Hogave Community Conservation declared a protected area

The Hogave Community Conservation [HCC] situated in the Mt Michael Local Level Government [LLG] of Lufa District, has been officially declared a protected area by Minister for Environment and Conservation, Simo Kilepa.

Environment Conservation and Climate Change First Secretary, Motsy David, presented the Gazettal Notice yesterday at Hogave.

He said the gazettal legally empowers the Hogave Conservation Management Committee to oversee the area's management, implement its plan, and enforce relevant rules and regulations.

Motsy David congratulated the Hogave community on this significant achievement, acknowledging the tireless efforts, commitment, and leadership of David Kima, clan leaders, members, and their valued partners.

Established in 1987 under the leadership of its Founding Director, David T. Kima, the Hogave Conservation Area was a collaborative effort with NGOs specializing in protected area management in Papua New Guinea.

According to Benside Thomas CEPA's Terrestrial Protected Area Manager, the Hogave Conservation Area spans 1,129 hectares of protected forest.

"The Hogave Conservation Area is now Papua New Guinea's 62nd protected area, gazetted under the Flora and Fauna [Protection and Control] Act 1966," he said.

Thomas added that Papua New Guinea is home to 33 species of Birds of Paradise, 13 of which are found in Hogave.

Hogave Community Conservation managing Director David Kima is deeply grateful to the Government, especially the Department of Environment and Conservation, for recognizing their efforts and declaring the forest a Protected Area.

He also thanked Minister Kilepa and the CEPA officials for their support.