Bio-diversity

The local CBO was the first proponent to be given an approval for a Strategic Project in October 2013 for a sum of US$145, 000.00 under the OP5 STAR allocation. This project will support GEF Focal area of Biodiversity Conservation. With a successful track record of receiving grants twice under Operational Phases 1 and 4, and also the winner of the Equator Initiative Awards, SWMI was given an overwhelming approval from the NSC. The proponent will be working towards strengthening community driven Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihoods Initiatives with mining activities threatening to damage crocodile habitat and the wetlands. This would support GEF Focal Area of mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation into livelihoods through support to local crocodile farmers to improve techniques in crocodile farming enhancing crocodile skin quality. The project will also be seeking to work with government to improve crocodile management and set aside the Sepik river basin as a wetland of international importance under RAMSAR as a measure of addressing imminent damage from mining activities upriver.

Papua new guinea