UNRE partners with MENCERTC of Simbu

PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mauberema Ecotourism Nature Conservation Education Research & Training Centre in Simbu Province.

The purpose of the agreement is to collaborate in training, research and extension in conservation development targeting agriculture, the environment and other relevant areas related to natural resources such as fisheries and forestry.

The scope of the collaboration includes:

• Training, advocating and awareness on the conservation of nature as an important activity towards developing the livelihood of the community;

• Research in mutual areas of interest;

• Exchange of research and training materials;

• Exchange of visiting research scholars for training, seminars and other research purposes; and

• Cooperation with PNG UNRE’s Centre for Research and Postgraduate Studies and visiting lecturers for the training and development of UNRE students and staff.

Individual staff, trainers, trainees and researchers from both parties have the freedom to negotiate and apply research and training ideas upon the approval of both parties. The understanding is for five years.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Aisak Pue who signed the MOU on behalf of the University, said PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment is happy to partner with Mauberema Ecotourism Nature Conservation Education Research & Training Centre (MENCERTC) because it is one of the University’s main desires to improve the livelihoods of the rural population in Papua New Guinea.

Professor Pue said the MOU is a step towards achieving this objective.

“All our programs are designed to serve the majority of the population of Papua New Guinea who are rural dwellers. We train our students to serve, work and create employment in the rural areas,” Professor Pue said.

“All our programs are called ‘Sustainable’ - Sustainable Tropical Agriculture, Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Resources, Sustainable Tropical Forestry, Sustainable Livestock Production, Sustainable International Tourism and so on. 

“We named them this way because our focus is on the rural areas. We want our graduates to create employment in rural communities for our people, especially our young people who have been pushed out of the formal education system.”

MENCERTC Director Moses Kerry said the signing of the MOU marked a huge achievement for the centre that was established four and a half years ago.

He said it was a privilege for the Vice-Chancellor himself to be in Tabare LLG in Sinasina Yongomulg District to sign the MOU and assured members of the local community who were present that the partnership with the University would bring many benefits.

MENCERTC, which was established in 2017, manages Mauberema Ecotourism and Conservation, a community-initiated project of the Dinogebai and Hokebai clans of Ward 7 & 8, Tabare LLG in Sinasina Yongomulg district, Simbu.

Its theme is to create a sustainable conservation approach in Papua New Guinea and foster Community Ecotourism and Wildlife Conservation and Management through education, research and training; and supports sustainable community livelihoods through local, regional and global partnerships.

MENCERTC aims to:

1. Protect the forest and its diverse flora and fauna;

2. Maintain the scenic and recreational values of the natural heritage, culture and environment of the Mauberema people;

3. Promote Culture and Nature-Based Education, Research and Training through partnerships; 

4. Create sustainable livelihoods for the local people through its ecotourism potential and conservation management’s assistance and other community development programs, projects and activities.

Five Year 3 Sustainable International Tourism students of UNRE were attached to the centre for two months for their industrial training (IT), work experience and exposure.

The partnership with UNRE will give IT placement opportunities to students studying other natural resources fields such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, livestock production, environment and climate change. 

PNG UNRE is considering MENCERTC to be its outreach centre for the Highlands region.

The MOU signing was witnessed by Wildlife Conservation Society PNG Country Director Dr Adrian Tejedor, USAID Lukautim Graun Project Cardno International rep Linda Pekosi, Deputy District Administrator (Sinasina Yongomulg) Ate Bomal, Executive Director of Partners with Melanesians Ken Mondiai, Branch Manager of MiBank Mt Hagen Louis Kapa, Simbu Provincial Administration Division of Commerce, Culture and Tourism rep Rosemary Kaupa and colleagues, Appointment Recruiting Officer Simbu Division of Education Kimbe Muglua, and Head of UNRE’s Department of Business & Tourism George Korowi.

(l-r) UNRE Head of Business and Tourism George Korowi, UNRE Vice-Chancellor Professor Aisak Pue, MENCERTC

Director Moses Kerry and MENCERTC Program Manager Moses John after the signing of the MOU.