Inland Fish Farming is becoming popular in the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea with many choosing fish as an alternate source of protein aside from the usual pork or lamb.
With an increase in demand, many villagers are also venturing into the business.
Recognizing the interest, the National Fisheries Authority officers from the Kavieng Training College recently completed a two-week training on inland fish farming in Kou Village in Imbonggu, Southern Highlands Province.
James Anjo, Fish farmerand Chairman of Imbonggu Fish Farmers Association.
James Anjo is one of the farmers. He is also the Chairman of the Imbonggu Fish Farmers Association.
Anjo’s motivation for forming the group stemmed from the lack of financial assistance and sustainable income sources in their village.
As a fully registered organization, the Imbonggu Fish Farmers group aims to secure funding from the Southern Highlands Provincial Government and the Imbonggu District Development Authority through the Services Improvement Program Funds (SIPs).
As the newly appointed chairman of Imbonggu Fish Farmers, James Anjo has gained the support of the Imbonggu District Council President, who serves as his deputy chairman.
With hundreds of other fish farmers expressing interest in future training sessions, the NFA trainers have already compiled a list of new trainees for potential programs.
The demand for additional training underscores the enthusiasm and commitment of local residents towards enhancing their skills in fish farming.
Through the collective efforts of the group and ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies, Anjo and his fellow fish farmers are determined to secure the necessary resources to further develop their farming practices and contribute to the economic growth of their community.
Balthazar Winjowa has never been more optimistic about his family’s future then today.
After undergoing training with the EU-STREIT PNG Programme to revive cocoa in Wanwara Village of the Turubu LLG in East Sepik Province, where he comes from, the 33 year-old says he’s life has changed completely.
Along side the materials that the EU-STREIT PNG provided, Baltazar was also privileged to undergo bud grafting training, learned proper pruning techniques and studied cocoa fermentation and processing.
“I learned how to conduct pruning and bud grafting,” he explains. “I now train other farmers in my Village and show them how to manage their cocoa blocks.”
The training and tools started paying off.
In the first half of this year alone, Baltazar harvested 7,300 kilograms of wet beans which yielded around forty bags of dried beans.
He says that the trees just started bearing fruit and he is seeing production increase.
“With the support from STREIT, we are harvesting beans with no Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB) infestation,” He says.
The improved quality of Baltazar’s cocoa has opened new doors for him and his fellow farmers.
With the support of the programme, he had the chance to send his cocoa beans to the Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby where they were evaluated for quality.
“STREIT came to my Village and sent samples of my cocoa to Queen Emma. I got a WhatsApp message on my phone saying that I have high-quality cocoa,” he recalls with pride.
His success also led to an opportunity to meet an Overseas buyer from New Zealand.
With the help from STREIT, Baltazar was able to attend a factory presentation with Queen Emma Chocolate, where he met the lady buyer from New Zealand.
“She said if I pass the quality standard, she will visit my Village to sign a contract to supply one tonne of dried cocoa beans per year,” he says.
For Baltazar, this journey has transformed not only his business, but also his family life.
With the money that he earned from cocoa, he has been able to provide more for his family.
His eldest daughter is currently doing grade 9 at Yarapos Secondary School, and Baltazar is committed more to supporting her education.
“My formal education stopped at grade 8 and my wife went as far as grade 9 because of school fee problems,” says Baltazar.
He wants his daughter to go to a business college and return back to manage their cocoa farming as a business.
With the support of his wife, Baltazar is looking ahead to plan big for his future with his cocoa farming business.
Eliseo Group of Companies launched the opening of their new shopping center today in the suburb of Gerehu in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby.
This now brings total number of shops operated by Eliseo Group to eight.
Eliseo Group of Companies, managing director Max Li said, Eliseo has a good reputation in the country and also provided job opportunities for Papua New Guinean locals spanning over 10 years since its establishment at the Gordon suburb in Port Moresby.
Today mark’s a another milestone achievement for Eliseo for adding a another figure to their tally bringing the total to eight, it is through the commitment and hard work of the Papua New Guinean workers, Li said.
He said, the company’s aim is to give a second chance to the people of Papua New Guinea by providing them employment opportunities and help make a living in the city.
He added that Eliseo shops are also avenues for students to do part-time jobs to gain a bit of work experience during school holidays.
Papua New Guinea is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, a proclamation even Pope Francis acknowledges.
But Papua New Guinea is also challenged with socio-economic developments that do not reach the rural majority despite the presence of numerous extractive industries.
The Pontiff in his remarks this morning at the APEC Haus said Papua New Guinea besides consisting of islands and languages, is also rich in natural resources.
“These goods are destined by God for the entire community.
“Even if outside experts and large international companies must be involved in the harnessing of these resources, it is only right that the needs of local people are given due consideration when distributing the proceeds and employing workers, to improve their living conditions.
“These environmental and cultural treasures represent at the same time a great responsibility, because they require everyone, civil authorities and all citizens, to promote initiatives that develop natural and human resources in a sustainable and equitable manner,” said Pope Francis.
Governor General, Sir Bob Dadae in acknowledging the work of the Catholic Church in the country also requested the Pope in his capacity as a world leader to help advocate on Climate Change and its impacts that is felt by small island nations like PNG.
“Climate change is real and is affecting the lives of our people in the remote Islands of Papua New Guinea.
“Across the Pacific, islands are sinking and are affected and displaced.
“We seek your prayers and support for global action and advocacy on climate change, we need to let the world know that there is no more time.
“What the world needs is commitment for action,” Sir Bob said.
This August, Coca-Cola Papua New Guinea is joining forces with Marvel to release ‘Coca-Cola x Marvel: The Heroes’ limited edition cans, offering fans the chance to win special prizes.
“Coca-Cola’s long-standing relationship with Disney, spanning over 60 years, continues with this collaboration”, said Tim Solly- Sales Commercial Director – Coca Cola Euro Pacific.
He said “to celebrate this partnership, CCA PNG has launched a campaign called ‘The Hero’s Campaign’”.
The campaign includes a new TV commercial that will be featured on Coca-Cola PNG‘s Facebook page and aims to provide a unique consumer experience.
Tim Solly- Sales and Commercial Director, CCA PNG standing next to an image of Marvel Superhero, Deadpool. [[Photo: Allan Terry/Inside PNG]]
Starting on the 20th of July, 2024 onwards, Coca-Cola and Marvel fans can purchase specially designed limited-edition Coca-Cola Classic cans featuring Marvel characters Deadpool, Wolverine, Daredevil, and Elektra.
Senior Brand Manager, The Coca-Cola Company, Rachel Nainggolan introduced how Coca-Cola customers can be part of this campaign;
“Fans are invited to form teams of four, collect all four special edition cans, take a group selfie, and share it on Facebook while tagging Coca-Cola PNG, this will enter them into a draw to win tickets to an exclusive screening of the new Deadpool & Wolverine movie on September 28, 2024”.
She added that winners from outside Port Moresby will have their accommodations and airfare covered.
Rachel Nainggolan – Senior Brand Manager, CCA PNG. [[Photo: Allan Terry/InsidePNG]]
Additionally, the Coca-Cola x Marvel Truck will travel across PNG’s four major regions, offering games, photo opportunities, live music, and various surprises.
Customers who purchase two cans of Coca-Cola can present their receipt to participate in games and win official Coca-Cola x Marvel merchandise.
Rachel Nainggolan said, “Our goal at Coca-Cola is to create moments of happiness and unity. This collaboration with Marvel allows us to bring the community together in new and enjoyable ways.”
The Coca-Cola x Marvel: The Heroes limited edition cans are now available in stores across Papua New Guinea.
President of the Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy or PNG CORE, Anthony Smare says the Community Affairs and National Content Conference and Expo or CANCONEX is a safe space for uncomfortable courageous conversations.
Smare made the comment during the conclusion of the 2024 National Community Affairs & National Content Conference & Expo. CANCONEX, the conference and Expo started on the 1st and ended on the 3rd of July, and was hosted by the University of Papua New Guinea.
There were presentations by companies and stakeholders in the Mining, Petroleum and Energy sectors, and afterwards panel discussions, creating interaction between Resource Landowners, activists and Major Companies in the extractive and Energy industries.
With the focus on Community Affairs and Local Content, discussions on challenges and innovations in improving and addressing issues of national interest, that affect resource landowners and companies alike, were presented to over a thousand attendees over the three days.
One of the highlights of the CANCONEX was a continuation of last years inaugural CANCONEX in Lae, which featured the Issues of Bougainville; this years edition also welcomed the resource landowners from Bougainville and key partners which included the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), the Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) and the Panguna Land Owners.
Sensitive discussions on the legacy issues of the Panguna mine and the progress of reopening the mine took center stage, with the audience very much in tune.
The President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), Ishmael Toroama, was present, he gave a speech and later the president was part of a panel discussion with BCL, and representatives of the Landowners, which included Theonila Roka Matbob, member for the Ioro Constituency in Central Bougainville, which is part of the Panguna mine area.
President of PNG CORE, Anthony Smare was invested in the conversations and facilitated the panel discussion, on Bougainville issues, he stressed during the closing of CANCONEX that the discussions were informative and very diverse.
“We need safe spaces for uncomfortable courageous conversations, we saw this in the session, the ABG President was here and Bougainville Copper Limited was here, BCL was not welcome back to Bougainville for 20 years, But I was surprised to hear them say that, mining was essential to grow their economy, as the President had said.
“But they were doing it in a way that they knew they had legacy issues and through processes such as remediation in which the people and the ABG are involved in, and that illustrates the importance of having safe spaces where extremely diverse views can be heard where people don’t take it personally but they realize its important to build a future where people feel included and they own that future,” Smare added.
With the convergence of resource owners and companies together not all views are agreed to, but like the President of PNG CORE alluded to in his closing remarks, the convention attendees are always expected to keep an open mind when observing discussions.
“I salute the companies that support this and that sponsor this, because they know that the people that are most uncomfortable with these conversations are the companies themselves, when they hear being mentioned.
“CANCONEX is successful because of what we want people to commit to when they come in, which is to open your mind to opinions which you don’t agree with, with people you don’t necessarily agree with or that you think you have nothing in common with, someone you have never met before, and this event only works because of the commitment the attendees make, you attend all the sessions and you talk to the interns the CEOs, Resource Landowners and community activists you have a whole spectrum that come here,” Smare added.
Environmental advocate Wenceslaus Magun has sounded the alarm over the potential negative impacts of sand mining on biodiversity and local communities in the Sumgilbar Area of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The region, spanning 51 kilometers from Murunas to Tokain in the Sumgilbar LLG of Sumkar District Madang, is under threat from the growing sand mining industry, particularly in the absence of a regulatory framework, allowing large-scale operations to proceed unchecked.
“Unregulated sand mining threatens both marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the Sumgilbar Area,” Magun stated.
Vanansius Barrar of Murukanam village Sumkar District says his village is under threat from logging activities and now sand mining is becoming a threat for locals who depend on the marine life for sustenance.
Sand mining, a rapidly expanding sector in PNG, poses significant environmental risks in the Sumgilbar Area, covering both land and sea territories, including crucial bodies of water like the Gilagi River.
The lack of comprehensive policies exacerbates challenges, with limited monitoring and transparency regarding sand extraction activities and the involved parties.
“The absence of effective policies and monitoring mechanisms enables unsustainable practices that jeopardize the environment,” added Magun.
Contrary to popular belief, sand is not a renewable resource and unregulated extraction poses immediate threats such as habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
The environmental risks include coastal erosion, degradation of marine ecosystems, and disruption of freshwater systems.
Social risks are equally alarming, especially for communities’ dependent on the sea for food and finance.
Huge Leatherback Turtle laying in the sand. [[PHOTO FILE: Wenceslaus Magun]]
These risks include the depletion of fish stocks, loss of livelihoods, and the erosion of cultural practices tied to marine environments.
“Communities relying on these ecosystems face severe socio-economic impacts,” Magun emphasized.
Academic researcher, Ms. Winnifred Duk, currently pursuing a PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Goroka, supports this view.
“As sand protects the environment and is not a renewable resource, the large scale of mining sand would bring environmental concerns, and social and economic impacts, including the direct habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity,” says Duk.
The negative consequences of sand mining are profound. They encompass forced migration, loss of fertile land, increased social issues, and regulatory challenges linked to illegal operations.
The loss of biodiversity can lead to the collapse of local ecosystems, further endangering species like the leatherback turtle and undermining the food security of local communities.
“The threat to biodiversity and local livelihoods is immediate and requires urgent intervention,” Magun warned.
Another local, Willie Mayng, said their land is a conservation area and is a nesting zone for the endangered leatherback turtles.
The absence of policies governing sand mining in PNG is a critical issue requiring urgent attention.
The government’s acknowledgment of this lack underscores the need for a shift towards sustainable practices prioritizing ecosystem preservation.
“Without a proper regulatory framework, the detrimental effects of sand mining will continue unchecked,” Magun urged.
In response to the environmental concerns, Wenceslaus Magun, in collaboration with the Turtle Island Restoration Network, initiated the Sea Turtles Restoration Project in Karkum village.
This project aims to prevent the loss of endangered sea turtles, marine habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity while restoring food sources and promoting alternative economic opportunities.
“Our focus is on protecting both the environment and the community’s livelihood,” Magun explained.
The project’s primary goal is to involve resource owners in marine and near-shore resource management plans and empower indigenous communities to actively preserve their environment.
This not only benefits endangered species like leatherback turtles but also supports the livelihoods of the people.
PHOTO FILE: Provided by Wenceslaus Magun.
Magun and his team emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and traditional practices intertwined with the environment.
“Integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation efforts is key to our success,” stated Magun.
The project seeks sustainable solutions that balance community needs with environmental protection, aiming to raise awareness about the significance of preserving endangered species and promoting alternative income sources.
Through the Sea Turtles Restoration Project, Magun and his team collaborated with the Turtle Island Restoration Network to establish the MAKATA Association, a local NGO sustaining the project.
MAKATA ensures the vision of saving, protecting and restoring endangered leatherback sea turtles and marine resources is achieved; allowing inhabitants to sustainably utilize these resources for improved lifestyles in harmony with their cultures and spirituality.
“By fostering sustainable practices, we can ensure a better future for both people and nature,” Magun affirmed.
On November 17, 2008, representatives from each of the four clans in Karkum village signed a conservation deed, granting them more control over their resources.
This deed maintains customary practices, empowering them to be direct custodians and stewards of their resources.
The conservation deed enables them to assert their customary rights, respond to threats, and actively manage land and sea to protect important areas while recording and safeguarding traditional knowledge.
“The conservation deed is a crucial step in empowering local communities to protect their heritage and environment”. Magun concluded.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), as part of the EU-STREIT Program in Papua New Guinea has officially opened a Cocoa Export Market Depot in Vanimo, West Sepik Province.
This facility is the first dedicated cocoa export-oriented depot in the province.
The Cocoa Export Market Depot, with an investment of PGK1.67 million and a storage capacity of 50 metric tons, is aimed to support 20,000 farming households and enhance market access and opportunity to premium prices for their cocoa beans.
Ribbon cutting of the Cocoa Export Depot facility by Provincial Governor Tony Wouwou and representatives from FAO and EU-Streit.
The depot was handed over to the Provincial Government and will be managed West Sepik Investment Limited; the business arm of the Provincial Administration of West Sepik.
The newly established Cocoa Export Market Depot is part of FAO’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of local cocoa farmers by providing proper storage, facilitating better marketing, and enabling farmers to sell their cocoa at higher prices.
This initiative also marks a significant step towards increasing sustainable production of cocoa in West Sepik.
The inauguration event saw the presence of several distinguished guests from the European Union and United Nations including Governor of West Sepik Province, Tony Wouwou.
Governor Wouwou expressed his gratitude to the European Union for funding this important facility for the people of West Sepik Province.
West Sepik Governor, Tony Wouwou.
“I commend the FAO-led EU-STREIT PNG Program for facilitating the construction and establishment of this essential facility.
“This initiative will enhance the productivity of cocoa and significantly improve the livelihoods of our cocoa farmers by providing critical marketing services here in Vanimo,” Governor Wouwou said.
Kesang Phuntsho, speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, reaffirmed the United Nations commitment to continued collaboration with the government and local communities.
“In Papua New Guinea, cocoa ranks third among agricultural export crops, contributing approximately 14% of agricultural exports.
“The opportunities for growth are significant, and ensuring the sustainability of our achievements is crucial,” she said.
EU-STREIT PNG Program Coordinator, Ali Said Yesuf, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project.
“I am extremely pleased to see this initiative come to fruition. This support, provided by the EU-STREIT PNG Program, aims to enhance the cocoa value chain.
“Our objectives are to improve marketing, ensure farmers receive fair prices, and establish Vanimo as a hub for cocoa exports. This will motivate farmers and transform the economy of West Sepik.”
In the aftermath of unprecedented violence, Papua New Guinea’s retail giant, CPL Group, has been left reeling. Founder Sir Mahesh Patel, who dedicated nearly four decades to building this business, now confronts a grim reality as multiple outlets lay in ruins…
InsidePNG sat down with Sir Mahesh Patel as he shared on what he called “one of the darkest days” in the history of Papua New Guinea’s Capital City, Port Moresby…
ACT NOW! has released another case study report that reveals more illegal logging under the pretext of agriculture development.
This new report titled “A New Forest Grab” focuses on the Mengen agriculture project in East New Britain Province.
ACT NOW! says the report reveals how a Malaysian owned logging company, KK Connections, has used highly suspicious claims that will establish a forest plantation and agriculture projects to obtain a Forest Clearing Authority (FCA), which it is now using as cover to export thousands of cubic meters of round logs.
An FCA is only supposed to be used to allow the clearing of small, discrete areas of forest for agriculture or other land use changes, but satellite images analyzed by ACT NOW reveal the logging company in the Mengen area is roaming over a large area, selectively felling and extracting valuable timber with no forest clearance or agriculture planting.
The second report follows its first report, Ten Years Without a Crop, published last month in conjunction with Jubilee Australia.
The first report according to ACT NOW! revealed how another Malaysian-owned logging company, Global Elite Limited who has already sold US$31 million (115 million kina) worth of round logs from the Wammy FCA in West Sepik Province, but has not established promised palm oil or rubber plantations.
ACT NOW!’s Campaign Manager Eddie Tanago said to make matters worse, both reports highlight how the FCA logging operations have been approved by the PNG Forest Authority without the informed consent of a significant proportion of customary landowners.
He said just last week, Prime Minister Marape again reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the protection and sustainable management of our forest resources, yet the PNG Forest Authority is continuing to allow illegal logging across the entire country.
ACT NOW! Is calling on the PNG Forest Authority to cancel the Forest Clearing Authorities for both the Mengen and Wammy projects and to impose a moratorium on logging in all FCA areas.
In total there are 24 active FCA logging operations across nine Provinces which cover an average area of 61,849 hectares, the equivalent of more than 11,000 rugby fields.
Eddie Tanago, said: “FCAs are routinely being used as a loophole to authorize the theft of PNG’s forests. We call on the National Forest Board and PNG Forest Authority to extend the current moratorium on new FCAs, suspend logging in all existing FCAs and conduct a comprehensive public review of the projects”.
ACT NOW says it is also calling on the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Fraud squad to open investigations into these illegal logging operations as they are continuing under the supervision of Forest Authority officers.
