A groundbreaking tourism initiative led by Gims Group International from France is set to transform Woodlark Island in the Samarai Murua District in Milne Province into a world-class destination. The ambitious project, which seeks to establish the Edenya Resort and eventually transform Woodlark Island into a tourism hub, was unveiled at a recent event in Port Moresby by the Member for Samarai-Murua Isi Henry Leonard. The current visit by the French delegation aims to develop a comprehensive business case for the Edenya Resort Project, leveraging international collaboration from France and Israel, and ultimately rebranding PNG's global image through sustainable, nature-integrated tourism. Consular of Papua New Guinea in Israel, Mr. Mamo Yitshak, delivered a compelling speech emphasizing the growing connections between the two nations, highlighting cultural exchange, tourism, and future collaborative projects. "Our story is that all the nations were separate, and tonight we're sitting here," Yitshak stated, reflecting on the diverse gathering. "People from Papua New Guinea, people from France, people from Israel, and it's combined that all these people from all these places in the world are coming together." The Consular articulated a dual mission: to introduce PNG to the world and to bring the world closer to PNG. A key focus of this initiative is to boost tourism and share the nation's "amazing culture" with a global audience. He stressed the profound connection between Israel, Jerusalem, and PNG, suggesting a historical and cultural linkage that transcends geographical distance. Mr. Arthur Lerhmann, Project Manager for GIMS Group International of France, expressed immense pride in being part of a project designed to "promote the beauty, the culture, and the unique identity of this extraordinary country." He described PNG as a "hidden gem rich in diversity, traditions, and natural wonders," asserting that it "deserves to be more discovered and appreciated by the world”. Meanwhile, Member for Samarai-Murua Isi Henry Leonard noted that the search for a suitable island led to Woodlark Island, located in the Solomon Sea, part of the Samra Muloa maritime district, which boasts over 600 islands. MP Leonard highlighted Woodlark's unique characteristics, making it an ideal location for the Edenya Resort: • Pristine Environment: Much of the island's land is "stickless" (owned by the Crown) and has maintained its "originality" since creation, featuring green rainforests and rare hardwood tropical timber known as "black ebony." • Rich Biodiversity: The island is home to "so many other rare species of biodiversity." • Stunning Coastline: Drawing a comparison to Hawaii's Waikiki Beach, MP Leonard described Woodlark's Gosoka coastline as "so long, so many kilometers, and it's free, with the pristine clear blue ocean lagoon, surrounded by the reefs and the islands." He added that dolphins, turtles, and marine life are still witnessed in their natural state. "What else can we ask for? What more do we need to define in terms of nature and man living in harmony?" MP Leonard questioned, underscoring Woodlark's ideal suitability for a tourism concept where "man respects nature, where nature is now harnessed for the interest of human survival and human existence." A core objective of the Edenya Resort project is to "rebrand this country." MP Leonard acknowledged the negative perceptions often painted abroad but asserted, "it's not all that bad." He believes the rebranding will "start from a remote island called Mudla," focusing on the "simple people who are gifted with their very unique culture and their very unique way of life," which he described as "tourism friendly, open, caring, sharing." The project will integrate international ideas, technology, and global tourism concepts into Woodlark's natural environment. The aim is to create "another level of tourism, another standard of tourism that will be now created, and that will be our brand that Papua New Guinea will now sell into the world." The evening concluded with a toast, celebrating the collaboration with partners from France and Israel, the people of Woodlark Island and Samarua, the PNG Government and the local Motu Koita community, symbolizing a collective commitment to this transformative venture.