PNG LNG project develops partnerships for PNG’s future

The PNG LNG Project is developing partnerships with local communities, the government, landowner companies (Lancos), non-government organisations and other key stakeholders to create long-term benefits for Papua New Guinea.

 The project’s fourth quarter 2011 environmental and social report features many examples of mutually-beneficial and inclusive partnerships in long-term focus areas including health, education, women’s empowerment, public policy and capacity building for local business. 

Aerial view of LNG plant construction.-Pictures courtesy of Exxon Mobil

 Onshore LNG  pipeline being laid

 PNG LNG project executive Decie Autin said the PNG LNG Project recognised that strong and sustainable partnerships were integral to community development.

 “When community leadership and direct involvement are achieved, local skills and institutions can be developed, community expectations are more effectively managed, and projects are more likely to result in positive and sustainable outcomes,” Autin said. 

 The PNG LNG Project recently partnered with Delta Green Field Marketing Ltd, a women’s group in Kikori, to sell vegetables for supply to project construction camps.

 The group is also establishing a plant nursery and supplying seedlings to over 500 women in six villages.

 “Agriculture is a major contributor to the livelihoods of PNG’s rural communities and the project is partnering with communities to grow fresh produce, build community nurseries and establish cashew orchards,” Autin said.

  The PNG LNG project additionally recognises that education plays a key role in economic development and employment growth.

 This quarter, the project began working in partnership with National Research Institute to develop a needs assessment of teacher training in the project area.

 “The assessment seeks to identify formal training needs, such as teacher certification, as well as areas for continuous improvement identified by the teachers themselves to help overcome teaching challenges experienced in the classroom,” Autin said.

 The PNG LNG project continues to develop partnerships with Lancos and other PNG businesses.

 Approximately K490 million (US$229 million) was spent with Lancos in 2011 for project services.

 Building on the partnerships created with local communities, governments, non-government organisations, Lancos and other key stakeholders, the project remains committed to developing its long-term goal of establishing sustainable economic and social benefits for PNG.

 The fourth quarter 2011 Environmental and Social Report is the eighth released by the PNG LNG project and is available on the project’s website at pnglng.com.