Posted on November, 15 2024

Palmalmal, Pomio, Papua New Guinea (15^th November 2024) – The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) celebrated the opening of its new office today in Palmalmal, Pomio, East New Britain, marking an important step forward in community-led conservation efforts in the Pacific region. The new office based in Palmalmal will serve as a base to support conservation initiatives that protect both Pomio’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity and the cultural heritage of its communities.

The opening of the office which is situated in the Pomio District Administration Complex was attended by the Pomio District Administrator, Mr. John Liskia, members of the Pomio District Development Authority, local community leaders, and representatives from WWF-Pacific, WWF-International and WWF-Belgium.

Pomio, known for its ecological richness and deep-rooted traditions, is home to over 11,000 square kilometers of pristine rainforest, unique caves, vibrant coral reefs, and countless unique species, many not formally documented. Recently, WWF and community members working with Fiji-based photographer Tom Vierus photographed for the first time the New Britain Goshawk (Accipiter princeps), locally known as ‘keango’ or ‘kulingapa’. The bird of prey is found only on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea. The last documented scientific record of the bird was from 1969.

WWF-Papua New Guinea’s initiatives that are tailored to accelerate the implementation of global biodiversity framework will focus on community-conserved forests, marine protection, including protecting Pomio’s five marine turtle species, reducing deforestation through sustainable agriculture and livelihood income generating initiatives, and empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups in conservation leadership.

Pomio District Administrator, Mr. John Liskia, expressed his enthusiasm for WWF’s commitment to Pomio’s conservation and sustainable development: “The establishment of WWF’s office here in Pomio is a welcome development for our community. Our people have a deep connection to this land, and we recognize that the future of our environment and livelihoods depends on sustainable management. WWF’s presence will provide the support we need to conserve our unique ecosystems, and we are pleased to work hand in hand with them to ensure a bright future for the people of Pomio and our natural heritage.”

In addition to its conservation programme, WWF’s Pomio office will work closely with local communities, who play a central role in safeguarding the landscape through their knowledge and traditions.

Alistair Monument, Conservation Impact Director for Asia Pacific, WWF International, commended the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of the Pomio office as a catalyst for transformative change in the Pacific: “WWF is honoured to be welcomed into the Pomio community. This office represents a partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals. Together with these Pomio communities, we are setting ambitious targets to conserve forests, protect marine life, and promote sustainable livelihoods. WWF looks forward to supporting the people of Pomio as they take the lead in conserving their land and resources for future generations.”

WWF Pomio Program Manager, Martha Eimba, highlighting the support from the communities in Pomio:
“I didn’t know anyone in Pomio when I first arrived. I want to acknowledge everyone who welcomed me. You invite me into your homes, you share your foods and you make me feel at home. Pomio will be a place of learning and a centre of conservation exchange. WWF’s work in Pomio will be hand in hand with local communities. That is the only way we will carry out our work.”

The establishment of the Pomio office also sets the stage for future initiatives, aimed at empowering women, youth, and marginalized groups to become environmental leaders.

This expansion represents WWF’s commitment to building a resilient Pacific region where communities and nature thrive together. WWF looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the people of Pomio, further strengthening the conservation of one of the Pacific’s most extraordinary landscapes and seascapes.

WWF’s new programme in Pomio is funded by WWF-Belgium and WWF’s new international project on Accelerating Implementaion of Global Biodiversity Framework through Community-led Conservation.

WWF extends our deepest thanks to the Honorable Member of Parliament for Pomio District and Minister of Health, Mr. Elias Kapavore and Pomio District Development Authority and to peoples of Pomio for making WWF’s new program in Pomio possible.

A biodiversity hotspot
Papua New Guinea hosts the third-largest intact tropical forest in the world, following the Amazon and Congo basins. It is remarkably diverse in terms of species, landscapes, and ecosystems with more than 5,000 lakes, extensive river systems and wetlands, 5,000 miles of mangrove swamps, lagoons, coral reefs and atolls. The Nakanai Mountains, where the New Britain Goshawk was photographed, are part of a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site and are estimated to be between 10.5-22.5 million years old.

For media inquiries and additional information, please contact:
Ms. Martha Eimbia
Pomio Program Manager WWF-Papua New Guinea
Email: membia@wwfpacific.org