Milne Bay businesses take the lead in protecting coral reefs through blue economy initiative
Monday, 3 November 2025, 5:23 pm
Participants during last week's training in Alotau (NBC News)
Four small businesses in Milne Bay Province have become the latest champions of marine conservation under the Gutpla Solwara, Gutpla Bisnis Programme, a United Nations-backed initiative turning local entrepreneurship into a force for protecting coral reefs.
The programme, jointly implemented by the UN Development Programme [UNDP] and the UN Capital Development Fund [UNCDF], supports women-led and eco-focused enterprises through targeted grants, helping them build sustainable livelihoods while preserving vital marine ecosystems.
Four of five selected local SMEs signed their grant agreements last week following training sessions in Alotau. The businesses, mostly based in remote coastal areas, are now set to roll out projects linking business with conservation initiatives.
Margaret Joel, a representative of Kunawa Getaway Beach, said the funding would help expand their eco-lodge while strengthening conservation work.
“We’re building new bungalows and facilities for guests,” she said. “But just as importantly, we’re planting mangroves and restoring our seafront to protect marine life.”
Grant awardee Abel Wallace of Kunawa Getaway Beach signing the Gutpla Solwara, Gutpla Bisnis Programme contract (NBC News)
Nuli Sapi Guesthouse participant Robert Jeffery added that eco-tourism depends on protecting natural beauty.
“Our clients come to enjoy unspoiled nature, so preserving it is part of our business,” he said.
Provincial official Misa Lionel from the Climate Mitigation and Natural Resources Division urged the participants to uphold high standards of transparency and accountability.
“They were chosen from 27 applicants,” Lionel said. “Now the onus is on them to deliver and show how sustainable businesses can drive conservation.”
The Gutpla Solwara, Gutpla Bisnis Programme aims to protect over 23,000 hectares of coral reef ecosystems by 2025, using innovative financing to scale local blue economy ventures.
Milne Bay, alongside West New Britain, is at the forefront of the initiative, proving that climate resilience and community enterprise can go hand in hand.
