Highlands Region Contributes to National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Update

This week, from 23 – 25 June, stakeholders from across Papua New Guinea's Highlands Region – from Hela to Eastern Highlands provinces – are gathered in Mt Hage to contribute to the country's ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development through the review and updating of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and validation of the 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

June 25, 2026

Group photo of all participants.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The workshop is the second in a series of regional consultations being led by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It follows the successful commencement of the national consultation process in Port Moresby last week with Southern Region provinces, and provides an opportunity for stakeholders from across the country to help shape Papua New Guinea's biodiversity priorities.

Representatives from government agencies, local communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector from the Highlands region, are participating in the workshop to contribute their perspectives and expertise to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts in Papua New Guinea.

Opening the workshop, the Acting Director of Special Projects Division of CEPA, Ms. Rose Alphonse, highlighted the importance of ensuring that the experiences, challenges and aspirations of Highlands communities are reflected in the country's updated biodiversity strategy:

“The Highlands Region is home to some of Papua New Guinea’s most unique and important landscapes and biodiversity areas, and the experiences and knowledge of those working on the ground are critical to shaping an effective National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. This workshop provides an opportunity for provincial governments, communities and conservation practitioners to contribute their perspectives, share ongoing initiatives, and ensure that local actions and priorities are reflected in our national biodiversity agenda. Through this process, we can strengthen a strategy that supports both sustainable development and the conservation of our natural heritage for future generations,” she said.

Ms. Rose Alphonse, The Acting Director of Special Projects Division of CEPA, giving her opening speech

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The Deputy Provincial Administrator of Western Highlands Province, Mr. Ashley Tikil, further emphasized the importance of collaborative and inclusive consultations in shaping a practical and effective biodiversity strategy for Papua New Guinea:

‘’By bringing together stakeholders, the workshop provides a platform to strengthen partnerships and ensure that biodiversity priorities reflect local realities and national development goals. Western Highlands Province remains committed to working with CEPA, UNDP and partners to protect our natural resources,” he stated

Mr. Ashley Tikil, the Deputy Provincial Administrator of Western Highlands Province, during his opening remarks.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

Over the course of the workshop, participants will review progress made under previous biodiversity commitments, examine the current state of biodiversity in Papua New Guinea, identify key threats and opportunities, and contribute to the development of national targets and actions aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

Stakeholders will also validate the findings of Papua New Guinea's 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity covering the implementation period from 2019 - 2025, ensuring that the report accurately reflects achievements, challenges and lessons learned in implementing biodiversity commitments across the country.

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.

“We are honoured to host this important regional consultation in Mt Hagen and welcome participants from across the Highlands Region. As a growing city surrounded by rich natural landscapes, Mt Hagen recognizes the importance of balancing development with environmental stewardship, and we are pleased to provide a venue for these important discussions,” said Mr. Samuel Kala, Deputy CEO of Rural Services & Disaster Coordinator from Mt Hagen City Authority.

Mr. Samuel Kala, Deputy CEO of Rural Services & Disaster Coordinator from Mt Hagen City Authority, giving his speech.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

The Mt Hagen workshop forms part of a nationwide consultation process that will continue in Lae and Kokopo over the coming weeks, ensuring that stakeholders from all four regions of Papua New Guinea have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the NBSAP 2025–2030 and the country's 7th National Report.