The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting coastal communities in Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, through initiatives that promote sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, and inclusive economic development. The programme is part of broader efforts to strengthen the blue economy by helping small-scale fishers and community enterprises adopt environmentally responsible practices while improving their livelihoods.
Milne Bay, a highly biodiverse maritime region with extensive coral reef systems and hundreds of islands, depends heavily on marine resources for food security and income. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, post-harvest losses, and market access constraints have made it difficult for coastal communities to fully benefit from fisheries-based livelihoods. The UNDP initiative addresses these gaps by supporting better fishing practices, value chain improvements, and local enterprise development.
Through the “Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis” programme, UNDP provides small grants and technical assistance to blue economy enterprises, enabling them to strengthen operations while reducing pressure on marine ecosystems. Community cooperatives and small businesses are encouraged to adopt sustainable catch practices, avoid overfishing, and invest in improved storage and processing infrastructure to reduce waste and increase income stability.
The programme also focuses on empowering women-led enterprises and supporting youth participation in fisheries and related value chains. By improving access to finance and training, it helps local entrepreneurs build more resilient businesses that can withstand environmental and economic shocks while contributing to long-term community development.
In addition to fisheries, the broader initiative links sustainable livelihoods with marine conservation efforts such as mangrove restoration, reef protection, and locally managed marine areas. These approaches are designed to ensure that economic activities support ecosystem health, helping communities protect the natural resources that underpin their survival and income.
Overall, the initiative demonstrates how sustainable fisheries and blue economy development can improve livelihoods while safeguarding marine ecosystems. By combining financial support, technical assistance, and community-led conservation, UNDP is helping Milne Bay’s coastal communities build more resilient and environmentally sustainable economic systems for the future.
