July 26, 2023 – Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Annually celebrated on July 26, the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem sheds light on the pressing need to address the staggering loss of these vital habitats.

The inauguration of the Papua LNG Mangrove Biodiversity Conservation and Rehabilitation Centre near Caution Bay in Papua New Guinea represents a pivotal step in the restoration of crucial mangrove forests.

Mangrove forests hold immense ecological importance.  Their root systems create a safe haven for biodiversity, shielding countless organisms from predators, intense heat, and powerful tides. 

Additionally, coastal mangrove forests play a crucial role in combating climate change, absorbing five times more carbon dioxide than terrestrial forests, making them a powerful ally in the fight against global warming.

At the heart of this initiative is the mangrove nursery, capable of producing 8,000-20,000 mangrove seedlings annually. These seedlings will not only support Papua LNG’s efforts but will also be shared with local stakeholders engaged in mangrove rehabilitation initiatives (the City Hall, local businesses and NGOs) in line with our objective to collectively re-establish damaged mangroves in the Caution Bay area.

A glimpse in picture

Senior Statesman and former Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Moi Avei with the shovel together with National Capital District governor, Powes Parkop planning a mangrove tree while TEPPNG stand by their sides at a trial plot in Koke Hanua, Caution Bay, Papua New Guinea.

Mangrove forests play a significant ecological role, serving as crucial nurseries that shield a diverse array of organisms from predators, extreme heat, and forceful tides. In addition to supporting rich biodiversity, coastal mangroves have the remarkable ability to remove five times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than terrestrial forests, making them essential in combating climate change.

As the Operator of the Papua LNG project, TotalEnergies EP PNG (TEP PNG) is dedicated to delivering an exemplary Project, emphasizing sustainability, biodiversity, and low carbon emissions.

Building on TotalEnergies’ extensive experience, the Project aims to establish a world-leading mangrove rehabilitation program in PNG. Collaborating with partners such as NCDC, local businesses, and NGOs, the initiative seeks to re-establish damaged mangroves in the Caution Bay/Fairfax harbour precincts.

At the heart of this conservation effort lies the Mangrove Discovery Centre at Koke Hanua, featuring a café, mangrove nursery, and boardwalks to attract tourists and create employment and economic development opportunities for the local community.

As we work collectively to restore these invaluable ecosystems, we contribute to preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

Press Snippet

The National, 31 July 2023 (www.thenational.com.pg/total-opens-mangrove-nursery)

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