Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Minister John Kaupa has called on the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) to work together as one team, saying both agencies must remain united in delivering services and protecting Papua New Guinea’s environment.
Speaking during his official ministerial handover ceremony last Friday, Mr. Kaupa said there was no room for divisions within the ministry, with only eight months remaining before the 2027 National General Election.
“We will all work together, with no divisions, because the two agencies have one goal,” Mr. Kaupa said.
He reminded public servants that while politicians come and go, bureaucrats remain responsible for maintaining standards, accountability and service delivery.
“I am a politician. We will come and go, but you are bureaucrats in this organization. You maintain standards, accountability, and delivery,” he said.
Mr. Kaupa said the ministry’s work extends beyond Papua New Guinea because environmental protection is a global responsibility, with international partners closely monitoring the country’s performance.
“Our ministry is not about us, but about the world globally. Our donors are watching. Our partners are everywhere,” he said.
He urged communities to help protect the country’s forests and natural environment, saying environmental conservation begins at home.
“Environment is all about our backyard, what is around us,” he said.
The minister also called for closer cooperation between CEPA, CCDA, the forestry sector and other agencies responsible for managing the country’s natural resources.
Mr. Kaupa assured staff he had not taken office to remove employees but to ensure existing programmes continued.
“I am not here to fire anybody. We are policy makers; you are the implementers,” he said.
He stressed the importance of accountability, warning department heads, statutory authorities and staff to submit annual reports on time.
“Your reports must be submitted on time so that everything is clear,” he said.
Mr. Kaupa said honest and timely reporting was essential for transparency and effective government service delivery.
“It is not the politicians who do it, but you, the officers,” he said.
Acknowledging the work of his predecessor, former minister Simo Kilepa, Mr. Kaupa said his priority was to continue ongoing programmes rather than introduce major new initiatives before the election.
“There is no more time for change or coming up with a new invention. Here we are to continue,” he said.
Mr. Kaupa also announced that a staff housing programme for CEPA and CCDA would be his first priority project.
He said work would begin on finalizing land titles and development plans before a groundbreaking ceremony, while efforts would also be made to secure an investor and obtain the necessary approvals.
The project is expected to provide accommodation for senior staff of both agencies.
Mr. Kaupa also acknowledged support from former National Housing Corporation Managing Director, saying successful projects depended on teamwork and commitment.
He reiterated his call for unity across the ministry.
“Together we stand. Together, we do it. No division. One team, one common goal, and move forward. Do not look back,” he said.
The minister also revealed plans to recognize the service of former minister Simo Kilepa through a proposed residential allotment under the housing programme, subject to government approval and funding.
He said a white paper would be prepared to guide the next phase of the housing development and warned that delays could result in the loss of land allocated for the project.
Mr. Kaupa urged all ministry staff to remain united and continue serving the people of Papua New Guinea with honesty and commitment.