It’s World Environment Day today!
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCSPNG) through the Kiwa Initiative's WISH+ project, is supporting climate action through forest restoration initiatives, with recent work carried out alongside partner communities in Manus Province.
In May 2026, WCS in PNG's Manus team, alongside Forester Stanley Geremba, visited the inland Manus communities of Tetidu Local Level Government (LLG), Piti Rait, Ndrapitou 2, and Tawi Ul’Ndrau-uh, to deliver hands-on training in nursery establishment and seedling production.
Community members learned how to collect seeds from native tree species, prepare soil and establish small-scale nurseries to support ongoing reforestation efforts. These practical skills will enable communities to grow and manage their own planting materials, an essential step toward restoring degraded landscapes.
Through interactive sessions and demonstrations, participants explored how locally adapted species can help rebuild natural buffer zones around water catchments. These areas, currently affected by erosion, sedimentation and vegetation loss, are critical for maintaining clean and safe water sources.
This work is also key to climate change adaptation. By restoring vegetation cover and strengthening natural buffer zones, communities can reduce the impacts of heavier rainfall, flooding and erosion, while improving water retention during dry periods. Healthy forests act as natural protection systems, making communities more resilient to climate variability and extreme weather.
The training also created space for knowledge exchange, where community members shared traditional insights on tree and shrub species that have long supported forest ecosystems. Women, men, youth and customary landowners all participated actively in the training, building skills and contributing to the reforestation efforts.
By strengthening local capacity in nursery and seedling production, these communities are laying the foundation for long-term restoration, climate resilience, and water security.
