The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the UK Government’s Darwin Initiative, supporting efforts to protect forests and biodiversity in Papua New Guinea.
The grant will assist TKCP in safeguarding the endangered Matschie’s tree kangaroo and supporting over 50 remote villages within the 162,000-hectare YUS Conservation Area. Working in partnership with local communities, TKCP promotes wildlife conservation, sustainable livelihoods, education, health, and renewable energy initiatives across the YUS landscape, which spans four Local Level Governments and 18 Wards in Morobe and Madang provinces.
TKCP Executive Director Modi Pontio said the Darwin Initiative funding would strengthen the capacity of customary landowners, government bodies, and NGOs to manage the YUS Conservation Area effectively.
“Over the next two years, this project will equip Ward and Local Level Governments with the knowledge and skills to develop their own consultative Development Plans,” Ms Pontio said.
“Through training, mentorship, and guidance for Ward Councilors, Ward Development Committees, Local Level Government officials, and Community-Based Organizations, we aim to enhance the YUS Conservation Area’s management effectiveness and accountability.”
TKCP is collaborating with PNG’s Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) and other partners to refine the integrated planning framework for conservation and sustainable development in YUS.
“We are grateful for the UK’s support, which will help TKCP continue protecting the rich biodiversity, and the natural and cultural heritage of the Huon Peninsula,” Ms Pontio added.
British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Anne Macro, welcomed the grant, saying:
“The Darwin Initiative assists low and middle-income countries to conserve biodiversity, reduce poverty, and address climate change. Since 2022, these projects have helped manage over 591,000 hectares of habitat more sustainably and improved the resilience of 130,000 people to climate impacts.”
Founded in 1996 as a program of the Woodland Park Zoological Society (USA), the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program works to protect the endangered Matschie’s tree kangaroo and its cloud forest habitat while fostering sustainable livelihoods in PNG.
Today, TKCP is recognized as a leader in community-based natural resource management, promoting a holistic One Health approach that benefits wildlife, people, and the environment.