Focus on biodiversity and environmental research with Czech Republic

Opportunities for increased education and academic training opportunities in the Czech Republic for Papua New Guineans will be explored in the coming year.
This potential exchange expansion was discussed between the Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, and the Ambassador-designate of the Czech Republic,  Rudolf Hykl, during a courtesy call at this week (pictured). 
While PNG currently has a modest economic relationship with the Czech Republic as a European partner, the Prime Minister said there was very important and targeted academic research engagement between the two countries.
"Academics from the Czech Republic are already working in Papua New Guinea on biodiversity research.
"This research is of mutual benefit to both countries. 
"Academic institutions from the Czech Republic have a solid reputation in the research of unique habitats and changes in the ecosystems of these areas.
"Papua New Guinea gains from this research as we learn more about ecological systems in our country and ways that we can better protect and maintain these natural habitats."
Environmental protection is particularly important in Papua New Guinea and is enshrined in the National Constitution that calls for 'natural resources and environment to be conserved and used for the collective benefit of us all, and be replenished for the benefit of future generations.'
Papua New Guinea rainforest contains over 5% of the world's biodiversity in less than 1% of the world's total land area. 
The Czech Republic already provides scholarships through which Papua New Guineans are eligible to apply for Scholarships for Developing Countries in Czech's Republic.  
The scholarship provides a one year Bachelor of Master's program in a University in Czech Republic studying a Social Science course.
 O'Neill said the two countries would continue to look at ways to expand trade and investment potential through Papua New Guinea's relationship and arrangements with the European Union.