Momase Region Helps Shape Papua New Guinea's Next Biodiversity Roadmap

Stretching from the mighty Sepik River basin to the lush rainforests of Morobe and the coastal ecosystems of Madang, the Momase Region is one of Papua New Guinea's richest biodiversity strongholds. Home to vast tropical forests, unique wildlife, diverse marine habitats and countless species found nowhere else on Earth, including the Matchie’s tree kangaroo, the region plays a critical role in safeguarding the country's natural heritage.

June 30, 2026

Group photo of attendees.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

To help ensure these ecosystems continue to thrive for future generations, representatives from across the Momase Region have gathered in Lae this month, to contribute to the review of Papua New Guinea's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the validation of the country's 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The three-day workshop was part of a nationwide consultation process led by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Following earlier consultations in Port Moresby and Mt Hagen, the Momase workshop provides an opportunity for regional priorities, challenges and solutions to inform Papua New Guinea's biodiversity agenda for the next five years. The outcomes will contribute to the finalization of the NBSAP 2025–2030.

Participants from provincial administrations, government agencies, local communities, civil society organizations, development partners and the private sector are working together to identify practical solutions to the growing environmental challenges facing the region. As pressures from deforestation, habitat degradation, unsustainable resource use and climate change continue to threaten biodiversity, the workshop provides a platform to develop actions that support both conservation and sustainable development.

"The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is more than a policy document—it is Papua New Guinea's roadmap for protecting our unique biodiversity while supporting sustainable development. Through these regional consultations, we are ensuring that the experiences, knowledge and priorities of provinces, communities, civil society and technical partners are reflected in a strategy that is practical, inclusive and aligned with both our national development goals and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Your participation is essential to developing a strategy that is owned by all and delivers meaningful action for people and nature," said Ms. Rose Alphonse, Acting Director of CEPA’s Special Projects Division.

Ms. Rose Alphonse, Acting Director of CEPA’s Special Projects Division, during her opening remarks.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Throughout the workshop, participants reviewed progress made under previous biodiversity commitments, assess the current state of biodiversity across Papua New Guinea, identify emerging threats and opportunities, and contribute to the development of national biodiversity targets and actions aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Participants will also validate Papua New Guinea's 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity, ensuring the report accurately reflects the country's achievements, challenges and lessons learned in implementing its biodiversity commitments.

Ms. Emma Kitan, gave opening remarks, on behalf of the Morobe Provincial Government.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

"Morobe Province is honoured to host the Momase regional consultation on the review of Papua New Guinea's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. We are grateful to CEPA and UNDP for bringing this important process to the province, providing an opportunity for Morobe and our neighbouring provinces to contribute to shaping a national strategy that reflects our regional priorities. This workshop is an important step towards ensuring that our provincial plans are aligned with national biodiversity priorities and the global biodiversity framework, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to achieve meaningful outcomes," said Ms. Emma Kitan who gave opening remarks, on behalf of the Morobe Provincial Government.

Papua New Guinea became a Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1993 and is currently updating its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022. The framework sets out a global vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050 and includes ambitious targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

The Lae workshop is the third in a series of regional consultations being held across the country. A final consultation will take place in Kokopo, bringing together stakeholders from the Islands Region and completing the nationwide engagement process before the updated NBSAP is finalized.

participants during a group exercise.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Protecting biodiversity is not only about conserving nature, it is about securing livelihoods, strengthening resilience and safeguarding PNG’s natural heritage for future generations.