Society applauds partnership

By LULU MARK
PARTNERSHIP is crucial in the implementation of the Government’s decisions on environmental protection in PNG, according to the Catholic Professional Society (CPS).
Society president Paul Harricknen said the Ministry for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change’s announcement of a ban of plastics and the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Central to establish a marine protected area at Mirigeda outside Port Moresby, were great moves.
It would lead to the protection of mangroves and marine life in Mirigeda and Bootless Bay along the East Hiri coast.
Harricknen said the agreement strengthened the partnership between the Conservation Environment Protection Authority (Cepa) and the Japanese International Cooperation Assistance Agency (Jica) bio-diversity project 2015-2020 which included the implementation of the protected area policy through the Variarata National Park.
He said CPS also welcomed the decision to enforce a ban on the use of plastics by December.
“Plastics are non-biodegradable and a menace to the land, seas, and waterways causing serious harm to marine life, ecosystem, and to humanity,” he said.
“It is encouraging to see cooperation and partnership among various levels of government and the international development agencies on the conservation and protection of environment in times when the world is facing serious issues and concerns on climate change.
“We need more partnerships and collaborations among Governments both national and international, churches, NGOs, learning institutions, and civil society to raise consciousness and awareness on the care for the environment.
“Concern for environment is everyone’s business.”