Second mangrove boardwalk launched in country
The first Island Mangrove Boardwalk Sanctuary in Milne Bay Province has been launched, becoming the second Mangrove Boardwalk in the country.
It's a community-led conservation program led by VilLink Tours and Expedition and is nestled among group of islands off the coast of Bubuletta and Divinai villages along the Eastcape Highway.
The sanctuary project was funded through the United Nations Development Program [UNDP] Blue Economic Program last year, and aims to protect mangroves, the islands and marine life while providing economic opportunities for local communities through tourism activities.
Apart from the Bautama Mangrove Boardwalk in Central Province, the Mahabalina Mangrove Boardwalk Sanctuary in Milne Bay Province, launched on Saturday, is now the first Island Mangrove Boardwalk Sanctuary in PNG.
Alotau Open MP Ricky Morris was present to officially launch the project and commended the Bubuletta and Divinai community for their cooperation, commitment and hardwork in successfully completing the tourism and conservation project.
"As we bring change, we encourage our young people to participate in these activities and be a part of the progress happening in the community," Morris said.
"As tourists and other people come to visit your place, together with your Mangrove Boardwalk Sanctuary we are launching, your community will benefit from the spin-off."
VilLink Tours and Expedition Founder and Director, Maleta Tokwakwasi, said the idea to develop the island into a tourism and conservation hub was conceived during pre-Covid period but due to financial and the pandemic challenges, the vision was shelved but was not forgotten.
She said through hardwork, determination and perseverance of the communities, they revisited the idea and brought it to reality.
The sanctuary is in its first stages and plans are underway to get the boardwalk across the island with a proposed nursery for all 29 mangrove species.
"This project is not simply about constructing a boardwalk, it is about conservation, education, tourism and livelihood , and most importantly about empowering our local communities to understand that protecting the natural environment can also create sustainable economic opportunities," Tokwakwasi said.
She added the project will now provide visitors the opportunity to experience the mangroves species, marine environment, and the community, while engaging in supporting the mangrove conservation, coral restoration, kayaking, snorkeling and other nature -based tourism experiences.
Tokwakwasi stressed that mangroves are more than just tourism attractions, and protecting them means safeguarding marine ecosystem, community livelihoods, and the generations to come.