Wildlife area needs government support

National

THE Pokili Wildlife Management Area (PWMA) in East New Britain has raised concerns over lack of government support in managing and developing the wildlife area that was established in the 1960s.
PWMA chairman Emmanuel Kosi told The National yesterday that Pokili was declared and gazetted as a wildlife management area in 1976 and comprised eight big communities that have been very faithful in preserving and conserving huge hectares of their forest land against any form of development.
“Pokili was declared a wildlife management area well before Independence in 1975 and it comprised around 12,000-plus hectares of forest land, wildlife as well as hot springs,” he said.
“It has the potential to be one of the best tourist destinations in the country but the problem is lack of government support in developing and managing the wildlife.”
He said if people agreed to forgo potential developments on their land and preserve for the good of humanity, they should also be compensated and appreciated equally.
“There must be community livelihood development projects initiated to benefit the people and the community and improve their livelihoods,” he said.
“In the case of Pokili, there has been little to no benefits and support from the government, particularly the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority over the years.”