NCD Governor Powes Parkop has emphasized the urgent need for climate action and environmental stewardship during the World Environment Day event held yesterday at Independence Boulevard in Port Moresby.

Addressing a gathering of students, community leaders, and dignitaries, Governor Parkop emphasized the pressures facing Papua New Guinea’s natural environment, including deforestation, species endangerment, and marine biodiversity loss.

He warned that without immediate action, both terrestrial and marine ecosystems could face irreversible damage, threatening life on earth.

“The environment needs us, needs us to take action.”

“Our forests, our coral reefs, our bees, all contribute to sustaining life. If they disappear, life as we know it cannot exist.”

Governor Parkop underscored the significance of Papua New Guinea’s tropical rainforests, which host up to 10% of global biodiversity, and stressed the country’s role as a custodian of the Coral Sea Triangle, a critical marine ecosystem that provides 50–80% of the oxygen humans breathe.

He also mentioned PNG’s status as a carbon-neutral nation – a country that does not emit much pollution; and called for continued efforts to maintain this position.

During the event, Governor Parkop announced practical initiatives for environmental protection, including tree planting campaigns in Port Moresby and ecological waste management projects, such as recycling plastics and converting waste to energy.

He encouraged young people to actively participate, promising scholarships for future botanists, entomologists, and marine biologists.

“We are stewards of the environment.”

“These resources are not ours to exploit; they belong to future generations. Let us care for them so they will continue to sustain life, both now and for those who come after us.”