Young men in Dei, Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea, have come together to form a group dedicated to helping their communities. Led by Douglas Muah Minimb, the group consists of young people from 16 council wards in Dei. Since April 19, 2019, they have been actively involved in various community development projects. Their previous work includes leveling soil and building a road in their village. Currently, their focus is on creating a road that leads to a hilltop, where they plan to install water tanks to supply water to over 6,000 people and a primary school. To fund their community work, the group participates in local sports club activities and uses the proceeds to support the local school by providing incentives for students and teachers. Their next project involves picking coffee at Rui Coffee Plantation to raise funds for the water supply [84337d6a].
In another development, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has hosted a training session to enhance the financial management of Papua New Guinea's Protected Areas Network. The training, which took place in Goroka from June 4-6, 2024, was attended by 22 participants representing various Protected Areas in Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, and Jiwaka Provinces. The training aimed to strengthen the participants' understanding of financial governance, budget management skills, and policy requirements. It also provided information about the Biodiversity and Climate Fund, which has been established to mobilize resources for the conservation of protected areas in Papua New Guinea. The training is part of the Sustainable Financing of Papua New Guinea's Protected Area Network Project, jointly implemented by UNDP and the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project aims to address the limited financial management capabilities of the communities and organizations responsible for managing the country's protected areas. The National Protected Areas Finance and Investment Plan estimates that an annual investment of US$75 million is required to reach the conservation targets set by the Government of Papua New Guinea. The training in Goroka was well-received by the participants, who expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their financial literacy and governance skills [c8bdf777].
A United Nations (UN) delegation recently visited the Geo Pomona Waste Management dumpsite in Pomona, Zimbabwe, and expressed satisfaction with the progress made. The delegation, led by UNICEF's representative ad interim, Dr. Nicholas Alipui, stated that projects like Geo Pomona Waste Management are pivotal in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN plans to increase cooperation with Geo Pomona Waste Management to ensure the timely attainment of the SDGs. The project has impacted at least six SDGs and has been recognized as an international best practice. A Memorandum of Understanding with the UN is being considered. Geo Pomona Waste Management's executive chairman, Mr. Dilesh Nguwaya, revealed that the UN delegation was impressed with the speed of progress at the dumpsite [eb393b55].
Leonardo DiCaprio, an internationally acclaimed actor and environmental activist, posted on Instagram on July 4, 2024, urging President Bongbong Marcos to protect the Masungi Geopark Project in the Philippines. The project, located in Rizal province, aims to restore a significant area of the Upper Marikina Watershed. However, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to cancel the 2017 Memorandum of Agreement between the Masungi Georeserve Foundation and the DENR, which would leave the area vulnerable to mining, logging, and illegal developments. DiCaprio's support adds to a growing list of international figures, including Dr. Jane Goodall, Greta Thunberg, and Sting, who are rallying behind the project. DiCaprio has long been an advocate for global environmental issues and has contributed over $100 million in grants to various environmental programs and projects. He is also a founding board member of Re:wild, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring biodiversity [c78f97d3].