Papua New Guinea has launched a national initiative to plant 30,000 mangroves by 2030, a programme officials say is aimed at protecting coastal communities and meeting the country’s international climate commitments.
The project, led by the Department of Prime Minister in partnership with the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and the University of Papua New Guinea, was launched on Monday at Tahira as part of the country’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations. The event drew dozens of participants to Bootless Bay, where traditional landowners were acknowledged for their custodianship of the coastline.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu said mangroves were essential to the health of PNG’s coastal ecosystems, providing natural protection from storm surges, supporting fisheries and absorbing carbon. “By planting mangroves today, we are taking practical steps towards enhancing resilience for coastal communities, strengthening biodiversity and honouring the environment that underpins our way of life,” he said.
Pomaleu framed the initiative as both a domestic responsibility and a global one. PNG, he said, had made firm commitments at international climate negotiations to reduce emissions and enhance natural carbon sinks. The mangrove programme, he added, was “a response to the promises we’ve made globally regarding climate action and biodiversity,” including under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
He urged communities, development partners, NGOs and the private sector to support the country’s 2030 target, noting that local knowledge and long-term stewardship would determine the project’s success.
More than 400 mangrove seedlings were planted during the launch, an act Pomaleu described as symbolic of the nation’s commitment to a sustainable future. He also emphasised the need to respect customary land rights, ensure environmental safeguards and maintain a focus on long-term sustainability.
The event also featured the unveiling of a signboard marking the start of the National Mangrove Rehabilitation Initiative. Discussions were held with Professor Simon Saulei, executive dean of UPNG’s School of Natural and Physical Sciences, on plans to rehabilitate the historic Motupore Island site — once instrumental in the drafting of PNG’s constitution — into a modern scientific research centre to support coastal and marine studies in Bootless Bay.