Port Moresby, 13th February 2024 – In a monumental stride toward environmental preservation, global conservation organisation, WWF and the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Culminating four years of concerted effort, this landmark occasion underscores the unwavering dedication of both organizations to safeguarding and managing Papua New Guinea's invaluable natural resources.

The MOU, drafted in 2020, establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration aimed at enhancing the efficiency and impact of joint endeavours with a specific focus on strengthening systems, institutions, organizations, and individuals dedicated to conservation, management, and protection; the agreement addresses critical facets of Papua New Guinea's diverse ecosystems.

Dignitaries that were present at the signing ceremony on included Dr. Mark Drew, Regional Director for WWF-Pacific, and Ms. Kay Kalim, Director of Sustainable Environment Programme Wing for CEPA, along with officers from both organizations.

Ms. Kay Kalim, CEPA’s Director of Sustainable Environment Programme Wing acknowledged the historically greater emphasis on terrestrial conservation programs compared to marine programs, emphasizing the limited available data in the marine sector and expressed enthusiasm for the forward- looking MOU, stating, "I am very happy to sign this MOU as it is a step forward, and we look forward to extending and making future amendments as we progress. We have many partners coming on board to work with CEPA in the marine space and this MOU will allow for a more strategic approach in terms of implementing the PNG Marine program in the 15 maritime provinces of PNG".

Dr. Mark Drew, Director of WWF-Pacific, commended the collaborative framework provided by the MOU, extending gratitude and stating, "This MOU is a testament to our commitment to the government and the people of PNG in both the marine and terrestrial conservation space, working towards achieving at least 30% of PNG ecosystems under protection or improved management by 2030."

Ms. Phelameya Haiveta, CEPA’s Marine Program Officer emphasized the longstanding partnership between CEPA and WWF, highlighting past achievements in initiatives such as the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA 2.0) under the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries & Food Security (CTI- CFF), the National Plan of Action (NPOA) on Sharks and Rays, and the recent collaboration to work towards a draft NPOA for Marine Turtles. She stressed that the MOU would significantly amplify the impact of ongoing efforts by both entities in implementing various national, regional, and global policy frameworks.

The signing of this MoU signifies a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and lays the groundwork for collaborative initiatives that will contribute to the sustainable conservation and protection of Papua New Guinea's rich biodiversity.

For media inquiries, please contact:
1. Ravai Vafo'ou - Communications Officer, WWF-Pacific / Email: rvafoou@wwfpacific.org
2. Miss Phelameya Haiveta - PNG Conservation and Environment Promotion Authority / Email: phelameya@gmail.com