By DALCY LULUA
THE Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) has welcomed newly appointed Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Minister John Kaupa, expressing confidence that his leadership will help advance key environmental reforms and outstanding development projects.
Speaking during the minister’s official welcome, CEPA Managing Director Jude Tukuliya said Mr Kaupa was no stranger to government leadership, describing him as an experienced professional with both private and public sector expertise.
“We wholeheartedly accept you as our minister and we look forward to working under your leadership,” Mr Tukuliya said.
He acknowledged the contributions of outgoing minister Simo Kilepa, crediting his leadership for several major achievements, including the passage of the Protected Area Act in 2024, the appointment of the Environment Council, and the advancement of nationally significant projects such as the Frieda River Project and Papua Electrification Project.
Mr Tukuliya said the Protected Area Act was a landmark reform that would strengthen conservation efforts by supporting communities, provincial governments and other stakeholders while attracting greater support from development partners through the Biodiversity Trust Fund.
He also highlighted progress made within CEPA since becoming a statutory authority under an Act of Parliament in 2014.
Although the authority had operated for years without a proper organisational structure, Mr Tukuliya said significant reforms had been undertaken since he assumed office as Managing Director in 2024.
He said CEPA now had a new organisational structure in place, with Minister Kaupa expected to oversee the recruitment process for newly established positions.
Looking ahead, Mr Tukuliya outlined several priorities requiring the minister’s support, including the completion of the long-awaited National Waste Management Policy, which has remained outstanding since CEPA became an authority.
He also called for support to progress CEPA’s staff housing scheme and the development of its waste management complex on land at Nine Mile, which has remained undeveloped for many years despite being acquired by the authority.
Mr Tukuliya expressed confidence that Minister Kaupa’s leadership would help move these projects forward before the next national election.
He said CEPA remained committed to working closely with the new minister to strengthen environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, climate change initiatives and sustainable development across Papua New Guinea.