Under the global theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”, the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) joins the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), government agencies, development partners, local communities and industry stakeholders in marking World Environment Day 2026.
The 2026 observance highlights the urgent need for climate action while recognising the critical role that nature plays in sustaining communities, livelihoods and future generations. As a nation that hosts some of the world’s richest biodiversity and natural ecosystems, Papua New Guinea has a unique responsibility and opportunity to contribute to global environmental stewardship.
Guided by our Climate Change, and Energy Transition policies, PNG CORE continues to promote responsible environmental management across the resources and energy sector through its flagship conferences, policy engagement and industry collaboration.
The Chamber also participates in CEPA’s Technical Working Committee on strengthening Papua New Guinea’s regulatory framework for single-use plastics under the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) in partnership with SPREP, while continuing broader engagement on environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives.
PNG CORE Executive Director Richard Kassman, OBE, said responsible resource development and environmental stewardship must continue to work hand in hand.
“World Environment Day reminds us that environmental responsibility is a shared commitment. As an industry, we recognise that protecting nature, supporting climate action and creating sustainable opportunities for future generations are essential to Papua New Guinea’s long-term development,” Mr. Kassman said.
Across the country, PNG CORE members continue to undertake practical initiatives that support climate resilience, conservation and sustainable development:
- K92 Mining Ltd – Continued to support climate action and environmental stewardship through initiatives to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions, environmental education and outreach programs with local schools, and tree-planting activities that promote conservation, environmental awareness and the protection of Papua New Guinea’s natural environment. K92’s high-grade, underground mining operation also maintains a relatively small surface footprint, helping to minimise land disturbance.
- Ok Tedi Mining Limited – Delivered environmental awareness campaigns, youth-focused environmental education, ecosystem restoration activities and long-term investment in environmental rehabilitation and monitoring.
- ExxonMobil PNG – ExxonMobil PNG supported the protection of approximately 20,000 hectares of land through clan-led conservation efforts, strengthening biodiversity conservation and long-term ecosystem protection in PNG. ExxonMobil PNG described this as part of its long-term biodiversity and climate strategy.
- Morobe Consolidated Goldfields Limited (Harmony Gold) – Continued its commitment to responsible mining practices at the Hidden Valley Mine. This includes sourcing of hydropower from PNG Power and ongoing waste rock, tailings management and progressive rehabilitation initiatives. The operation also supports local communities through investment in infrastructure, agriculture, health and education programs.
- TotalEnergies – Designing Papua LNG as a low GHG emission project, with reinjection of native CO2 from Day 1, and the use of electrical liquefaction trains. Committed to Zero Net Deforestation with an ambitious program of 1000ha to be reforested, of which 200ha have already been planted in Kuriva. Preserving biodiversity by implementing plant nurseries for rare species and mangroves.
- Wafi-Golpu Project (Harmony and Newmont JV) – The WGJV team has a long history promoting sustainability and is currently visiting remote coastal community primary schools to mark World Environment Day 2026. The team includes a guest marine scientist and members from the Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority, Morobe Provincial Administration and Lutheran Church, who
are talking on topics such as reducing plastic pollution and are participating in positive climate action through tree planting.
- Santos – Continued climate-related initiatives and environmental management programs focused on reducing operational impacts and supporting sustainable development outcomes.
- ANZ Banking Group (PNG) Ltd – Under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024, ANZ has worked as part of a Technical Working Group alongside the Green Finance Centre, in providing technical guidance to support the delivery of the Green Taxonomy (version 2.0) in PNG. The Green Taxonomy is a classification framework designed to provide important regulatory infrastructure, supporting sustainable investment in PNG.
These initiatives continue to demonstrate the commitment of PNG CORE members to responsible environmental management and their contribution to climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Papua New Guinea.
PNG CORE remains committed to working with government, communities and industry partners to promote practical environmental solutions that protect Papua New Guinea’s natural heritage while supporting economic growth and national development.