To address the fuel supply crises that was experienced by the country early this year, KPHL’s contractor, China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering, a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Company has begun construction of a Jet A1 fuel import and storage facility at a site adjacent to the Motukea wharf. Kumul Petroleum Managing Director, Wapu Sonk highlighted that this facility is part of the commitment KPHL made to the Government and people of PNG earlier this year. Apart from facilitating short term imports of fuel, KPHL would ensure that they would organise medium and longer terms solutions so that such fuel supply crises would not occur again in the future. “At Motukea, KPHL is constructing infrastructure for the import and storage of Jet A1 fuel, including four 3,000 cubic metre fuel tanks, associated ship offloading and truck loading equipment and the necessary safety and environmental control facilities.” Mr Sonk explained that KPHL had been busy dealing with other stakeholders in this important project, thus this included having the necessary geotechnical studies carried out, liaison with PNG Ports Corporation, CEPA, NMSA, other utilities, services providers and regulatory agencies who have to approve various aspects of the project. “KPHL has engaged China Petroleum and Pipeline Engineering Company Limited and China Petroleum and Pipeline International Limited to carry out the construction and commissioning of these facilities.” “This construction is Phase 1 of the project, and it is a significant activity and investment for Kumul Petroleum.” “Once it is complete and operating, we will consider a second phase which will involve constructing additional storage tanks, pipeline and support facilities for diesel and petrol imports and storage.” “KPHL is happy to assist the Government put in place critical infrastructure to ensure that Port Moresby and other parts of the country is never again faced with an energy crisis, which is so important for our economy and development as a country.” Sonk further thanked the Marape-Rosso Govt, especially Minister Duma, and the management of KCH and PNG Ports for their support in making sure the project becomes a reality.

An earthquake of magnitude 7.3 struck Vanuatu's capital Port Vila at a depth of 10km today, Tuesday 17th December 2024, this is according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). According to the earthquake caused bridges to collapse, triggered landslides and severely damaged buildings, plus communication lines were also cut off. ABC News reported a local journalist had confirmed with police at least one person is dead because of the earthquake. The ground floor of a building housing the US, French, UK and New Zealand embassies had been crushed under higher floors; resident Michael Thompson told AFP by satellite phone after posting images of the destruction on social media. Footage posted on social media showed the building had buckled windows and collapsed concrete pillars. The earthquake was described as a “violent, high frequency shake” by local journalist Dan Mc Garry, who also stated that sirens were heard all around the capital. Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a warning, which it later cancelled. There was no tsunami threats reported in New Zealand and Australia as well. Director of the NZ National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) John Price said if there are aftershocks, the tsunami threat would be re-assessed. "We also have our dart buoy network that will trigger if there is any activity at sea, which would indicate a possible tsunami wave.” “There is no indication that there will be any land threat, that means any threat of tsunami hitting New Zealand land." He also added that marine and beach areas were still being assessed for unusual currents. At this moment also, the Red Cross deputy head of delegation for the Pacific, Finau Leveni, said that there were between 20 and 30 staff on the ground in Vanuatu, as well as volunteers, thus re-establishing of communications was essential to know the scale of damage. Sadly, it has reported that in addition to all damages caused by the earthquake, Vanuatu will also face an economic loss between 1 and 10 percent of GDP.

Authorities say tsunami waves have been observed after a magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck Vanuatu. The quake struck 37km from the capital, Port Vila at 12:53pm AEDT. It struck at a depth of 10km, the United States Geological Survey said. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said tsunami waves had been observed, and predicted waves of up to 1 metre along some parts of Vanuatu's coastline. Tsunami waves of less than 30 centimetres above the tidal level were predicted for Pacific island nations including Fiji, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. The Bureau of Meteorology said there was no tsunami threat to Australia. Authorities are monitoring for any sign of a tsunami. Dan McGarry, a local journalist in Port Vila, said it was a "violent, high-frequency shake" that lasted for about 30 seconds. He said there were sirens being heard around the capital. Witnesses have reported major landslides near the capital.

With The official Green Diplomacy Week ending today, this week was aimed at promoting dialogue and corporation on the issues of climate change, protection of the environment, forest biodiversity as well as Film screening of 6 documentaries and movies that focused on protection of the environment. NCD Governor Powes Parkop who was a guest at the Green Diplomacy week assured the European Union Delegations and youths who attended the Green Diplomacy week that PNG is serious about protecting its forest and sea and all its environment. Parkop highlighted that he has recommended to Prime Minister James Marape that before the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 30) in November 2025 in Brazil, Papua New Guinea must host a “Rain Forest Nation” summit, whereby all Rainforest Nation must come together and have a dialogue before proceeding to COP 30. Rain Forest Nation Coalitions is made of countries with large Rain forests in the world and these are countries like, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and more about 50 countries make up the Rain Forest Coalition. “Rain Forest Nations must have a dialogue, and that must translate to action on how we can partner and present our ideas to the Industrial countries at the COP.” “PNG should host it here so that all Rain Forest Nations can come together, have a common question so that we can meet our Industrial partners halfway at the COP so we can work together towards a solution.” Tropical rainforests are essential to saving biodiversity and slowing down the climate emergency, thus is time is very critical. Rain forest Nations mission is to slow, stop, and reverse global deforestation under the Paris Agreement, thus if the recommendation for a “Rain Forest Nation” summit to be held here in PNG in June 2025 is approved, it will greatly help boost the dialogue and corporation on climate issues, protection of environment and the fight to reducing carbon emissions.

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Papua New Guinea was please to launch its Green Diplomacy Week 2024, a three-day event dedicated to fostering local partnerships for sustainability, environmental protection and climate action on Wednesday 11th December 2024 at the Moresby Arts Theatre. The EU Green Diplomacy Week is aimed to promote dialogue and cooperation on the issue of climate change, protection of the environment, forest and biodiversity, highlighting success stories. It is a world-wide campaign that encourages conversations around climate. During the officially opening of the European Union Green Diplomacy Week 2024, Guest Speaker NCD Governor Powes Parkop gave an incredible speech that highlights the importance of having a balanced economic development as well as having a sustainable environment. Parkop highlighted that leadership is a global challenge when responding to climate change, thus the most important thing is to act when it comes to climate change. “European Union has set a target to be carbon neutral come 2050 and that is something we should welcome and work towards because it is not only for Europe but for the rest of the world.” “When dealing with effects of pollution, reducing impacts of climate change and reducing global temperature and rising sea level, it needs dedicated commitment in all aspects.” “Commitment not only in terms of narrative, policy and law, but more importantly is to put the money where the mouth is in terms of addressing climate change.” Parkop further highlighted that PNG should not be only concerned about the effects of climate change but the way of life for all Papua New Guineans and the Pacific Islanders are all at stake. “It is about our way of life, heritage, our value because we are the ocean, the trees, the weather, the air because we have so much tight to nature, we respect this natural biodiversity because for generations all these has sustained our ancestors until today.” Parkop added that over time PNG is transitioning from our ancestorial way of life into something else, with foreigners promising to offer better life in exchange of the natural environment and resources. “But we must look at European countries, China and other Western developed countries and question ourselves if we want to live in pollution or see the clear sky and breath fresh air?” He also highlighted that extreme weather and plastic pollution are both becoming some major challenges in Port Moresby City and with plastic pollution, it has to stop, or it will affect the food chain soon. “People now or down the generation will eat plastic because it will destroy the environment, when it gets into our water and seas.” Governor Parkop added that there is nothing wrong with development; however, there must be a balance outcome in terms of economic development as well as sustainable environment.

Fish Farming is booming in the Highlands Region with more and more farmers shifting from poultry and livestock to farming fish. This is because local farmers have seen the benefits of fish farming both economy and food security wise. This year alone about 50 plus farmers have turned their land into fishponds in Western Highlands Province and in the Southern Highlands Province. This was revealed by Mr. Jacob Towa, Fish Technical Advisor and owner of Towa Fish Hatchery. “I am helping new farmers to start their ponds, and I provide technical support to them, and my job has taken me as far as Hela Province to help set up new fish farms.” “I am more focused on fish farmers in Western Highlands Province and Southern Highlands Province which are closer to me, so at the moment the fish farmers in Tari are in need of a technical officer who can direct and guide them in their fish farming projects.” Towa also highlighted that Southern Highlands Province needs Trout Hatchery to boost their trout farm projects which are now developing in Southern Highlands. Currently there is only one Trout Hatchery in the Highlands Region and that Hatchery is in Simbu Province at the Betty Lodge in Mt Wilhelm. “We want to build a Trout Hatchery in SHP, to make it easier for the transfer of trout fingerlings to small trout farms because often times the transferring of trout fingerlings are very risky because if not handled well, the fingerlings die and sometimes it's just security precautions for long distance drive.” Building a Trout Hatchery in SHP will make it easy for Trout farmers in SHP, Upper Western Highlanders and those in Hela Province, that is in the plan and hopefully we can archive that in 2025, said Mr. Towa. Mr. Towa added that currently there are about 6 major suppliers of Fingerlings to all fish farms in all districts here in Jiwaka Province, and this goes to show how fish farming is taking over the Highlands Region. “Right now, I am ready to supply about 20,000 fish fingerlings to a Farm in Kagamuga which was recently certified by National Fisheries Authority as a Commercial Fresh Water Fish Farm.” “Another 50,000 fingerlings will be sent to Togoba Secondary school, which will also benefit the local fish farmers living around the school vicinity.” Towa said he is happy to see schools digging up fishponds for their agriculture classes and he is very much excited as well because more youths have now taken up fish farming. “The Marape Rosso Government’s policy on Take back PNG and the focus on the Agricultural Sector as the way to reviving the country’s economy is an important call; therefore, our government should allocate some funding for freshwater fish farming which is a booming business.” Mr. Towa is urging all members of the parliament to assist their people back at home with funds to start fish farming businesses. “MPs must buy, fingerlings and feedlings and give to their people and hire technical officers to go and teach and set up fishponds, this in return will help all those in the village struggling financially.”

A total sum of USD $65,000 investment was made in a significant step toward enhancing regional collaboration and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Arafura and Timor Seas ecosystem. Jelta Wong, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, highlights the importance of the Arafura and Timor Seas Ecosystem Action (ATSEA) Sydney Declaration in Strengthening Regional Cooperation. The ATSEA Sydney Ministerial Declaration represents a bold and unified commitment to the long-term health of the Arafura and Timor Seas, thus the USD$65,000 investment is a crucial step in ensuring the success of this important regional initiative during the bridging phase. The declaration marks the commitment of Papua New Guinea, Australia, Indonesia, and Timor Leste to work together towards the management of shared marine resources. Speaking at the event, Minister Wong emphasized the critical importance of this partnership in safeguarding the health of the Arafura and Timor Seas, which is vital not only for the environment but also for the livelihoods of millions of people across the region. “The Arafura and Timor Seas ecosystem is central to the economic well-being and cultural heritage of our nations,” Minister Wong said. “It provides sustenance, employment, and opportunities for millions of people, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that these resources are managed sustainably for generations to come.” The signing ceremony, which took place this morning, saw the official commitment of a USD$65,000 funding package to support the implementation of joint initiatives under the ATSEA program. This funding will be used during the bridging phase for programs that focus on marine conservation, fisheries management, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience in the Arafura and Timor Seas region. Minister Wong further acknowledged the significant partnership between Papua New Guinea, Australia, Indonesia, and Timor Leste, calling it a demonstration of the shared commitment to protecting the natural resources of the region. “This partnership is a testament to the strength of our collective will to tackle the challenges that threaten our marine ecosystems, from overfishing to pollution and climate change. It shows what can be achieved when nations come together to achieve common goals.” He also recognized Australia’s continued support in providing resources and technical assistance to the ATSEA program. “Australia’s longstanding commitment to the sustainable management of our shared marine environment has been instrumental in fostering regional cooperation, and we look forward to deepening our collaboration in the years to come.” The ATSEA program aims to enhance the collective management of the marine and coastal resources of the Arafura and Timor Seas, focusing on improving the health of the ecosystems, addressing environmental threats, and supporting the livelihoods of the people who depend on these resources. In addition, Minister Wong called for continued cooperation and engagement to ensure that the Arafura and Timor Seas remain vibrant, resilient, and productive for future generations. “The signing of this declaration is only the beginning of our journey. We must remain committed to action, not just words, and together, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for our nations and for our shared marine environment.”

Eliseo Group of Stores launched their first ever Christmas promotions, which will run from the 7th of December 2024 to the 3rd of January 2025, this morning at the Eliseo Rainbow Plaza in Port Moresby city. Miss Jessy, Branch Manager for Eliseo Rainbow urged all valued customers to shop at all Eliseo Branches in Port Moresby for a chance to win awesome prices this festive season. This Christmas promotion is for registered Eliseo Loyalty Program members only, so customers can register for the Loyalty Program with a K10 to be eligible to take part in this festive promotion. “Only registered Eliseo Loyalty Program members who spend K68 or more in a single purchase at any Eliseo Supermarket will get into a 2 lucky draw promotion this festive season.” “There will be 3 major winners who will drive away this festive season 3 brand new GWM Poer Utility worth K129,000 from Boroko Motors.” “These 3 lucky grand winners will also get a chance to win other special lucky draw prices too,” said Ms. Jessy. Human Resource Director for Eliseo Group, Mr. Shu has also highlighted that this festive season will be the biggest ever giveaway Eliseo will be giving to all its valued customers, thus there will be 3 major draws happening this festive season. “First promotion will run from the 7th -13 December, with the draws happening on the 13th of December at all Eliseo branches, and on the 14th will be the Grand draw for the first vehicle, this will be at Rainbow Branch.” “2nd promotion will run from the 14th -20th of December with the draws happening on the 20th of December at all branches and the Grand draw for the 2nd vehicle on the 21st of December at Rainbow Branch.” “The 3rd promotion will run from the 21st of December 2024 until 3rd January 2025, with the final draws schedule for 3rd January 2025 at all Eliseo branches and the major winner for the final vehicle to be done on the 4th of January 2025 at the Rainbow branch.” Major prices to win this festive season at all Elise stores will be 20 X K1, 000 Vouchers, White Goods packages worth around K6, 000, 90 X lucky winners for Vivo V40 Lite Phones and the last price pack will be 300 lucky winners to win a Bluetooth Speaker. All customers are urged to get into the Eliseo Loyalty Program so they can have a very merry Christmas when they shop at all Eliseo branches in Port Moresby this festive season.

The 3rd annual Kopen Cultural Festival and Eco-tourism Conservation Exhibition is expected to be bigger and better this year, featuring a wide variety of small and large cultural groups from the 11th -13th of December in Enga province. Kopen village outside Wabag town is now looking forward to hosting this significant event and welcoming visitors including international tourists. The exquisite festival will be joined by the Enga Governor himself, Sir Peter Ipatas along with the Minister for Arts, Culture and Tourism Belden Norman Namah, the National Cultural Commission (NCC), PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), Enga Provincial Administration and development partners and other relevant stakeholders. This festival will coincide with the official opening of Haus Man (Cultural Tradition House for Engan Men) and Cultural Research Centre, where traditional artifacts, tourism objects and products will be displayed. Chairman of the Kopen Take Pii Festival, Mr. Luke Lale expressed his gratitude towards all stakeholders for their support and introduced the Festival Program along with its significant objectives. “I would like to thank the Enga Provincial Government, NCC, PNGTPA, Development Partners and stakeholders for promoting such cultural festivals.” “The activities for this year’s program will include the opening of the Cultural Research Centre, followed by traditional Singing, traditional Sports, courtship, an Eco-Tourism Conservation Exhibition, a Bilum Exhibition, rituals, crafts, sand painting and a string band performance.” “The festival focuses on three objectives; to promote cultural diversity, encourage independent reasoning for young people and to facilitate access for all cultures,” Mr. Lale said. The festival was created to implement the National Cultural Commission’s cultural policy of 2022-2023 focusing on protecting, preserving and encouraging all indigenous cultural resources, which are almost forgotten due to western and global influences. The hosting of such cultural festivals and tourism products development will enhance socio-economic activities and curb escalating law & order issues, address Gender Base Violence, Inclusive Disabilities and other forms of Discrimination in the communities. The show also aims at engaging the young men and women so that they can actively participate to create conducive environments for all to live in, thus put behind the so-called tribal conflicts.

The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and the Port Moresby North East District will officially launch the 9 mile Saivara Satellite Township projects and its modern Police station tomorrow Friday 29th November 2024, at 3 pm in the afternoon. The initial groundbreaking ceremony of the satellite township, which was done early this year in April, will now see it unveil. Member for Moresby North East, John Kaupa had disclosed that the total cost of building the satellite township was estimated to be around K500 million, thus in the next 5 years time the whole of 9 mile will change, and become a satellite town. The multi million Kina satellite township will include development of the following that will be launched; 1.  New 9mile Police station, 2. 20 new police staff houses, 3. Settlement to Suburb program to be officially launched, 4. Bushwara Resettlement -14mile /Farea Concept Plan to be unveiled, and 5. The unveiling of the Level 4 District Hospital. The satellite town will also have a fire station, St Jones Ambulance station, a market, and a shopping mall in the next 5 years' time. The entire project is now located on top of 35.44 hectares of land; thus, this township is a public private partnership and will be fully funded by the developer as per the MOU signed between the office of Moresby North East District and the YFIG Group Limited. Residents of Moresby North- East and 9-mile area are urged to join this historic event in the history of Moresby North- East District.

The Southern Highlands province has been struck by many disasters this year alone, from manmade disaster to natural disaster and sadly most victims have not been able to receive any form of help from the Provincial Disaster Office. This is because the Southern Highlands Provincial Disaster Office has been without funding for a very long time, this was revealed by the Provincial Disaster Coordinator, Mr. Peter Wapenda-Wari. The recent Flood in Aiya LLG (Magani River burst) saw no assistance from the Disaster Office, despite contacts made by people on the ground to the office. Mr. Wapenda-Wari highlighted that the disaster office also lacks logistical support. “The disaster officers are ready to help, however the problem is we can not move because we do not have any funds nor do we have any form of logistic support, we are practically handicapped.” “Most disaster affected areas have been oversighted because we cannot go into those areas to do primary assessment, scale the disaster and report back to the Provincial Government and the National Disaster Centre for relief help to victims.” He added that despite their situation, he is very grateful for the short-term relief assistance coming in from Non-Government Organization like the United Nations, IOM and their local District Development Authority who have been the fore runner in assisting all victims of disasters in their local areas. “People need long term help, people need to find themselves, pick up and start over from where they were cut off, and sadly, the Southern Highlands Disaster Office has been handicapped and cannot provide long term rehabilitation and support.” “So many requests have been made over and over again, but sadly all requests for funding and logistic support to the disaster department have been falling on deaf ears.” Meantime, with the Southern Highlands Provincial Headquarter now under renovation, Meantime, Mr. Wapenda-Wari hopes that once renovation work on the Southern Highlands Provincial Headquarter building is done and work resumes, the Provincial Government can prioritize on funding, logistic support and other administrative support also for the Provincial Disaster Office.

Kina Bank has taken a bold step toward advancing inclusive green and sustainable development in Papua New Guinea as the fifth financial institution to join the groundbreaking initiative. Kina bank has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI); thus, Kina Bank will integrate the Inclusive Green Finance Policy (IGFP) into its lending operations, helping to shape the future of a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable financial sector in the country. Kina Bank’s involvement comes at a pivotal moment, alongside other key financial players in the nation, including ANZ PNG, the Bank of South Pacific (BSP), Nationwide Microbank, and Women’s Microbank. This partnership signals a collective commitment to driving both financial inclusion and environmentally responsible growth in Papua New Guinea. The Inclusive Green Finance Project, launched in 2021 with the support of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZ MFAT) under the Low Emissions Climate Resilient Development (LECRD) Program has already made tremendous progress. From developing the IGFP framework to establishing the Green Finance Centre (GFC), the project has laid the foundation for advancing green finance throughout PNG. The French Development Agency (AFD) has recently committed Euro 3 million in funding support for the IGFP Implementation Roadmap, underscoring the growing global confidence in this initiative’s potential. Through this new MoU, Kina Bank will collaborate with the Green Finance Centre to conduct a thorough needs assessment, create green loan products, and build a portfolio of sustainable finance solutions. Additionally, Kina Bank will receive policy advisory services, capacity-building support, and technical assistance, ensuring the long-term success of its green finance strategies. BPNG Governor, Mrs. Elizabeth Genia, highlighted the importance of the partnership. "The Inclusive Green Finance initiative is a transformative approach to aligning financial growth with sustainable development. Kina Bank’s commitment to this cause strengthens our shared vision of building a financially inclusive and environmentally conscious sector for the future of Papua New Guinea." Also at the signing of the MOU, Mr. Greg Pawson, CEO of Kina Bank, expressed the bank’s continued dedication to sustainable practices. “At Kina Bank, we believe that the future of finance lies in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering sustainable financial solutions that foster long-term sustainability through our enhanced ESG policy, benefiting both our customers and the communities in which we operate.” Mr. Sakiusa Tuisolia, GGGI’s Country Representative for PNG & the Solomon Islands, spoke to the broader impact of the initiative stating that the inclusion of Kina Bank is crucial in adding its strong band value to the inclusive green finance effort and also enabling the front-end delivery of inclusive green loan products that will contribute to low emission growth and sustainable development in PNG. “GGGI as the delivery partner through the Green Finance Centre (GFC) is driving this initiative with funding support from the New Zealand Government and the French Agency Francaise de Development (AFD).” This partnership marks a critical milestone in Kina Bank’s ongoing efforts to lead in sustainable finance and play an active role in the transition to a green economy. By joining forces with BPNG and GGGI, Kina Bank is not only contributing to the evolution of the financial sector but also ensuring that environmental sustainability is woven into the fabric of PNG’s future