PNG UNRE News

Dr. Kalinoe (second from left) visits a cocoa block at Vunapalading. PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment will collaborate with the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG) to empower young people. This partnership was strengthened by the recent  signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DJAG and the University. Under this MOU, the University's Kairak Vudal Resource Training Centre (KVRTC) will work closely with DJAG as a partner, in its Crime Prevention Mechanism Program to empower youths through socio-economic development.  Following the signing, DJAG Acting Secretary Dr Lawrence Kalinoe visited the University last Friday (Nov 9).  He was accompanied by senior officials from the Department. Dr Kalinoe was met by the University’s Senior Management - Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr Aisak Pue, acting Pro Vice-Chancellor (Planning and Development) Dr Pongie Kichawen, Acting Registrar Jennifer Popat, Bursar Edward Laki and KVRTC Manage

RESEARCH work on the improvement of propagation techniques of Eucalyptus deglupta (Kamerere) is progressing well after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding recently. Open Bay Timber Ltd, a subsidiary of the Sumitomo Forestry Group Ltd (Tokyo, Japan) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University in September purposely for the University through its Forestry Department to assist the company with the research and propagation of Eucalyptus deglupta and the growing and delivery of Eaglewood ( Gyrinops sp ).  Dr Satoshi Kita from the Sumitomo Forestry in Japan signed on behalf of the company while Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr Aisak Pue signed on behalf of the University. According to the project coordinator, Sylvester Kulang, the first trial on propagation techniques of Eucalyptus deglupta (Kamerere) commenced last month. Eucalyptus deglupta cuttings were trialled using coir (fibre from the outer husk of the coconut) and top soil as the growing medium and

(l-r) Farm manager Alex Nugi, Acting Vice Chancellor Dr James Yoko and Warangoi Cattle Station coordinator Apelis Kapi at the installation of the system at the Farm earlier this month. PNG UNRE is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with PNG Cocoa Board on a Biogas trial project. The signing will take place next Wednesday (Nov 21) between the two parties. UNRE Farm Manager Alex Nugi said the MOU will strengthen the partnership between the University and Cocoa Board and will enable academic programs to benefit from the technology. Mr Nugi said the Biogas Production system using livestock manure and cocoa pod waste is a technology designed by Engineers Without Borders and developed by Atec Company.  The end product after the anaerobic digestion of biodegradable material is methane gas which can be used as clean heat for burning purposes. Mr Nugi said Cocoa Board has adopted this technology to address the ‘smoke taint’ problem affecting cocoa quality in PNG. In an