The Centre for Species Survival Papua New Guinea is established as the first in the Pacific Islands in partnership with Port Moresby Nature Park

It is with great pride that we announce the official launch of the Centre for Species Survival (CSS) for Papua New Guinean species, hosted by the Port Moresby Nature Park, Papua New Guinea. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Port Moresby Nature Park and IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC).

The establishment of the CSS, generously funded by the Cologne Zoo in Germany, was proudly unveiled during the recent Port Moresby Nature Park Charity Gala Dinner, held at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel and Residences. 

The announcement by Nature Park CEO Johnpaul Houston highlighted the importance of being inclusive of national people and networks in the conservation of nature within Papua New Guinea, and how this is hoped to improve evaluations and contribute to national conservation priorities. The announcement was made at an in-person event attended by around 500 people, including Prime Minister James Marape, the Governor of the National Capital District and Port Moresby, Powes Parkop, numerous diplomats, politicians, NGOs, and large companies.

“In one of the world’s most megadiverse nations, the new Center for Species Survival Papua New Guinea will serve as a powerful catalyst – uniting local species experts and supporting them with global IUCN tools and networks. Together, this partnership will help drive national recovery efforts, build conservation capacity, and strengthen partnerships between government and civil society. Partnering with SSC’s 11,000 species experts, and joining a growing network of almost 30 Centers for Species Survival worldwide, the CSS PNG will connect Papua New Guinea’s unique wildlife and conservation leadership to a global community working for species survival.” – said Dr Kira Mileham, Global Director of Strategic Partnerships, IUCN Species Survival Commission

This groundbreaking partnership positions Papua New Guinea as a regional leader in biodiversity conservation, dedicated to the preservation of the country's unique flora and fauna through the establishment of this Centre. As Papua New Guinea’s premier tourist attraction and a charity-based organization, the Port Moresby Nature Park is committed to safeguarding the nation’s endemic flora, fauna, and cultural heritage through engaging and educational experiences. It is also the only zoological facility in Papua New Guinea that holds membership with the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia (ZAA), and is proud to host the CSS Papua New Guinea.

We are honored to collaborate with Cologne Zoo, our Gold Sponsor, on this ambitious project to create a National Hub for the conservation of Papua New Guinean wildlife. The CSS will be grounded by the integration of local indigenous knowledge, focusing on the conservation of native species of plants and animals, including, for example, amphibians, tree-kangaroos, wild food crop relatives, orchids, and birds of paradise. 

Beyond efforts to protect these species, the initiative will also aim to strengthen regional conservation capacity through the creation of employment opportunities and the promotion of self-representation for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the IUCN framework, and analyze gaps and priorities in the evaluation of the level of threat to species within Papua New Guinea. This exciting announcement marks the commencement of a new journey—one that will be defined by collaboration, community engagement, and a shared commitment to the noble cause of conservation. 

We invite everyone to join us in this vital endeavor, as we work together to ensure a sustainable future for Papua New Guinea's rich biodiversity. 

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About Port Moresby Nature Park

A registered not-for-profit established pursuant to the Associations Incorporation Act 1966, having its principal place of business at Portion 1473. Goro-Kaeaga Road, Reinbo, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, represented by Johnpaul Houston in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer. POMNP is a leading zoological organization in PNG, focused on the ex-situ conservation and preservation of PNG’s unique fauna and flora, and culture. The nature park welcomes over 150’000 people, including 30’000 school children annually.