VOLUNTEER AIMS TO PROMOTE CONSERVATION OF ‘ORO BUTTERFLY’

Known as the largest butterfly in the world, the Queen Alexandra Birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera alexandrae) —is facing an uncertain future.

This majestic insect boasts wings that stretch nearly a foot in length, but its beauty is no shield from the dangers threatening its existence.

Habitat destruction, illegal trade, and climate change have left the Queen Alexandra Birdwing on the brink of extinction.

Ahi Matue, a volunteer with the National Volunteer Service (NVS), is on a mission to accelerate the conservation of this unique species, with hopes of elevating its cause to a global stage.

Ahi’s work, fronting the Dun Eco-Tourism Project in Yoivi village, Oro Province, has earned him a spot as one of the top ten finalists in the ClimateLaunchpad National competition, a prestigious event that champions climate-focused solutions.

“The Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly is the largest butterfly in the world, and it is only found in Papua New Guinea.”

“I fear that, without immediate intervention, we could lose this national treasure in the next decade.”

Ahi’s mission is simple but crucial: raise global awareness about the Queen Alexandra Birdwing Butterfly and Papua New Guinea’s distinctive biodiversity, forge networks with like-minded environmentalists, and promote volunteerism on an international scale.

His entry into the ClimateLaunchpad competition focuses specifically on the conservation of the butterfly through partnerships aimed at safeguarding its future.

Through his efforts, the community of Yoivi has not only raised awareness about the butterfly but also taken practical steps to protect it.

In 2023, Ahi was tasked with promoting eco-tourism in the area, and his vision quickly evolved into a broader conservation initiative.

Ahi has established a breeding nursery for the Queen Alexandra Birdwing and is building a conservation site that allows tourists and conservationists alike to visit and learn about the species in its natural habitat.

Additionally, he led the construction of a 1-kilometer road connecting the site to the main highway, increasing access to this remote area and enhancing public awareness of the butterfly’s plight.

“This competition might seem like a routine event to many but for me and the 2,000-plus people of Yoivi village, it means everything.”

“It represents hope, visibility, and a long-awaited chance to tell our story of preserving the Oro Butterfly on a global platform.”

But Ahi’s work does not come without its challenges. The butterfly’s status as a rare species has made it a target for illegal collectors who seek to sell specimens for export.

This growing problem, coupled with habitat loss due to deforestation and agriculture, has left the Queen Alexandra Birdwing with an increasingly uncertain future.

The grand finale of the National Competition will take place in August, with three finalists selected to represent Papua New Guinea at the Global Grand Final event in Vienna, Austria.

Ahi Matue, with his unwavering dedication to the conservation of the Queen Alexandra Birdwing, is confident that his work will help secure a brighter future for this endangered species.

The National Volunteer Service (NVS), a state agency under the Ministry of Defense, is instrumental in supporting Ahi’s efforts.

NVS recruits, trains, and places professional volunteers in remote communities across Papua New Guinea, and its support has been crucial in helping Ahi lead this vital conservation initiative.