Help from Australia for Lae Botanical Gardens

THE Lae National Botanic Gardens is expected to receive assistance from the Cairns Botanic Gardens following a visit there by curator Michael Lovave.
He recently completed a two-week tour in Cairns, Australia as part of the “Exploring Growth in Tropical Botanical Gardens” exchange programme.
It is hosted by the Cairns Regional Council, Friends of Cairns and Lae Botanic Gardens, James Cook University and the PNG Forest Research Institute.
Lovave presented an overview of the Lae National Botanic Gardens advancement programme at the Cairns Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, the Australian Tropical Herbarium and the Australian Institute of Horticulture’s international symposium.
As a result, more than 24 public and private sector organisations have pledged about K750,000 towards the regeneration of the botanical gardens in Lae. “I am very excited to be a part of this programme,” Lovave said.
“It’s delivery will be extremely beneficial to our region while improving the reputation and status of our gardens in Lae.”
Lovave also discussed a range of best-practice methods with Cairns Botanic Gardens staff to incorporate into the management of the Lae gardens.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said they were pleased to offer assistance to their nearest sister city as it redeveloped its gardens for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
Cairns Institute director Professor Stewart Lockie said Lovave’s visit provided an opportunity to discuss possible collaboration between the Cairns Institute, Australian Tropical Herbarium and the PNG research organisations including the Forest Research Institute.