Eight aspiring conservationists have completed a rigorous six-month internship program at Port Moresby Nature Park, marking another successful chapter in Papua New Guinea's growing environmental workforce. The graduation ceremony on Friday recognized the achievements of young professionals specializing in horticulture and wildlife conservation.
The 2025 cohort comprised three horticulture interns - Avabianca Kilaverave, Lucas Wange, and Germaine Nemani - alongside five wildlife conservation graduates: Mary Misikaram, Geeannah Itagau, Leo Kessy, Jeremy Gelesi, and Israel Paul. Their training spanned from February to August under the mentorship of the Park's Conservation Manager and departmental team leaders.
The comprehensive program featured twelve specialized modules that provided both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Interns gained hands-on skills through rotations across various sections of the Nature Park's Horticulture and Wildlife Departments, exposing them to the full spectrum of conservation work.
"This program represents our commitment to developing Papua New Guinea's next generation of environmental stewards," said the Park's Conservation Manager during the ceremony. "These graduates now carry the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to our nation's biodiversity protection efforts."
The internship forms part of Port Moresby Nature Park's broader initiative to address PNG's critical need for trained conservation professionals. Graduates leave equipped to pursue careers in environmental management, wildlife protection, and sustainable horticulture practices.
Nature Park officials encouraged the graduates to apply their training to real-world conservation challenges while inviting new applicants to consider the next intake of the internship program. The institution continues to serve as a key training ground for PNG's environmental sector, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical conservation skills.
For prospective applicants, the Nature Park maintains an open invitation for inquiries about future internship opportunities and public participation in its conservation programs.