tokain in Sumkar, and Mur, Yamai, and Male in the Raicoast region of Madang Province, have a rich heritage of legends, songs, dances, and rituals associated with sea turtles. These communities have a profound connection with these gentle giants, reflecting their historical ties and traditional practices.
Indigenous lore celebrates the leatherback turtle’s influence, evident in traditions like the Dalal song, which imitates the turtles’ movements during nesting, symbolizing the deep bond between the communities and these majestic creatures. For instance, the Dawang clan of Mur traces its origins to the sacred leatherback turtle, believing they can catch and utilize them as food or currency through sacred rituals. Karkum’s Legend, a captivating tale of transformation, highlights the cultural significance of leatherback turtles by narrating the tale of a woman who morphs into a turtle and embarks on a journey of resilience.
The population of Pacific Leatherback turtles has dramatically declined by over 90% in just two decades, primarily due to industrial fishing, nestling harvesting, water pollution, and plastic accumulation in the ocean.
Additional factors, including chemical use in agriculture, accidental entanglement in fishing gear, and predation by dogs and feral pigs, have contributed to the irreversible decline of other nesting species like green turtles, hawksbill, and loggerhead varieties.
Preservation efforts should focus on safeguarding the areas where leatherbacks nest, forage, and migrate.
Papua New Guinea’s Huon coast, near the industrial city of Lae in Morobe province, along with sporadic sites in Madang and islands such as New Britain and Bougainville, have been identified as critical nesting sites. To prevent leatherback turtles from the brink of extinction, it is crucial to recognize their vital role in the lives and traditions of indigenous communities and work collectively to ensure their conservation.
The Sea Turtles Restoration Project: Wenceslaus Magun, an ardent advocate for environmental protection in the Western Pacific, has dedicated his life to educating Papua New Guineans, particularly in Madang and across the country, about preserving endangered species like the leatherback turtle.
Collaborating with the Turtle Island Restoration Network, Magun has spearheaded the Sea Turtles Restoration Project in Karkum village. This project aims to protect endangered sea turtles, preserve cultural heritage, safeguard marine habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity, restore food sources, stimulate alternative economic opportunities, and promote integral human development.
The primary objective of the Sea Turtles Restoration Project is to create a conducive environment for marine and near-shore resource management plans through the participation of the resource owners.
By empowering indigenous communities in Papua New Guinea, the project aims to preserve their environment, benefitting both the endangered species like leatherback turtles and the people who rely on them for sustenance. Recognizing the importance of preserving cultural practices, the project seeks sustainable solutions that harmonize community needs with environmental protection.
Through the Sea Turtles Restoration Project, Magun and his team strive to raise awareness about preserving endangered species and their habitats while fostering alternative sources of income for local communities.
Group posing with large leatherback turtle. (Picture courtesy of Wenceslaus Magun)
By adopting a holistic approach to conservation, the project aims to create a sustainable future, empowering communities in Papua New Guinea to take charge of their environmental welfare.
To ensure the project’s long-term success, Mr. Magun collaborated with the Turtle Island Restoration Network to establish the local NGO, Mas Kagin Tapani (MAKATA) association, which sustains the Sea Turtle Restoration Project.
On November 17, 2008, three representatives from each of the four clans in Karkum village signed a conservation deed, granting them greater control and power over their resources. The deed preserves customary practices and enables the villagers to become direct custodians and stewards of their resources. This landmark event empowers them to assert their customary rights, respond to threats, assist in land and sea management, identify crucial protection areas, and preserve and safeguard their traditional knowledge.
Protecting the leatherback turtles of Papua New Guinea requires a concerted effort to balance environmental conservation with the cultural significance bestowed upon these majestic creatures. By acknowledging the integral role of leatherback turtles in the lives and traditions of indigenous communities, we can work together to ensure their preservation. Through initiatives like the Sea Turtles Restoration Project and the dedication of advocates like Wenceslaus Magun, Papua New Guineans are striving to create a sustainable future that respects both their cultural heritage and the delicate ecosystems that support these endangered species.
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Reporting for this story was supported by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network
Coca-Cola PNG has rolled out a new program to decrease the amount of plastic waste in and around the environment and encourage the collection and recycling of PET beverage bottles.
The program entails the collection of coke and other soft drink bottles for an incentive.
Tim Solly, the Commercial Director for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG said, as a beverage manufacturer, it is their responsibility to have a long-term commitment to sustainability in regards to packaging.
“Packaging waste is undoubtedly a major challenge, and it’s also a solvable one if we take action”.
This collaborative exercise between CCEP PNG, Coca-Cola PNG and Branis Recycling Limited aims to prevent plastic bottle waste from going into landfill, waterways and the environment in general.
Members of the public will be crucial in contributing to the program by collecting PET plastic beverage bottles and taking them to Branis collection centres at Ahuia Street, Gordons; Spondias Street, Hohola; Movivina Street, Gerehu, Stage 6; Gordons Market and Badili, along Hurbert Murray Highway.
There, the bottles will be weighed and the consumer will be paid one kina per kilo depending on the number of plastic bottles brought in.
To help the recycling exercise of plastic bottles, Coca-Cola PNG has purchased two PET shredders to pre-process the PET bottles into flake, which is a more cost-effective material to ship offshore; prior to this, all PET beverage bottles were baled before being shipped offshore.
