US invests K85m in natural resource management

THE United States government has invested K85 million (US$25 mil) to expand a bilateral agreement with PNG to improve natural resource management among other things.
A statement from the embassy said the funds were also to facilitate access to reliable and affordable energy and empower women entrepreneurs.
It is working with PNG, Australia, New Zealand and Japan to provide electricity to 70 per cent of PNG homes by 2030, empower women-owned businesses, and to protect the land, forest and waterways.
The K85m comes through the United States Agency for International Development (USAid).
It has contributed more than K110 million (US$32.5 million) since 2016.
Ambassador Catherine Ebert-Gray said good governance “makes a huge difference in our lives”.
USAid will work with PNG to strengthen the effectiveness of PNG Power Ltd, provide electricity access to remote communities, strengthen energy regulatory systems, and catalyse private sector investment.
“This agreement between our nations supports the environment and good governance of PNG, while demonstrating the commitment of the American people to the security and responsible economic development of PNG,” Ebert-Gray said.
“We are proud to stand with the Government and the people in strengthening the country’s environmental resilience and improving the management of PNG’s customary lands and waters.
“Initiative and relationships are critical in PNG, therefore, local people, their talents and cultural heritage will be front and centre of these programmes.”
It includes K10.2 million to the Lukautim Graun (Look after the environment) project under the US government’s Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative.