ENB hosts maritime workshop

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday 18th April 2013

 MARITIME provinces in Papua New Guinea have called on government agencies to improve their response time during disasters such as ships running aground.

Government and private sector representatives and non-governmental organisations, raised their concerns during the 2014-17 PNG marine programme workshop in Kokopo, East New Britain.

Representatives from West New Britain and Western shared their experiences on marine conservation and resource management. 

They are also concerned about the over-harvesting and sale of threatened marine species.

They want a permanent presence of the department of environment and conservation in the provinces.

In a media statement, organisers said the marine programme was launched in 2010 and restricted to seven pilot provinces including Manus, Kavieng, Milne Bay, West New Britain, Western, Madang and Morobe.

“However, this year, eight other maritime provinces have joined the workshop.”

Organisers praised Environment and Conservation Minister John Pundari, who is continuing his drive to establish a national protected areas policy.

“The policy will cover both marine and terrestrial areas that hold a biodiversity of rare value.

“Pundari is working on a policy that will enable all 15 maritime provinces to have a framework to manage and conserve their marine resources better while offering them innovative eco-tourism ventures as alternatives.

“It is happening in West New Britain and Western and their presentation was a great inspiration to the workshop participants,” the statement said.