The Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) Natural Resources Sectoral Committee has brought together government agencies, development partners and industry stakeholders to review progress and identify concrete actions aimed at strengthening Papua New Guinea's natural resources sector.
The meeting, held today at Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby, marked the Committee's fourth sectoral meeting since its restoration in 2025 and focused on reviewing action items from previous meetings while addressing emerging priorities across forestry, fisheries, land administration, biodiversity conservation and climate change.
Speaking at the opening, CIMC Executive Officer Wallis Yakam said the meeting provides an opportunity for stakeholders to strengthen coordination and ensure agreed priorities are translated into practical outcomes.
"The meeting is a vital mechanism for stakeholders to align, review current action items and address the coordination gaps that hold the natural resource sector back. By strengthening collaboration across government, industry and civil society, we can modernise our laws and deliver balanced economic, environmental and social outcomes for our country," Mrs. Yakam said.
Among the key presentations was an update from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighting its work to accelerate sustainable community development and renewable resource management across Papua New Guinea.
UNDP Assistant Representative for Environment and Climate Change, Joshua Sam, said collaboration remains central to achieving long-term sustainable development.
"Our approach is very similar to the same commitment that this committee has already made. We want to work and collaborate with everyone who is working in the sector, and we hope we can have an impact from policy right down to very remote communities across the country," Mr. Sam said.
The Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) also presented updates on Papua New Guinea's REDD+ program and climate finance priorities, outlining ongoing work to strengthen policy frameworks, carbon market readiness, international reporting and institutional capacity to support sustainable forest management and climate resilience.
CCDA Manager for REDD+, Terence Barambi, said continued collaboration across government agencies will be critical as Papua New Guinea advances its climate finance and forest conservation agenda.
The meeting is expected to conclude with stakeholders agreeing on concrete actions to guide future work across forestry, land administration, fisheries, biodiversity conservation and climate change.
