PNG Forest Authority Managing Director John Mosoro has praised the people of Komo-Hulia District in Hela Province for initiating an Agro-Forestry and Reforestation Project which will see more trees planted and assist reduce the 800,000 hectares of forests target set by the government to be planted by 2050.
The agro-forestry project, described as a pilot project and the first of its kind in the district and province, was officially launched in Komo-Hulia on the 26th of August, 2025, by the PNGFA in partnership with the Komo-Hulia District Development Authority (DDA).
Ms. Hetha Yawas, Acting Chief Operating Officer Mr. Dambis
Kaip, Director Reforestation & Afforestation Mr. Gewa
Gamoga and Director Economic Trade & Investment
Ms. Verolyn Daugil. Photos: PNGFA Media & Information.
Mr Mosoro was the guest of honour and in his absence due to other urgent commitments, his speech was delivered by PNGFA’s Acting Chief Operating Officer Dambis Kaip.
District Administrator William Pole acknowledged the presence and support of the PNGFA management and leadership in bringing a project to the district and emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable projects after the end of non-renewable oil and gas projects in the district and province.
He added that PNGFA would be provided with office space in the district to support the project and gave his assurance that more land would be given to plant trees.
Mr Mosoro’s said in his speech: “I commend the Komo-Hulia landowners for releasing their land to do something new (plant trees). Their willingness provides an opportunity for all key stakeholders to work together to support this project to progress.
“Oil, gas and gold will finish but forestry is a renewable resource that will remain if we continue to plant. Looking after our forests and managing them well will result in the sustainability of our income and our livelihood.
“I encourage more agro-forestry projects within Hela to start, because the government is thinking of replicating this project which will be a pilot project in PNG. I hear the project will not only plant trees but also coffee, and other agriculture crops to sustain the people’s livelihood.
“We’ve always wanted to realize such an integrated forestry project to be established. And now, it has happened in Komo-Hulia District which we very much appreciate.”
Mr Mosoro also challenged the landowners, provincial administration, politicians and all stakeholders to work together for the project’s success. “Through its implementation, challenges will be faced, however, solve them amicably so our people can benefit,” he said.
PNGFA management further called on the non-renewable sector companies operating in Hela to partner with PNGFA as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) and reforest the province.
“Hela has prominent mining and liquified natural gas companies operating in the province. I appreciate the development they have brought about, one of which is the construction of the high-quality road from Halimbu to Komo Station.
“We call on these companies to partner with the PNGFA and Hela Provincial Government and venture into nature-based solutions to address livelihoods while promoting environment sustainability, improved water quality, sustainable forest management and climate change issues.
“The initiative undertaken by the people of Komo-Hulia will not only benefit yourselves but PNG as a country and the world, Mr Kaip said, on behalf of the Managing Director.
Ronald Karipe, Managing Director of RK21 Agro-Forestry, the project implementor said the people of Ajakare had received the project with open arms and are willing to participate.
He said they had planted about 5,000 seedlings after a weeklong training conducted by the PNGFA and have between 200-300 hectares of grassland to continue planting.
Mr Pole described the project as a new era. “The minerals we have are gone. Forestry is renewable and will continue, hence your coming here to know about the project is good. The project that PNGFA is here for, is a new era for Hela Province. We have a thick jungle with big landmass we can utilize with PNGFA.
“We have office space to give PNGFA for this project. Komo has 24 Council Wards and we can give the forest on those lands to PNGFA.
“We know that your coming here is to sustain the lives of our people. Whatever little you bring, we will look after and ensure they grow.
“We will bring the forestry team here and they will implement.”
The people of Komo-Hulia braved the heavy downpour to witness the project launching.