Simbu Province has become one of the three Highlands provinces in Papua New Guinea selected for an environmental conservation initiative to protect biodiversity and build climate resilience. The initiative is a partnership program between the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and PNG's Environment and Conservations and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), that will be rolling out in Simbu, Jiwaka and Enga. The workshop was held recently at Mt. Whilhem Hotel in Kundiawa, Simbu Provincial, and was attended by the Simbu Provincial Administrator Mr. John Punde, along with senior officers, and community leaders from all six districts in the province. The workshop was aimed at educating communities on how to care for their environment, while creating economic opportunities through sustainable resource management. "Our people are already involved in environmental protection through culture, farming, and forest use; thus, this project gives us the tools to build on what we already have," Mr. Punde said. CEPA Deputy Managing Director, Michael Bongera, highlighted that PNG's forest is of global importance and called on leaders to prepare for more development partnerships. "This is about positioning ourselves for long-term environmental and economic sustainability," he said. “The program aims to mitigate threats to biodiversity through training, livelihood support, and community-based conservation.” Mr. Bongera added that for many, it is a chance to turn environmental stewardship into a source of pride and prosperity. Simbu now stands at the forefront of PNG's fight to protect its natural heritage.