2.3M
hectares of PAs under improved management or newly created
Papua New Guinea
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Maintaining the integrity of globally significant intact tropical forest landscapes in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is working to maintain the integrity of intact tropical forest landscapes across Gulf Province and Western Province, two of the country’s largest forest provinces, containing vast expanses of old-growth wet tropical rainforest. In collaboration with national and provincial governments, customary landowners and communities, development partners, and technical experts, the project strengthens land-use planning, expands area-based conservation, promotes sustainable livelihoods, and mobilises finance to reduce deforestation and delivers lasting benefits for both people and forest ecosystems.
Targets and Global Environment Benefits (GEB)
Partners and roles
The Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority (CEPA), within the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change (MoEC&CC) has overall oversight of the project while the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is executing the project and providing ongoing technical support as the GEF Implementation Agency.
The project continues to be supported by numerous national, provincial, and local partners, including relevant government departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector and academia.
Led by
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Supported by
Our Funding
US $16.21M
GEF investment
US $43.5M
Co-finance
How the project responds
1. Strengthening the enabling environment
Conducting a Multi-purpose National Forest Inventory in the target provinces, developing a national action plan on primary forest conservation and implementing integrated decision support systems to improve land-use and investment planning.
2. Expanding area-based conservation
Strengthening protection of critical forest ecosystems through provincial strategies for protected and conserved areas, updated management plans for gazetted Protected Areas, planning for Community Conserved Areas, and advancing World Heritage Site nominations in Western and Gulf Provinces.
3. Integrating conservation with sustainable land management
Working with communities to develop gender-responsive land management practices that support biodiversity and climate resilience outside Protected Areas. Developing strategies for Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and supporting biodiversity-friendly, climate-resilient value chains and small-scale enterprises led by Indigenous Land Groups.
4. Mobilizing sustainable finance and investment
Identifying pathways to access sustainable finance for forest conservation, restoration, and long-term Protected Area funding. Piloting REDD+ guidelines and registry systems, building producer–public–private partnerships to leverage investment, and increasing Protected Area financing for long-term conservation outcomes.