Biodiversity protection a must for our tourism

 BIODIVERSITY protection is the heart of tourism and investments in tourism should be centred on protecting it, says Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change John Pundari (pictured).

“If we are serious about tourism, then we should seriously invest in biodiversity protection and conservation projects,” he said.

He said one of the key factors in the tourism industry around the world was captive breeding of animals, which was lacking in the country.

“We talk about tourism, but what do we have for tourism that will attract more tourists? Captive breeding is a very important tourist attraction,” he said. “Captive breeding is not only doing right for the biodiversity in Papua New Guinea, but a great investment in the tourism industry that will generate economic activities.”

He said the Chimelong Zoo in China was an example of a real tourist destination. 

“It is home to more than 200,000 rare animals from more than 500 species, including giant Pandas and Australian Koalas.

“It attracts 60,000 to 70,000 tourists a day from around the world. Why? Because they did captive breeding.”

A delegation from the Chimelong Zoo visited the Baiyer Wildlife Conservation in Western Highlands, the Variarata National Park in Central and the Adventure Park and Motu Pore Research Centre in the National Capital District earlier this year.