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Support for Aquaculture Development

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Fish Farming

An initiative desired to increase access to nutrient-rich fish protein and improve diets of approximately 856 rural residents has gained positive response in West Sepik Province.

As part of the EU-funded STREIT PNG Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched this program to support inland fish farming in the Vanimo-Green District,

FAO supplied 12,900 high-quality Tilapia fingerlings to 107 households in Yako, Pewi Conner, Hogru, and Biaka villages located along Vanimo west Coast.

These beneficiaries are owners of more than 200 fish ponds and six fish nurseries. As part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, these farmers have received training in aquaculture production techniques, including Tilapia biology and lifecycle, fingerling stocking, fish feed production using local ingredients, pond construction and management, and financial record-keeping, among other skills.

The initiative, which is in partnership with the Provincial Fisheries and Marine Resources Office, focuses on helping inland fish farming households to increase fish production, earn a higher income, and boost food security in inland areas.

FAO Fresh Water Aquaculture Officer, Lapia Renagi, said the tilapia fish has a mild flaky taste and firm meat texture, and that makes it a top consumer choice.

“With a steady growth gradient, Tilapia fish farming is emerging as a potential income stream as wild stock populations are dramatically declining.” said Renagi.

As part of the initiative, households received between 50 to 150 fingerlings, depending on the size and number of their fish ponds. FAO plans to continue its support to West Sepik Province with an additional 20,000 fingerlings.

The intervention comes as part of the fisheries value chains upgrading plan in the Sepik region. This plan is based on a study commissioned by the FAO to the PNG National Fisheries Authority (NFA) under EU-STREIT PNG, which identified challenges faced by key actors.

“Inland Fisheries or Fresh Water Aquaculture is the fastest growing industry globally, taking over from capture fishery,” said Mr Mohammed Zakir Hossain, FAO International Fisheries Officer.

“It is an environment-friendly and sustainable activity and an effective option to shifting fishing pressure on natural habitats.”

The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, led by FAO, is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in Papua New Guinea. It focuses on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through enhancing cocoa, vanilla and fisheries value chains and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers. The programme also supports sustainable, climate-resistant transport and energy infrastructure development.

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News

Search for Pacific Musician

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Pacific Break

The search is on for the next best original musical talent from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

The launch of the 2023 Pacific Break is set to kick off in Port Moresby come 21st September and a winner will be announced on 2nd November.

Pacific Break is considered the longest running music competition in the Pacific and was first hosted in 2008.

For this year, a free concert will be held at the Lamana Gold Club and will feature last year’s winner, Danielle and PNG-born Australian artist Ngaiire.

The winner of 2023 Pacific Break will be flown to Australia to attend its largest international music festival WOMADelaide in March 2024.

Pacific Break 2

Throughout this six-week campaign, (September to November) featured artists in the region will have their music and videos featured on ABC Radio-Australia and including ABC Pacific digital and social media forums.

With the entries set to close on 2nd November, a winner will be announced on ABC Radio- Australia’s morning show Nesia Daily on Thursday 9 November.

Judge’s for this year’s talent search will include Ngaiire, DJ Hau Latukefu, Sose Fuamoli, and Rick Howe.

Australia says it is proud to promote the growth of unsigned artists living in the Pacific and Timor-Leste through such career-changing opportunities.

For more information on about Pacific Break visit www.abc.net.au/pacificbreak.

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International

Marape Clears Statement

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West Papua

Prime Minister, James Marape says he wants to set the record straight on his meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo regarding the West Papua Issue.

Marape claims an earlier statement regarding PNG’s position to abstain from supporting West Papua United Liberation Movement (WPULM) for a full fleged membership in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was released without consent.

In an effort to rectify the misinformation and alleviate concerns raised within the MSG, Marape released another statement to address the inaccuracies.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape

“An earlier statement released without consent wrongfully said that at the recently-concluded MSG Leaders’ Summit in Port Vila, Vanuatu, I informed leaders of PNG’s abstaining from supporting the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) bid for full membership, plus a notation that human rights issues in West Papua are of no concern to PNG. I wish to clarify these misconstrued assertions.” said Marape.

Marape corrects that, “Papua New Guinea never abstained from West Papua matters at the MSG meeting, but rather, offered solutions that affirmed,” said Marape.

Marape made these comments during the bilateral meeting with President Widodo in Jakarta and stressed the respect PNG government has towards Indonesia’s sovereignty, territorial rights but Human Rights is a different issue.

“When matters concerning ULMWP’s application for membership was raised, I indicated that the presence of Indonesia on MSG as an Associate Member and ULMWP as observer is sufficient for the moment. MSG has placed a moratorium on new membership until the criteria for membership is reviewed,” Marape said

Marape said President Widodo has assured him that all is okay in the two Papuan provinces and invited senior government members to visit it’s Papua Province..”

West Papua
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News

Iduhu urges Govt to reassess Connect PNG Road and Highway Program

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(PHOTO FILE: Courtesy of Connect PNG road and highways program.)

MEMBER for Hiri-Koiari district, Keith Iduhu voiced his urgent concern today regarding the Marape Government’s ambitious Connect PNG Road and Highway program that aims to build inter-provincial highways across the country. Instead, he urged the government to prioritize the construction and improvement of district and provincial roads, enhancement of social services, and bolstering of local economies.

Mr Iduhu acknowledges the long-term necessity of a nationwide road network, but insists that immediate attention should be given to pressing local issues.

Many residents of his district and Central Province share his skepticism towards a program that focuses on linking distant provinces, while many key social programs are yet to be implemented by the government.

The MP, who is part of the Marape Government, said although he subscribes to government policies, he felt obligated to express his constituents’ reservations.

He pointed out that the country currently faces a law and order situation spiraling out of control, compounded by economic difficulties that are straining society.

He highlighted the struggles of districts and provinces in fulfilling the basic rights of their people, including services in education, law and order, health, infrastructure, economic development, and housing.

He stated, “It is apparent that most districts and provinces are lacking in access to water, power, police and judicial services, housing, and basic infrastructure, and yet the proposed connection of provinces and regions will only create more problems for local leaders.”

Mr Iduhu also raised concerns about the lack of credible data on population and demographics, stating that without key development indexes, the country risks further social issues and the exacerbation of existing problems.

The MP pointed to the example of Port Moresby, which he claims, is struggling to accommodate the millions of Papua New Guineans seeking a better life.

The city’s inability to meet the growing demand for services and opportunities has led to issues such as land grabbing, criminal activity, and environmental degradation.

Mr Iduhu emphasized that the desire to migrate stems from a lack of services, not roads. He called for prioritizing district and provincial economic development before opening borders to the rest of the country.

He asked, “How can we deal with further migration when our current services are not capable of taking care of the local population?”

He suggested that the government should consider reallocating the funding for these highway projects to improve basic services throughout the country, building up local economies and service centres first before embarking on this program.

Mr Iduhu made these remarks on behalf of concerned citizens, and appealed to the government to respect their concerns and rethink the Connect PNG program.

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International

MSG Secretariat Condemns Japan’s Discharge of ALPS Water

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Japan has started the releasing of treated nuclear waste water (ALPS) into the Pacific Ocean as of 24th August, sparking different reactions from Asian and Pacific Island Countries.

Scientists including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have backed Japan’s plan to release treated nuclear water but China anounced it will not be importing Japanese sea food.

In the Pacific, Secretariat of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) said the health of the Pacific Ocean determines the survival of Pacific Islanders.

MSG Laumo ALPS Water
MSG, Director General, Leonard Louma

A statement released by MSG, Director General, Leonard Louma, states that the best proof that ALPS (treated water from Fukushima) is safe, is to discharge it into Japan’s own internal waterways and that no amount of justification, scientific or otherwise, will suffice.

“We in the Pacific are too well aware of the fallacy of the safety of nuclear activities, “said Louma.

The treated nuclear waste from Fukushima Nuclear Plant will be released into the Pacific Ocean over the next 30 years after the UN Nuclear watchdog approved the plan by the Japanese Government.

The discharge is seen as a key step in decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi plant after it was destroyed by a tsunami in 2011.

The plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) began releasing treated nuclear water at in August through an underground tunnel.

Back home, Papua New Guinea, Prime Minister James Marape had commented that it’s best the treated water is released in a controlled manner.

James Marape ALPS water
PNG Prime Minister James Marape

“For us in the Pacific our position has always been the same, a Nuclear free Pacific. But I also note that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been working with the government of Japan to rigorously review the safety for waste water for release,” said Marape.

However MSG is of the view that, after reading the IAEA Assessment Report before the discharge, had given no comfort at all.

“The “qualified” words and “diplomatic” construction of language used in the Assessment Report suggests to us that even the IAEA is not sure of the safety of the discharge of the ALPS water into the Pacific Ocean,” said Louma.

Louma is concerned on how would one interprets the use of “consistent with” safety standards, the effects will be “negligible”, and “additional review” or checks will be done again when discharge takes place.

“So please forgive us if we are sceptical of this safety narrative that you have gone overdrive to have us believe that the ALPS water is safe. Excuse us if we appear naïve when we say science can be wrong. Our experience tells us to be cautious,” Louma added.

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Crime

27 Surrendered to Police

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Aroma

A successful police operation led by ward councillors resulted in the surrender of twenty-nine suspects in Aroma, Central Province.

Central Police Commander, Chief Inspector Laimo Asi said the suspects are from Egala ‘auna village and Maopa villages.

Police say on 3rd September 2023, five men from Maopa village were in the process of robbing a Chinese operated shop at Egala ‘auna village when they were attacked and two were killed on 3rd September 2023.

When Maopa villagers heard of the death of the two men, they mobilized and ransacked the Chinese shop, wounded the Chinese man then burnt down the shop.

Of the five robbers, two were killed, two have surrendered to police while one is still on the run.

PPC Asi said since the deaths last Sunday police units visited the affected community and warned the people not to take the law into their own hands but to bring those suspects involved to police.

Central Police Commander, Chief Inspector Laimo Asi and his team visiting the affected communities.

“The 27 suspects are from Egala ‘auna who went in a group and fought with the five-armed criminals, and killed two while three escaped,” said PPC Asi.

He added that a shotgun that allegedly used in the robbery was also surrendered to police during the awareness yesterday.

The 29 suspects are now in police custody and had surrendered to police on 6th September 2023.

While the situation as has returned to normalcy, PPC Asi warned locals of Aroma not to take the law into their own hands.

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News

PNG’s Stand on WPULM’s Bid

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PNG Prime Minister James Marape, said PNG had abstained from supporting the West Papua United Liberation Movement (WPULM) full membership bid to join the MSG during the recently concluded Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leader’s Meeting in Vanuatu last month.

Marape made these comments in Jakarta yesterday, during his meeting with Indonesian President, Joko Widodo as a reciprocal visit by the Indonesian President to PNG in July.

Marape said West Papua ULM does not meet the requirements of a fully-fledged sovereign nation and Indonesia’s associate membership status also as a Melanesian country to the MSG suffices which cancels out West Papua ULM’s bid.

Marape went on to say the alleged human rights issues in West Papua the PNG Government had no moral grounds to comment on human rights issues outside of its own jurisdictions.

In response President Widodo said PNG Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, will be invited to visit Papua Province to see what development is taking place in that region of Indonesia.

Widodo spoke of Indonesia’s commitment to building trustful and cooperative relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific region and extended an invitation to Pacific Island Countries Leaders to attend the Archipelago Island States Forum this October.

Other discussions between the two leaders include;

  • Ratification and implementation of visa on arrival agreement for diplomatic and service passport holders, and agree that this be also extended to ordinary/private passport holders.
  • The establishment of travel routes of the direct air services/flight between Denpasar in Bali and Jacksons International airport in Port Moresby.
  • The opportunity for downstream processing gold from copper is immense which both leaders agreed to explore.
  • Increase number of Papua New Guinean students to study in Indonesia.

Prime Minister Marape is expected to fly off to France after his visit in Indonesia.

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News

Clean Water for Nasuapum Village After 40-Years

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Clean Water

Nasuapum Primary School and its surrounding villages in Wampar LLG has had no access to clean water supply for more than four decades.

However, this is coming to an end with a groundbreaking ceremony for the clean water project at Nasuapum Primary School.

This water project is predicted to not only provide access to clean water for the students at Nasuapum Village, but will extend to benefit nearby villages in the area.

The water service once completed is expected to last for over 50 years, relieving the need to find clean water and providing a sustainable solution to the long-standing water crisis.

The initiative is implemented by the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (DDA), headed by the DDA Chairman and Huon Gulf MP, and Minister for Community Development Jason Peter, in approving K1 million for Water and Sanitation Projects for Schools and Villages across Huon Gulf District. The funding will ensure that more schools and villages in the district will have access to clean water in the future.

Wampar was chosen as the location for this crucial project due to its history of water scarcity since the establishment of the villages.

The pilot projects for the water and sanitation program will focus on Nasuapum Primary School in Ward 16 and Bobong Elementary School in Ward 18. With a total of K10 Million already submitted to the National Planning, additional funding is expected to be granted under the Water and Sanitation (WASH) program for the continuous development of this project.

The water crisis in Nasuapum Primary School and its surrounding villages has had a severe impact on the daily lives of the residents. Lack of access to clean water has affected the health and wellbeing of the community, especially the children attending the school. With the implementation of this water project, the community will finally have access to safe and clean water, leading to improved health, hygiene, and overall quality of life.
Huon Gulf District Development Authority said that the the water project is a significant milestone that marks the beginning of a brighter future for Wampar and the Huon Gulf district.

The locals of Nasuapum village and the Nasuapum Primary School Administration commended the Huon Gulf MP and DDA for the water project.

According to Huon Gulf DDA, they hope the project will serve as an example for other districts across Papua New Guinea to prioritize water and sanitation issues and ensure that every citizen has access to this basic necessity.

As the Nasuapum Primary School and its surrounding villages celebrate the end of their long-standing water crisis, the entire community was filled with hope and gratitude. The DDA said the water project was not just a solution for the present but a promise for a brighter and healthier future.

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International

PNG Opens Embassy in Jerusalem

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Israeli Embassy

Papua New Guinea opened it’s newest embassy in Jerusalem on Tuesday this week, becoming the first Pacific Island Country to do so.

This move makes PNG the fourth nation in the world to open a fully-fledged diplomatic mission in the Israeli capital.

“I thank Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Government for facilitating the establishment of the PNG Resident Embassy in Jerusalem as it will ensure smooth and practical flow of our relations to support our socio-economic development,” said Marape.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu together unveil the plaque.

However back home, PNG Opposition Leader Joseph Lelang says Jerusalem is a disputed territory between Palestine and Israel and opening an embassy in a disputed area may not be a wise move.

” While the Government of the day has the authority to open our foreign mission there. There is a reason why the rest of the world have decided not to move their embassies from Tel Avi to Jerusalem,” said Lelang.

However the PNG Government said its decision to open an Embassy is a sovereign decision based on Papua New Guinea’s Christian principles and worldview that emanate from Israel’s Judaism religion which emphasizes respect, empathy, tolerance and acceptance for humankind.

“Papua New Guinea chose to join United States, Kosovo, Guatamala and Honduras in opening its Embassy in Jerusalem in acknowledgement of our Judeo-Christian worldview that Jerusalem is historically the headquarter of the nation and the people of Israel,” said Marape.

Marape added that Israel is no ordinary nation. From the Judeo-Christian worldview, it is the foundation nation in giving to the world many of the moral principles that we carry as Christians today.

“The value of Christianity is immeasurable. Character of nations are built by values and moral principles, and Christianity – which is deeply embedded in Israel’s faith of Judaism – gives to us our values and moral principles. Papua New Guinea finds its Christian heritage in this country, Israel; as we uphold these values and continue to believe in the God of Israel,” said Marape

The PNG Government will now be identifying a suitable land in Port Moresby for the establishment of a Israeli Embassy.

Related: https://insidepng.com/israeli-businesses-offered-land/

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Business

8th Pacific Tuna Forum 2023 commences in Port Moresby

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8th Pacific Tuna Forum Kicks off in Port Moresby

THE Acting Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning, John Rosso, officially opened the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum this morning in Port Moresby in the presence of Ministers and Departmental Heads from the fisheries sectors across the Pacific region.

Under the theme, “Strengthening Tuna Sustainability and Industry development in the ‘Blue Pacific Continent’ through increased innovation, partnership and participation”, stakeholders will address challenges faced by the regional tuna industry and chart a course forward for the future of the tuna resource and whole industry.

Managing Director of the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Authority said, the last Tuna Forum in 2019 was disrupted by Covid-19 but this year’s conference is well represented by all the Pacific nations.

“Pacific island countries value the importance of maintaining dialogue. These meetings have assisted countries in the region to come together and develop common positions and strategies to ensure the sustainable management of tuna in our region”, Ilakini said.

Mr Phil Roberts, Chairman of the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum and Board Director of Tri Marine International Pte Ltd, Singapore who described PNG as a ‘True leader in Pacific Industry and tuna management’ said the challenge now is maintaining the momentum whilst facing global challenges such as climate change and the developments in the industry through the creation of jobs and economic activity.

Head of event organizing Partners

“Fisheries in the Western Pacific is the best managed in the world, there’s a lot to do but I feel optimistic,” he said.

The Pacific Tuna forum is known for its impact on the sustainable management of tuna resources and preserving the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

The two-day forum will focus on key areas including Sustainable fisheries management; Ecosystem Conservation; Climate Resilience; Market Access and Trade; and Indigenous and Local Knowledge.

Expected outcomes from the forum discussions include Policy Recommendations, Innovative Solutions, Stakeholder Collaboration and Public Awareness for Tuna Fishing and Marine Resource sectors in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

The 8th Pacific Tuna forum is organized by the National Fisheries authority of Papua New Guinea with INFOFISH and regional partners including the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Parties to the Nauru Agreement Organization and the PNG Fishing Industry Association.

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