New Varirata information center opens

The Information Complex Centre for Varirata National Park in Central Province was opened recently.

The project stems from a partnership between PNG’s Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The construction of the new information centre and renovation of the old information centre gives a new look to Varirata National Park that is sure to attract more visitors.

Managing Director of CEPA, Gunther Joku, said the CEPA-JICA project has been established through a bilateral agreement with the Government of PNG and the Government of Japan in June 2015 and will end in 2020.

The ICC is part of the Varirata National Park restoration exercise and JICA was acknowledged for its financial and technical assistance.

JICA’s PNG Chief Representative, Takashi Toyama, said the agency is pleased to be supporting a project that will help in the conservation of PNG’s diverse flora and fauna.

“The Japanese Government and its people are very happy to provide the technical support to PNG. JICA is very happy to fund the revival of the Varirata National Park that will assist the project in implementing the Protected Area Policy,” he said.

According to JICA, the Complex consists of the renovated building and the newly constructed information centre.

The renovated building is the auditorium and will be used for meetings and other activities.

The new information centre is comprised of environmental education exhibition, office space for the Park’s staff and storage space.

Visitors can access various information about the park such as the wildlife and biodiversity, local culture and history, and other environmental information.

Image and news sourced from Loop PNG.