PNG LNG Creates Benefits for Papua New Guinea

The PNG LNG Project is developing partnerships with local communities, the Government, landowner companies (Lancos), non-government organisations and other key stakeholders to create long-term benefits for Papua New Guinea.

The Project’s fourth quarter 2011 Environmental and Social Report features many examples of mutually beneficial and inclusive partnerships in long-term focus areas including health, education, women’s empowerment, public policy and capacity building for local business.

PNG LNG Project Executive Decie Autin said the PNG LNG Project recognises that strong and sustainable partnerships are integral to community development.

“When community leadership and direct involvement are achieved, local skills and institutions can be developed, community expectations are more effectively managed, and projects are more likely to result in positive and sustainable outcomes,” Ms Autin said.

The PNG LNG Project recently partnered with Delta Green Field Marketing Limited, a women’s group in Kikori, to sell vegetables for supply to Project construction camps.

The group is also establishing a plant nursery and supplying seedlings to over 500 women in six villages.

“Agriculture is a major contributor to the livelihoods of Papua New Guinea’s rural communities and the Project is partnering with communities to grow fresh produce, build community nurseries and establish cashew orchards,” noted Ms Autin.

The PNG LNG Project additionally recognises that education plays a key role in economic development and employment growth. T

his quarter the Project began working in partnership with Papua New Guinea’s National Research Institute to develop a needs assessment of teacher training in the Project area.

“The assessment seeks to identify formal training needs, such as teacher certification, as well as areas for continuous improvement identified by the teachers themselves to help overcome teaching challenges experienced in the classroom,” Ms Autin said.

The PNG LNG Project continues to develop partnerships with Lancos and other Papua New Guinean businesses.

Approximately 490 million Kina (US$229 million) was spent with Lancos in 2011 for Project services.

Building on the partnerships created with local communities, governments, non-government organisations, Lancos and other key stakeholders, the Project remains committed to developing its long-term goal of establishing sustainable economic and social benefits for Papua New Guinea.

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LNG World News Staff, March 1, 2012; Image: Santos