Since project inception in 2020, the Enga Landscape Project has supported the provincial government strengthen climate change mitigation and adaptation policies, supported over 6,500 farmers to adopt climate‑smart agricultural practices and take part in reforestation and afforestation efforts, and facilitated the establishment of two community conservation areas in Enga Province. 

On behalf of the Enga Provincial Government, Provincial Administrator Mr. Sandis Tsaka, expressed the administration’s heartfelt gratitude to the European Union for its financial support and all partners and participants involved in a successful programme despite the challenges faced.

Mr. Tsaka, who also spoke on behalf of the Enga Province Governor, Hon. Peter Ipatas, said the Enga Landscape Project carried a clear mission to strengthen the foundations for inclusive sustainable and locally led development. Across five years of project implementation, the province has seen tangible progress across key areas.

“We acknowledge the impact of the project in the province. 80% of participants were women and that was especially significant because, in our society, women play a very important role. The impact of the project not only leaves behind economic and social benefits, but it also builds stronger foundations in the community,” said Mr. Tsaka.

Mr. Tsaka added that the Enga Provincial Government is committed to continuing the legacy of the project.

“We will continue to support the 23 ongoing projects by growing them and also learn from the experience and develop similar programmes to support the foundational work.”

Head of European Union Delegation to Papua New Guinea, Ambassador Erika Hasznos, congratulated all parties involved from development partners to the national and provincial government and the grantees. 

Ambassador Hasznos said the project looked at an integrated community driven approach that avoided short term fixes and instead looked at a long-term impact. 

“This initiative intended to do something extraordinary. That is to harmonise land-use, economic development and conservation in a way that empowers communities, strengthens value-chains and safeguards the biodiversity of Enga Province. It’s interesting to hear that most of the project participants were women who will be economically empowered and better placed in decision making which of course is something that the country really needs for the future,” said Ambassador Hasznos.

“The Enga Provincial Administration is the one who holds the torch now and it is in their leadership that we hope to ensure that the communities continue to strive and that Enga’s natural heritage remains protected for generations to come,” she said adding that “The European Union will remain a steadfast partner to Papua New Guinea and we will continue supporting sustainable development in this country in terms of climate action, biodiversity conservation, and forest conversation”.

UNDP Papua New Guinea Resident Representative, Mr. Nicholas Booth highlighted the importance of ensuring sustainability of the results.

“Although this project is ending, we have great prospects for sustainability through the UN Highlands Joint Peacebuilding Programme which has recently expanded its scope to include Enga. I look forward to returning to Wabag in the future to see how the results have been sustained,” said Mr. Booth.