Independent Advisory Panel

Cardinal John Ribat, MSC KBE, is the Metropolitan Archbishop of Port Moresby and the first cardinal from Papua New Guinea, elevated by Pope Francis in November 2016.  

He professed as a member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in 1979 and was ordained a priest in 1985. His ecclesiastical career includes serving as Bishop of Bereina (2002–2008) and Coadjutor Archbishop before assuming leadership of the Archdiocese of Port Moresby in 2008.  

A strong advocate for social justice, climate action and interreligious dialogue, he has represented Oceania in global Catholic forums and served as President of the Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania. Knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2016, Cardinal Ribat continues to champion environmental stewardship and pastoral care for vulnerable communities across the Pacific. 

Dulciana Somare-Brash is an accomplished development and communications specialist with extensive experience in public policy across both public and private sectors.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Law from James Cook University and has served in senior advisory roles, including as Policy Specialist for Fisheries Capital Limited and Country Manager for USAID’s Indo-Pacific Opportunities Project.

A passionate advocate for sustainable development and social inclusion, she leads initiatives through the Michael Somare Foundation and has advised government ministries and international organizations on governance and equity issues. She contributes to community projects in Papua New Guinea, particularly in East Sepik Province.

As the daughter of Papua New Guinea’s founding father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, she combines deep cultural insight with global perspectives to drive impactful change. 

Janet Gagul is a Papua New Guinean scientist renowned for her expertise in biodiversity, plant systematics, ethnobiology, and conservation.

She earned her PhD in Plant Systematics from James Cook University, Australia, focusing on the evolution of the genus Elaeocarpus in New Guinea, and previously completed a Master of Science in Taxonomy through a joint program with the University of Papua New Guinea and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Her research has led to the description of new species of Begonia and Elaeocarpus, contributing significantly to global understanding of tropical plant diversity.

Currently a lecturer and researcher at the University of Papua New Guinea, she also collaborates internationally on projects advancing molecular phylogenetics and conservation strategies.

Through her leadership in major research initiatives and dedication to education, she plays a pivotal role in preserving Papua New Guinea’s natural heritage and promoting sustainable biodiversity management.

Douveri Henao is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Group Limited, a consultancy specializing in government-to-business engagements and geopolitical investment strategies.

He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Papua New Guinea and a Diploma in Trade Negotiations from the World Trade Organization Secretariat, building a strong foundation in international trade and policy development. Over two decades, he has served in influential roles including Executive Director of the Business Council of Papua New Guinea, advisor to the APEC Business Council, and board member of major corporations and regulatory bodies.

His leadership extends to community development, having chaired the Digicel Foundation. A respected voice in regional economic policy, he actively contributes to national development dialogues and has represented PNG in global forums such as the Pacific Islands Forum and WTO.

Ray Victurine is an internationally recognized leader in sustainability and ethical finance, known for advancing environmental governance through global advocacy and strategic partnerships. He has played a pivotal role in promoting compliance with leading standards and influencing responsible investment practices while developing evidence-based action plans and fostering collaboration among NGOs, research centers and policy groups to shape international dialogues on transparency and accountability.

He holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and an M.S. in Resource Economics from Texas A&M University, and pursued Ph.D. studies in geography and economics at the University of Washington. He completed a Certificate in Business Administration at the University of Washington, with additional studies at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador.

His academic achievements underpin his cross-border work balancing economic growth with ecological integrity and his lasting impact on global environmental stewardship.

Dr. Vojtech Novotny is a tropical biologist specializing in rainforest ecology and insect biodiversity, serving as Director of the Institute of Entomology at the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Professor of Ecology at the University of South Bohemia. He also leads the New Guinea Binatang Research Center in Papua New Guinea, where he has pioneered conservation projects and training programs for para-ecologists and students. His research has significantly advanced global understanding of insect diversity and plant-insect interactions, including building a canopy crane for rainforest studies.  

Dr. Novotny earned his Ph.D. in Entomology from the Czech Academy of Sciences in 1993 and has held roles such as Vice-President of the Society for Tropical Ecology, Editor of Ecology Letters, and member of the European Research Council panel.  

Recognized internationally, he was elected to Academia Europaea and received the Marsh Award for Insect Conservation from the Royal Entomological Society in 2018.

Pete Lowry is a distinguished botanist and emeritus scientist at the Missouri Botanical Garden, renowned for his expertise in plant systematics, particularly within the family Araliaceae.  

He earned a Ph.D. in Biology and Biomedical Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis. Over his career, he has served as Director of the Africa and Madagascar Department at the Missouri Botanical Garden and as a research associate at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, as well as an honorary research associate at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of plant diversity and conservation in biodiversity hotspots such as Madagascar, New Caledonia, and Gabon, including 15 years of collaboration with Rio Tinto on conservation initiatives for the QIT Madagascar Minerals project.  

Through his leadership and research, Lowry has helped shape global approaches to sustainable biodiversity management and environmental stewardship.

Nicolas Garnier is a French anthropologist specializing in Oceanian cultures and heritage, with a distinguished career in research and cultural preservation.  

He earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris, focusing on the rituals of the Chambri people in Papua New Guinea. Formerly Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Papua New Guinea, he developed programs on cultural heritage management and contemporary Pacific art.  

Garnier has led extensive fieldwork across Papua New Guinea, fostering community-based cultural centers and museums while co-curating major exhibitions such as Gularri: Landscapes of Water in Northern Australia. Currently completing a Habilitation Thesis on PNG contemporary art, his work continues to bridge academic research and indigenous knowledge systems to safeguard cultural identity. 

Claude Garcia is a tropical ecologist and Professor of International Forest Governance at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) and associate researcher at ETH Zurich.  

He earned his Ph.D. in Forest Ecosystem Modelling from Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and previously worked for CIRAD, focusing on goods and services of tropical forest ecosystems. His research explores decision-making in complex socio-environmental systems, using participatory modelling and strategy games to address conservation conflicts and foster sustainable landscape management.  

With over 20 years of experience across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, he has led projects on biodiversity, agroforestry, and forest governance, aiming to balance conservation and development through inclusive policies. Garcia is also co-founder of LEAF Inspiring Change and Planet C Collective, promoting innovative approaches to ecological resilience and social transformation.