FAO proud to support CEPA on GEF 7 project

FAO PNG Head of Office, Dr. Kachen Wongsathapornchai and Micheal.Beldan Uro Chairman of the Natauka Zamu Nature holding the gazettal with Natauka Community members at Mesauka, Gahuku LLG, Goroka District. (NBC News)

The Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] of the United Nations is proud to partner with the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority [CEPA] on the Global Environment Facility [GEF 7] project, supporting the achievement of Protected Area [PA] status for the Hogave Conservation, Velotige Community Conservation, and Natauka Zamu Nature Reserve in Eastern Highlands Province.

FAO PNG Head of Office, Dr. Kachen Wongsathapornchai, extended his congratulations to the three communities during a series of ceremonies held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, where they received their Gazettal notices. Each community was presented with a Gazettal notice, officially recognizing their area as a Protected Area [PA].

"The achievement of Protected Area status for these communities marks a significant milestone for both local communities and Papua New Guinea's national conservation agenda," Dr. Wongsathapornchai said.

"This status signifies the successful transition of the communities' commitment into national law, supported by CEPA, the Eastern Highlands Provincial Administration, and funding from the Global Environment Facility through its GEF7 project," he said.

He furher said the community leaders had a vision to support more initiatives that enable their communities to live in harmony with their land and natural resources.

" FAO is impressed by the communities' commitment to conservation efforts. "The community leaders worked tirelessly to set up a platform for community members and children to participate in safeguarding their forest and its resources, while benefiting from it," Dr. Wongsathapornchai said.

The Gazettal issuance marks a significant milestone that will strengthen efforts to safeguard their land, water resources, and wildlife, as well as their traditional conservation knowledge.

The gazettal of the Community Conservation Areas provides the highest level of legal protection under Papua New Guinea's Protected Areas Policy, formally recognizing them as nationally important conservation sites.