Youths of Managalas Conservation area in the Oro province have been reminded of why their ancestors decided to conserve their environment and why their fathers decided Managalas will become a conservations area.
The Managalas Conservation area is about 214,696 hectares of land under conservation and parts of the areas run to Safia, Kokoda, Popondetta Urban and even Oro Bay.
Speaking during the environment day celebrations in Managalas was an Environment and Human Rights Officer Mr. Lester Seri placed emphasis on the importance of protecting the environment.
Mr. Seri reminded the youths that the forest, land and the rivers are banks their ancestors withdrew food, water and shelter from and it still remains the main source where they now can also withdraw the abundance of life from, if they continue to protect their environment.
Seri also highlighted that the work of conservation is a shared sentiment amongst other communities in other provinces such as Mt Wilhelm in Simbu Province, and other provinces like Milne Bay, New Ireland Province, Madang and the Bosavi area.
Mr. Seri who is originally from the Tufi Area stated that his people have also fought for their land to become a conservation area; however, their cries was never heard by the government and logging has taken over their vast forest and they have taken this matter to court and it is still in court for over seven (7) years now.
“Lest we forget that before Environment Day was initiated and established on June 5th, 1972, our ancestors were already living in peace and harmony with our environment, protecting it as well as getting food from it to sustain their livelihoods.”
“We have one of the best environments in the world and as stewards of this land we must protect our environment now and for our future generation because this environment will help to sustain us.”
He further added that Climate change is real, and it can be seen on all coastal villages and islands villages in our country where people had to move inland to live.
He gave an example of the people of Daru Island in Western province, who have had to move to the mainland as their homes are now under water.
Mr. Seri further added that climate change effects are now seen in overseas countries were extreme weathers and climate is affecting them from wildfires to flooding and cyclones.
“We are fortunate because we still have most of our environment in place and extreme weather patterns are not experienced here because the environment helps to protect us; therefore, it is our duty to protect our environment,” said Seri.
Mr. Seri also highlighted that the country is traditionally an agriculture-based country were everyone depends on mother earth for food supplies. He then reminded the Managalas youths that without proper care of the environment, agriculture will be impossible and when subsistence or commercial agriculture is impossible, then there is no means of getting an income for sustainability.
“Take responsibility, this is our lifeline and teach our next generation to do the same.”
Seri further thanked CIFOR- ICRAF and European Union, other partners and the Managalas Conservation Youth Foundation for their tremendous work in protecting the environment.
