A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and Expertise France under the European Union-funded Forestry-Climate Change-Biodiversity (EU-FCCB) Programme, which is aimed at protecting and conserving forestry and biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The EU-FCCB Programme is an EU-funded initiative to support a development model that reconciles forestry, climate change, and biodiversity with sustainable, inclusive, and gender-responsive green growth at national and pilot subnational/community levels in PNG with three implementing agencies, Expertise France, CIFOR-ICRAF, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The MOU reaffirms the collaboration and partnership between the two entities, as witnessed by the European Union Delegation to PNG, Ms. Monica Vazquez Pablo and Ms. Manau Renagi, and representatives from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM). It will establish the framework for collaboration over the next four years of the FCCB Programme, underpinned by an annual action plan for each year of implementation. Mr. Jude Tukuliya, Acting Managing Director of CEPA, affirmed the importance of CEPA in spearheading the biodiversity component of the EU-FCCB Programme. “This leadership role extends beyond the scope of the MoU, encompassing the steadfast commitment to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals stipulated by the PNG government.” He further highlighted the imperative to actualize the MoU's requirements and turn them into tangible actions that directly benefit the community. Mr. Tukuliya also conveyed a strong willingness to leverage the knowledge and expertise offered by the EU-FCCB Programme, partnering development organisations, and relevant government entities engaged in forestry, climate change, and biodiversity preservation initiatives. "We are excited about the signing of the MoU as it will signify the start of the collaboration, particularly in terms of organisational and institutional support, subnational pilot programs, and the enforcement of the PA Act to help enhance conservation efforts and protect forestry and biodiversity," stated Mr. Alaric Vandeberghe. "Improving the capacity of relevant national and local officials and stakeholders on sustainable livelihood options and business model development will also be a key part of implementing the MoU activities."