MoU was signed for launching the "Bird Watching Project" in Port Moresby

Local Koairi children enjoying bird watching through a telescope.

 The CEPA-JICA Project launched the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the "Bird Watching Project" at Lamana Hotel on Friday 19th February, 2016. The MoU was signed by the Managing Director of CEPA (Mr. Gunther Joku), Acting Chief Executive Officer of PNGTPA (Mr. Eric Mossman), Vice Chancellor of PAU (Professor Ben Thomas), Council President of Koiari LLG (Mr. David Ogi) including the Chief Advisor of the CEPA-JICA Project (Mr. Koji Asano).

The Bird Watching Project will be implemented jointly by CEPA, PNGTPA, PAU and Koiari LLG through the CEPA/JICA Biodiversity Project in order to promote conservation initiatives and sustainable livelihood of the local communities in Koiari and Hiri regions of Central Province. At least 6 bird watching sites will be identified within the VNP, Koiari Park area of PAU, and Sirinumu/Laloki Catchment. 

Presentation of MOU by Ms. Kumaras Kalim, Director for Sustainable Environment Program, CEPA (Project Manager).

These sites will provide the unique opportunity for bird watchers and residents of Port Moresby or travelers to observe different kinds of birds and at the same time enjoy the natural biodiversity and the scenic sites. Also these places can be utilized for recreational purposes for the residents of Port Moresby and others to get away from the busy streets of the city and enjoy the comfort.

Signing of MOU. From the left, Mr. Eric Mossman (Acting Chief Executive Officer, PNG Tourism Authority), Professor Ben Thomas (Vice-Chancellor, Pacific Adventist University), Mr David Ogi (Council President, Koiari LLG), Mr Koji Asano (JICA Chief Advisor), and Ms. Kumaras Kalim (Director for Sustainable Environment Program, CEPA in the row behind)

The objective of the MoU is to maintain cooperation, enhance planning and information exchange in order to develop and promote the bird watching and eco-tourism activities in the target areas. Thus, the MoU is expected to create an environment for mutual understanding for the parties, in order to achieve the tangible results from related research, training and capacity building activities.

Source: JICA PNG, https://www.jica.go.jp