A new educational boardwalk through one of Papua New Guinea's richest mangrove ecosystems has officially opened at Bautama in Central Province Today July 29th, creating a space where visitors, students and local communities can learn about conservation while experiencing nature firsthand.
The Bautama Mangrove Educational Boardwalk is a joint initiative between the Central Papua Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The project aims to protect the mangrove ecosystem while promoting environmental education, recreation, and community engagement.
Speaking during the launch, Central Papua Conference President Pastor Lonol Winnie described mangroves as one of nature's greatest gifts.
"Mangroves are amongst God's greatest gifts to humanity. They protect our coastlines from erosion, provide breeding grounds for fish and marine life, improve water quality, and help reduce the effects of climate change," he said.
He said protecting the environment is a responsibility shared by everyone.
"As caretakers of God's creation, we have a sacred responsibility to preserve these natural treasures for future generations."
Pastor Winnie said the boardwalk has been designed as an outdoor classroom where students can learn directly from nature while encouraging visitors to appreciate the importance of environmental stewardship.
"It is our hope that everyone who walks these paths will leave with a deeper appreciation of God's creation and a stronger commitment to protecting it."
He said the project is only the beginning, with plans to eventually expand the boardwalk to approximately three kilometres, transforming the site into a major conservation, tourism and educational destination for Central Province and Papua New Guinea.
Pastor Winnie also acknowledged the support of The Nature Conservancy, the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), traditional landowners, development partners, volunteers and church members who helped make the project possible.
Representing The Nature Conservancy, Asia Regional Director Will McGoldrick described the project as years in the making.
"It is a real pleasure to be here today to launch this very special project that has taken years to develop."
Mr. McGoldrick said Bautama's mangrove forest is globally significant because Papua New Guinea is home to some of the world's highest mangrove diversity.
"What we are about to see is a really special place. A mangrove forest is unique and incredibly important, and it is remarkable that it exists so close to Port Moresby."
He said Papua New Guinea contains around half of the world's mangrove species, making sites such as Bautama internationally important.
"These 27 hectares of mangroves are a reminder that nature is still here with us."
Mr. McGoldrick also reflected on his personal connection with Papua New Guinea, saying his childhood memories of the country were shaped by its natural environment and that returning for the launch made the occasion especially meaningful.
The launch also included the opening of a new resource centre, the unveiling of Blue Carbon ecosystem information signage, the official opening of the boardwalk, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
Representatives from the Central Provincial Government and the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority attended the event.
