UNDP supports efforts to transform Kimbe Bay into a Marine Protected Area

Kimbe Bay is home to the second most coral species in the world, which are under increasing threat from climate change, pollution and harmful fishing practices

October 24, 2024

a group of people sitting at a picnic table — UNDP has supported in consulting over 800 community members on their desire to protect the biodiversity of Kimbe Bay

Clive Hawigen | UNDP Papua New Guinea

In its efforts to protect the unique marine biodiversity of Kimbe Bay, the West New Britain Provincial Administration is working closely with the Conservation Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) of the Government of Papua New Guinea and UNDP to gazette Kimbe Bay as a Marine Protected Area.

Earlier this month, a team of eight government officers joined UNDP’s ‘Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis’ project in traveling to twelve villages to gauge the interest of local communities on conserving the area.

a person in a blue shirt — Over 90% of the consulted community members expressed their support for improved conservaiton of Kimbe Bay's marine biodiversity

Clive Hawigen | UNDP Papua New Guinea

From the more than 800 villagers who took part in the consultations, over 90% expressed their desire for protecting Kimbe Bay’s marine biodiversity. The communities consulted through the ‘Free Prior and Informed Consent’ process included Kintakiu Village in Talasea; Vavua, Koimumu, Galilo, Galeoale and Gavuvu villages in Hoskins; Apupul, Baikakea, Matililiu, Bubu, Kaimu, and Sulu villages in Bialla; and Baia, Isunaua, Nantabu and Bakada villages in Ulamona.

Strengthening efforts to preserve Kimbe Bay’s marine biodiversity has been on the agenda of the Government of Papua New Guinea and its development partners for a long time. As far back as in 1993, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) initiated the process of turning Kimbe Bay into a Marine Protected Area.

a man holding a sign — There have been calls for transforming Kimbe Bay into Marine Protected Area since the early 1990s

Clive Hawigen | UNDP Papua New Guinea

"After three decades, many of the original community members who provided their consent have since passed away. With a burgeoning young population in the province, it has become imperative to re-engage with the communities and involve the younger generation in revitalizing this process," explains Mr. Bernard Suruman, the CEPA Marine Protected Areas Manager.

The WNB Provincial Administration’s Director for Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Desmond Vaghelo, thanked the team for their support and added that they are committed to completing the FPIC process and putting forward a PEC submission for the endorsement of Kimbe Bay as a Marine Protected Area.