By Wasita Royal
In Papua New Guinea, where job opportunities are scarce and environmental degradation looms large, Brenda Balawagi has turned adversity into innovation.
Ms. Balagawi, a Master’s graduate in Environmental Science, had carved a unique path by transforming her struggles into a force for change. Her story has the reflections of the challenges she had faced as an educated youth and the untapped potential of green entrepreneurship in the Pacific.
Born in East Sepik Province and raised in Lae, Morobe, Balagawi attended Bugandi High School before earning her degree at the University of Papua New Guinea.
Determined to further her expertise, she self-funded her postgraduate studies at the University of San Carlos in the Philippines (2014–2017).
“Going to the Philippines to study had given me a wider and broader perspective on things like education, business, and innovation,” Balagawi said.
“I became a different person after I graduated, because I have discovered that, there is so much I can do with the knowledge and skills I have now. For example, a coconut tree is just a tree, but I can do so many things out of that one plant.”
In an interview, Balagawi expressed her hardship in lending a job in her home country of Papu New Guinea that saw her venture into volunteered work.
“Finding a job in Papua New Guinea is very challenging,” she expressed.
She started her voluntary work with a church organization in 2018 and later became the Communication and Media Director a role she cherished and served in from 2021-2023.
Frustrated by unemployment, Brenda embraced a new mantra of “keep trying and start up something you can do whilst job hunting.”
This mindset gave birth to EcoBiota Environmental Services, where her consultancy is now focused on environmental education to impact solutions, utilizing her knowledge attained from her master study in Philippines.
The research and presentation skills honed in the Philippines equipped her to advise communities on sustainability.
“My business is focused on environmental education, and it is satisfying when I help clients learn to solve issues they face from environmental impacts around them,” she expressed.
Beyond consultancy, Brenda invests in grassroots change. She mentors youth and women through church programs, advocating for women’s leadership and empowerment.
“Use your skills, talents, or what you are passionate about to help those in the communities close to you. Starting a business should not only focus on money; you must be purpose-driven to help provide options to solve a problem—and that’s where people will support your dream. When we share, we continue to expand our knowledge and skills.”
She dreams of transforming EcoBiota into an educational organization that creates jobs in East Sepik.
“Help open up employment opportunities to those interested in working in the business,” she said.
Brenda’s journey of education, resilience, and purpose has rewritten destinies—both personal and national.
She further encourages the young people dreaming for a better future and those who are still in schools to take risk and explore opportunities.
“Take the risk and explore while you still have the chance. Life evolves and we age over time,” Balagawi.
“When you have the opportunity to study abroad, take it and go. You may never know what is waiting for you out there.”
