To commemorate World Environment Day today, the Port Moresby Nature Park officially launched its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival this morning.

During the opening ceremony, Nature Park Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johnpaul Houston expressed his deep gratitude to the BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) for their generous support, specifically acknowledging a donation cheque worth K50,000.

The event also welcomed a group of university students from the neighboring University of Papua New Guinea. These students are currently collaborating on various art pieces designed to transform discarded materials into valuable art.

As an example of their work, a massive fish sculpture crafted entirely from empty Pepsi cans, which was created by students during last year's festival, captivated the audience's attention.

Throughout the coming month, these university students will continue to showcase their creative talents through a series of unique sculptures.

“Today’s event is about transforming the way we think; to see opportunities where others see waste. It’s about demonstrating creativity and innovation and how that can help us address environmental challenges,” Houston said.

Among the attendees were 325 students from Bavaroko Primary School, which included 92 kindergarteners and 233 prep students, all accompanied by a dedicated group of 11 teachers.

Highlighting the corporate support for the initiative, Ms. Hari Rabura Fenech, BSP's Group General Manager for Corporate Affairs & Community, formally presented the K50,000 cheque.

“It is a pleasure to be here at the Port Moresby Nature Park for the launch of the 2026 Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival; an event that has grown into one for the most creative and purposeful community gathering in our annual calendar.”