UC-led turtle conservation project receives $2.5million

Newsroom staff

8 October 2014: A pig-nosed turtle conservation project in Papua New Guinea, led by the University of Canberra and the University of Papua New Guinea's Institute for Biological Research has secured $2.5 million in funding from ExxonMobil PNG Limited.

Student Yolarnie Amepou (centre), who is involved in the project, with landowner Frank John and family releasing pig-nosed turtles in the Kikori River, PNG. Photo supplied.

The funding will allow the program, known as the 'Piku  Project', to continue working to conserve the habitat of the endangered pig-nosed turtle species, known locally as Piku, for another five years.

University of Canberra Distinguished Professor Arthur Georges said the program is about more than protecting an important turtle species.

"The Piku Project is about building community awareness of the need for environmental sustainability more generally and protecting the turtles' habitat for future generations. The pig-nosed turtle is a species of value to local communities and a project like this builds a broader commitment behind conservation."

ExxonMobil PNG Limited managing director Peter Graham said the company is committed to protecting the country's unique environment for future generations.

"We invest in programs like this because it supports and encourages environmental protection," said Mr Graham.

"The Piku Project is a good example of how community-led conservation initiatives can lead to real results," he added.The Piku Project will continue to support a range of activities including community outreach efforts to raise awareness about the turtle, along with monitoring to help understand how the turtle lives and the threats it faces.