The European Union Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Jacques Fradin, visited the ENGA province from the 7th to 9th of October 2024, leading a delegation to attend the 6^th Project Steering Committee Meeting of the EU-funded ‘Strengthening Integrated Sustainable Landscape Management Project’ implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).  The visit highlights the European Union's commitment to supporting sustainable development and climate action in a province that has been riddled with challenges, ranging from natural disasters to tribal conflicts.  

Held on the 8^th of October at the Wabag Takeanda Museum, the Project Steering Committee discussions focused on the projects implementation and progress to date. In attendance were, Mr. Sandis Tsaka, Acting Provincial Administrator, Enga Provincial Administration, --Ms Debra Sungi Climate Change Development Authority Managing Director, Mr Aadil Mansoor UNDP, Mr Tokam Totave Conservation Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), Ms Daisy Lepon  Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), Ms Margaret Tongo PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA), and Ms Manau Renagi -European Union.

During the Steering committee, the EU Ambassador underlined the context of this project’s design: Increase in population, environmental degradation and vulnerability to the environment and climatic hazards, increased pressure on the limited arable agricultural land as well as tribal fights. He mentioned the opportunities such as women’s involvement, the courage and willingness of the local population to develop their activities for the best, and expressed his gratitude to the Enga Provincial Administration, government Agencies, and the UNDP team for their continued support. This EU Landscape approach provides a unique opportunity to ensure a sustainable access to food and economic opportunities, whilst preserving the rich and unique biodiversity of the province. The EU engagement involves a large variety of stakeholders from the key sector national government organisations, subnational government to communities. He acknowledged the impressive achievements especially through the EU Low Value Grants. These grants empowered and enabled local communities to diversify and strengthen their activities, creating green jobs opportunities and increased value chains. The results show a more sustainable development of key agricultural commodities with community-based conservation and rehabilitation activities. This project also made a very positive impact on those living near tribal fight areas.

The highlight was the visit to several EU-supported initiatives: Waps Sori Mama Association Wapenamenda District; Wabag Coffee Growers Association in Birip Wabag District; Porea Potato Farmers Association in Surunki Lagaim District; Drunker Honey and Surunki Strawberry farm in Surunki Lagaim District. All shared similar sentiments of gratitude for the support provided by the European Union through this project.

The EU Ambassador, together with his delegation, were hosted to an official dinner by the Enga Governer, Hon. Peter Ipatas, who assured of his continued support to the project contributing to the development of the Enga province. 

This project is part of the European Union’s global action in climate related issues and reinforces our commitment to helping local communities in Papua New Guinea address climate change mitigation and adaptation, improve food security, and promote biodiversity and forest conservation.