Port Moresby Nature Park is honored to
introduce the Centre for Species Survival (CSS) Papua New Guinea, a
groundbreaking program dedicated to conserving the nation’s unique
biodiversity. Initially posted by IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) on 25
August 2025, the new Centre is a collaboration between Port Moresby Nature Park
and the IUCN Species Survival Commission with kind financial support from
Cologne Zoo in Germany.
The launch was announced at the Nature Park’s Charity Gala Dinner at Hilton Port Moresby, which was attended by around 500 people, including Prime Minister James Marape, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, diplomats, politicians, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders.
Nature Park CEO
Johnpaul Houston emphasized the imperative to engage Papua New Guinean voices
and networks in conservation, linking the Centre’s work directly to national
agendas.
Dr. Kira Mileham, IUCN SSC Global Director of Strategic Partnerships, stated:
“In one of the planet’s
most megadiverse nations, the new Center for Species Survival Papua New Guinea
will be a powerful catalyst – uniting local species experts and empowering them
with international IUCN tools and networks. Combined, this partnership will aid
in energizing national recovery efforts, strengthen conservation capacity, and
deepen collaboration between government and civil society.”
The PNG CSS will integrate
traditional knowledge and emphasize conservation of iconic species such as
amphibians, tree-kangaroos, orchids, wild relatives of food crops, and the
famous birds of paradise. It will also build conservation capacity by creating
jobs, engaging communities, and expanding Small Island Developing States
membership in the IUCN.
This project puts
Papua New Guinea in a leadership role in regional biodiversity conservation,
ensuring a sustainable future for its amazing fauna and flora.
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