A major mangrove educational boardwalk and resource centre project is nearing completion in the Bautama mangrove forest, inside the proposed Bootless Bay National Marine Sanctuary, just outside Port Moresby.
The project led by The Nature Conservancy and the Central Papua Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, began construction in early 2023, and is expected to officially open in July 2026 with the aim to establish PNG’s first purpose-built mangrove boardwalk and education facility.
The boardwalk forms part of a broader mangrove restoration initiative aimed at rehabilitating degraded coastal ecosystems while promoting environmental education and eco-tourism opportunities.
The site protects approximately 27 hectares of intact mangrove forest, supporting biodiversity, coastal protections and important ecosystem services for the surrounding communities.
According to The Nature Conservancy Research Assistant Duncan Bellet, the site will also feature a resource centre designed to support conservation awareness and community engagement activities.
“Once completed, the facility is expected to offer experiences similar to Port Moresby Nature Park and Adventure Park PNG, providing visitors with opportunities to learn more about mangrove ecosystems and coastal conservation efforts in Papua New Guinea.”
The boardwalk plays an essential role as a platform for visitors and locals to explore and appreciate the remarkable biodiversity of the area and its traditional value to the coastal communities.
