The 15th Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival was launched recently by the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture under the theme “Celebrating Festival Tourism after COVID -19.” During the Opening Minister Isi Henry Leonard called on all cultural, arts and performing groups to register & affiliate with the National Cultural Commission (NCC) to be officially recognized. “The National Cultural Commission is the only authority in the country who is here to regulate anything that belongs to culture and tradition in the country. “Come and affiliate and through NCC we can now give recognition, prominence and support to your respective cultural groups and festivals." The minister said that there needed to be proper regulation, control and monetizing of culture and tradition in the country so that the people in their localities would benefit out of this process. “If we do not regulate and control it, somebody else will monetize it, and our people will miss out, whether it be cultural groups or festivals. “It is incumbent on each and every one to come and register your festivals and cultural groups through the NCC, so we are able to assist you to benefit more.” He commended the Sepik River Crocodile committee led by its Secretary Jacob Marek for their efforts in ensuring the festival was registered with NCC. Minister Leonard said the Sepik people shared a unique bond with the Sepik River as part of their eco system. “Today marks a very important occasion where we witness the national cultural commission give its support for this important festival in Sepik. “Through the support of the national cultural commission and the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), we can now bring it to the next level, promote and harness more for tourism purposes." Minister Leonard through the PNG National Cultural Commission presented a K10, 000 cheque to the Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival Committee Secretary Mr. Marek to support the event. Minister Leonard along with the NCC Executive Director Mr. Steven Kilanda presented the Sepik River Crocodile & Arts Festival Certificate to the head of the organizing committee Mr. Marek, officially launching the festival.