A non-government organisation has secured a 25-year lease agreement to develop the well-known Walindi Plantation Resort’s Nature Centre into a terrestrial research hub at an estimated cost of K8 million.
This was announced recently at the Walindi Plantation Resort (WPR) Nature Centre in Talasea District, West New Britain Province.
Forcert has entered into the agreement with WPR to upgrade the facility, allowing for expanded research into Papua New Guinea’s natural environment. The organisation has years of experience in running social and economic programs in local communities, and the move to take over the facility where it was first established is welcomed by the people.
WPR Director, Cheyne Benjamin, said the initiative is aimed at benefiting the community by providing an avenue for educational purposes.
“I am happy with the agreement. I’m leasing this area for the next 25 years to Forcert so they can run community-based terrestrial programs to benefit the communities,” Benjamin said.
He added that the lease will not affect the Mahonia Nadari marine biology research program currently operating at the facility.
“I want to make it clear that Mahonia Nadari is still here and will continue to operate. That is the main reason I entered into this agreement, so Mahonia Nadari can have a secure future. Now we have created a stronger education centre where we can focus on both marine and terrestrial programs for better environmental protection.”
Forcert Manager, Cosmas Makamet, said the organisation aims to improve the facility to the next level.
“We were looking for land to lease when this opportunity came up. I would like to thank Cheyne Benjamin and the Benjamin family,” Makamet said.
“Twenty-five years is a lifetime for our future generations in West New Britain and Papua New Guinea, as our work covers the whole of the New Guinea Islands and the mainland.”
He said the organisation is now focused on progressing the facility further.
“We will take this to the next level. Forcert has plans to transform the centre using environmentally friendly methods, including solar power. We estimate it will cost over K8 million to achieve this. We do not have the full amount yet, but we have secured 10 percent, so we will begin.”
Makamet added that the facility will continue to serve as a hub for research and educational activities for various institutions and individuals.
“This will be a training centre in collaboration with universities.”
The resort has been a research destination for both local and international researchers for many years, and Forcert aims to revitalise it using environmentally friendly technologies, including solar-powered facilities.
This will allow Forcert to support terrestrial research, while Mahonia Nadari will continue its marine biology programs.
He also called on local communities to work together in making Talasea District a better place for all.
