Port Moresby, 16 June 2020: The challenges of COVID-19 are restricting people from attending meetings. Social distancing makes it challenging.

One way to address this is by using online applications.

Recently, with the assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in PNG, 25 Conservation and Environment Protection Agency (CEPA) officers, participated in a virtual workshop on developing Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES). The workshop assisted these officers to identify appropriate measures to manage environmental risks and to better engage with indigenous communities.

The training was part of preparing CEPA officials to support the implementation of a large conservation financing project.

Dirk Wagener, UNDP Resident Representative said, “UNDP is a proud partner of the Government. In the midst of COVID-19, UNDP has taken the initiative to support the Government to continue its delivery and engagement using online platforms such as Zoom.”

The online training will boost staff capacity and is part of UNDP’s support to the Government boosting its conservation efforts. 

The project is implemented by CEPA with the support of UNDP. It is an initiative being delivered with Global Environment Fund assistance.