THE Port Moresby Nature Park today hosted their 2024 Climate science fair day as part of their advocacy program, aimed at raising awareness of conservation practices that preserve the nature.
This was in commemoration with the International Day of climate action.
Chief Executive Officer of Port Moresby Nature Park, Johnpaul Houston said the idea behind hosting the climate change science fair was inline with their project, climate change and diplomacy, and to look beyond Nature Park and protect the biodiversity.
The event saw number of participating schools within the city, mainly Grade 6 and 7 from the primary schools and Grade 9 and 11 from secondary schools, presenting their projects on creative solutions. Their projects were focused on addressing plastic pollution in Port Moresby, based on their knowledge acquired through their science classes.
The park also aims to engage with communities by promoting youth engagement in climate change prevention which have seen schools come on board during today’s event, as well as tree planting projects, which is under their commitment of delivering 26 000 trees.
“I am pleased to say that we are getting there, so I think we have approximately 4000 trees in the ground right now, 9000 committed on site and around another 4000 committed to go out,” Mr. Houston mentioned during his remarks at the Port Moresby Nature Park Arena today.
He commended the leadership of the Commercial operations manager Ms. Claire Asi, who spearheaded and made some of their plans a reality.
Mr. Houston said the Pacific has shown clear evidence of climate change taking place.
He also alluded displacement by rising sea levels happening in the islands and part of the country.
“We have seen it on the news with earthquakes and tsunamis that are increasing as well as other indicators which are dangerous to people,” he explained.
“To be honest, the biodiversity of our world is what at risk and so our unique wildlife in Papua New Guinea which one of the top mega diverse countries of the world in terms of biodiversity, is one that we need to protect.”
He added that youths are the future and encouraged them to join forces in the climate change action, if they wish to see the preservation and conservation takes place in their natural environment.
With the support from the sir Brian Bell Foundation, the education team of Port Moresby Nature Park are looking forward to welcome about 30 000 children from schools.
“It’s an incredible number when you consider that we are sending transfer out to pick children up from schools through the generous help of Sir Brian Bell Foundation.
Port Moresby Nature Park is proud to be sponsor by the German Embassy Canberra in rolling out their event as well as the huge support of the NCD Governor Powes Parkop and City Manager Ravu Frank,” he said.
Mr. Houston thanked all the organisations and corporate business houses in supporting to fund their prizes for the 2024 Climate Science fair a make a memorable and success event for everyone.
