By GABRIEL KATUHO
THE Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the USAID Papua New Guinea Sustainable Landscape (USAID PNGSL) to work together in delivering PNG’s 2022-2032 National Sustainable Land Use Policy.
While the MoU aims at developing the lands in PNG with financial assistance from the USAID, it will also play significant role in capturing land and forest conservation.
Chief of Party USAID PNGSL, Mr. Peniamina Leavai expressed his gratitude towards the DLPP for the partnership.
He said USAID PNGSL is pleased to partner with the department who already on the right path of conserving land and forest in the country.
Mr. Leavai has done good job with his team of four Papua New Guinean specialist, doing research and surveys in parts of Madang and Morobe Province.
Through his effort, they have secured several hectors of land in both provinces for conservation.
Energy, Environment Resilience Office Director, Mr. David Sean Burt, said the US Government’s commitment in supporting PNG and other Pacific Island countries is to make sure the forest and land is looked after and that the funds are spent transparently.
Secretary of DLPP Mr. Benjamin Samson thanked USAID PNGSL for coming onboard to support the DLPP’s vision of conserving the land and forest in PNG.
Samson said: “The land is a very important resource we have in Papua New Guinea. I’m happy that USAID PNGSL has come to support us. With that help we will be able to implement some of the things contained in our policy. Usually, we run short due to lack of funding and we appreciate your support that will push us one more step further.”
He further stated that the funds will be acquitted to give an insight of how the money is spent to maintain the trust.
Samson said this is the people’s money and providing acquittals reflects the accountably.
He also acknowledged JAICA for the continues support over the years and pledges to strength the partnership going forward.
