ISSUE 87 | July 14, 2017

with colleagues and gain professional experience.

She also spoke briefly about the Fullbright Specialist Program, where a specialist from a University in the United States can come to institutions in PNG during summer (June-August) for short term projects.

Under this arrangement, the US Government will meet the salary and airfare of the visiting academic while the University will provide accommodation and transport for the duration of the stay.

US Embassy reps visitUNRE loses staff member

p Vice Chancellor Professor John Warren (left) and US Embassy Public AffairsOfficerBeverlyThacker.

US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Beverly Thacker recently made a courtesy visit to the University.

She was accompanied by Cyril Akuani, Information Assistant at the US Embassy and her husband Carl Henriksen.

The trio were in the province to observe polling but decided to make the visit. They met with Vice Chancellor Professor John Warren, Pro Chancellor Academic Dr Samson Laup, Head of Agriculture Peter Navus, Head of Fisheries Aisi Anas and SAR (Staff Training Gamoga Bogarei.

During the discussions, Ms Thacker talked about a number of scholarship programs available at the US Embassy such as the Fullbright Program and the Humphrey Fellowship Program that UNRE can benefit from.

The Humphrey Fellowship Program provides ten months of non-degree academic study and professional development in the United States. Humphrey Fellows are selected based on their potential for leadership and commitment to public service.

Fellows design and implement individualized programs to acquire career related knowledge, interact

THE University has lost another hardworking and dedicated staff who contributed a lot to the beautification and development of the campus.

Late Danny Awa who was employed as Grounds attendant, passed away about two weeks ago (July 2) after a short illness. He was 39 years old and had been in the University’s employment for 12 years.

He was well known on campus by both staff and students because of his sense of humour and his funny character.

Late Danny was responsible for the beautification and upkeep of the University’s main entrance. He took pride in this and was often at “his” flowerbeds at the main entrance by 7:00am every day. It was he who greeted everyone else as they came in to work and class.

Acting Assistant Registrar (HR) Rose Teko described late Danny Awa as very hard working and committed to his job.

“Danny began work very early in the morning every day,” she said.

“Even during weekends he would be seen landscaping

PAPUA NEW GUINEA UNIVERSITY OF NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT

u PAGE 2...

Protect the environment. Stop marine litter.

u PAGE 3...

Farm trials Iyobi Broiler Feeder.

u PAGE 5...

The importance of coral reefs.

Inside this issue u

Professor Warren said this was “an attractive option” as data has shown that many Papua New Guineans who study overseas do not do well because of the cultural difference.

He said this would give students the opportunity to do relevant research “on the ground”.

He added that it would also reduce costs.

After the discussions, Ms Thacker donated a box of books to the University Library on behalf of the US Embassy.u to page 3

2 Campus Voice

MARINE POLLUTION AWARENESS

By TOBBY JINGA Final Year Fisheries Student

MARINE POLLUTION is a killer to our marine environment.

Marine pollution destroys our beach, our mangroves, our sea grass and our corals. These marine habitats are the sources of food and income for the coastal people.

Marine pollution happens when harmful substances go into the sea, some of these harmful substances include: oil from ships, untreated (or raw) sewerage, sediments from mining, logging and farming and plastics from household and industrial litter.

There are many sources where these harmful substances enter the sea. One of the sources of marine pollution in PNG are the communities along the coast.

Many of the coastal communities in PNG do not have proper dumping places to dump their household litter so the beach and the sea becomes their dump.

In a research conducted along the Vunapope beach settlement in East New Britain, several residents were asked where they dump their household rubbish.

Everyone that was interviewed gave the same response: their dumping place in the sea because they don’t have any other places to dump their household rubbish.

Protect our marine environment. Stop marine litter.

The Vunapope settlement has an estimated population of about 400 to 500 people and all the house litter of these people end up in the sea.

There is a market in the settlement as well so apart from household litter, all the rubbish of the market are also dumped into the sea. This is a huge contribution to sea pollution.

In the area is a flood way that brings sediments and litter from the inland communities and dumps it on the coast. This also contributes to beach litter.

The currents in the sea carry these wastes to other areas along the coast causing all coastal areas to be polluted by these rubbish.

One household litter that is very dangerous are plastics. Plastics are very dangerous pollutants because they are persistent. This means they either take a very long time to degrade or they don’t degrade at all.

When plastics enter the sea, they float around with the currents, causing fish, dolphins, dugong, turtles and even sea birds to mistake them for food. When these marine animals eat plastic, it clogs their windpipes or their intestines and eventually they will die.

When plastics are in the sea for a long time, they release poisonous chemicals into the sea and pollute the marine environment and the organisms

in it. Another thing plastics do is they spoil

the appearance of a beach, turning it from a nice looking beach to an ugly looking beach.

These are some of the effects marine pollution can have on us. It has already affected many countries in the world and PNG is no exception to the effects of marine pollution.

It is estimated that 88 % of the world’s ocean is covered by plastic litter. This is a huge area. 12% of oil enters the sea each year. Over one million seabirds, one hundred thousand sea mammals and three hundred thousand dolphins are killed by marine pollution each year.

Our actions to the marine environment will determine the effects it has on us. We must all try to help in whatever way we can to protect our marine environment.

Let’s not contribute to marine litter by throwing rubbish into the sea or on the beach. We must also discourage others from doing it. If we see someone throwing rubbish on the beach or in the sea, we must tell them not to do that. If we see a piece of plastic on the beach or in the sea, we should pick it up and dispose of it in the right place. We must all take ownership of our beaches and the marine environment. The environment is our life. Lest we forget.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

1: Theflood-wayatVunapope beach that brings sediments andlitterfrominlandcommu- nities.

2: Rubbishfromthemarket dumpedonthebeach.

3: Householdrubbishdumpedon thebeach.

4: More household rubbish dumpedonthebeach.

5: Aturtlemistakesapieceof plasticforfood. (Source:google.com)

1

4 5

2 3

Campus Voice 3

gENERAL NEWS

By ALEX NUGI

The UNRE Farm Special Projects team has been involved in small projects each month to improve the farm’s operations and expand capacity.

Realising that the farm may never get any infrastructure grants through the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology, the team is now looking at initiatives to achieve a ‘self-reliance’ status for the Farm.

One such initiative is the construction of the Iyobi Broiler Feeder that is now being trialed at the broiler sheds to assess its effectiveness.

The feeder was designed by Farm employee Iyobi Sailohana to solve a rodent and bug problem at the current housing of the broiler chickens.

Farm trials Iyobi Broiler Feeder WNBPG pays fees

Rest in peace late Danny Awa

Rodents and bugs were feeding on the stock feed and reducing intake by broiler birds.

The design allows for the feed to be loaded into the rectangular storage compartment with the chickens feeding at the other end. Both compartments are then shut after each feeding session to keep out un-invited guests until the next feeding session.

The decision to name the feeder after Mr. Sailohana was unanimous because he single-handedly came up with the concept, design and construction of the feeder using material that was lying around the work shop.

It is envisaged that similar feeders of various sizes will be constructed if the trial proves success.

p IyobiSailohanawiththefeederthathedesigned. p Bothcompartmentsareshutafterfeedingsession.

CAMPUS VOICE is the official newsletter of Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment. Produced by the University’s Public Relations Office fortnightly, it is the voice of the University to relevant stakeholders and the community on developments at the University.

executive editor: vice chancellor head (public relations office): lythia suitawa journalist: veronica manuk graphic artist: irai del office administration: shirley sorulen

CONTRIBUTIONS OR QUERIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO:

u Public Relations Office, PNG UNRE, Private Mail Bag. KOKOPO. East New Britain Province. Papua New Guineau Telephone: (+675) 987 1219 | Facsimile: (+675) 983 9166 | Direct Telephone/Facsimile: (+675) 983 9738 u Email: pngunre.publicrelations@gmail.com

u from page 1

and beautifying the main entrance to the University and the main administration area.”

The University Fresh Food Market (UFFM) was also landscaped by him. Apart from his normal duty, he was also attached with UFFM for a short time as a Caretaker.

Head of Farm and Estates Alex Nugi described late Danny Awa as someone who

was likable by everyone because of his humble and friendly character.

T h i s c h a r a c t e r earned him the nickname Local Heni Fuka from students.

“His work is admired by everyone including visitors. They give positive comments as

they enter the entrance and are welcomed by the beautiful flowers he planted,” he said.

“ T h e r e are many people who

do things and are not recognised but Danny was outstanding for his special touches, especially the campus

beautification and landscaping.”

Mr Nugi thanked the Awa family for all the hard work that the late Danny had contributed.

Speaking on behalf of late Danny’s family and relatives, Fisheries lecturer Yoasa Kaikar thanked University Administration and staff for contributing towards the funeral expenses.

Mr Kaikar said the

contribution has gone a long way to help meet repatriation costs.

Late Danny Awa’s body departs today for his Okapa District home in Eastern Highlands Province. He will be accompanied by his two older children.

Late Danny is survived by his wife and four children. He will be missed by students and staff of the University.

F O R T Y - O N E students can now fully concentrate on their studies following the recent payment of their school fee subsidies by their sponsor.

The students, who are under the West New Britain Provincial G o v e r n m e n t ’ s Tertiary Education Subsidy Assistance Scheme, had their fees deposited to the University account last Monday (July 3).

The total amount paid for 41 students was K102,500. Each student receives a subsidy of K2,500.

When notified of the payment, University Bursar George Korowi thanked the WNB Provincial Government and Administration.

He said the students’ records will be updated accordingly.

4 Campus Voice

gENERAL NEWS

By ALEX NUGI

THE Farm Special Projects team continues to use ingenuity to improve productivity and save money in its operations.

This time, the team has repaired an old cattle crate that was left unused for many years.

The refurbished crate can cart up to 10 head of cattle from the University’s cattle ranch in Warongoi and other areas.

This is 8 more than what the old cage, which only had a loading capacity of 1-2 head, could transport.

The old unused cattle crate had to be taken apart and old worn parts repaired and replaced including timber and metal features.

The Farm Truck (ZSU257) also had to have all its

About 97 per cent of eligible voters at PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment did not vote because their names were not on the Common Roll.

Polling was held at the University two weeks ago (June 30) when staff, students and eligible voters from the surrounding communities turned up at the voting booth, they found out there were only 460 names recorded in the Common Roll. Those names were of former students, about 10 staff and approximately 20 people from the surrounding communities.

Frustrated students, staff and other voters demanded Assistant Returning Officer (Inland Baining) Nicholas Baroro to explain why they were not allowed to vote when contesting candidate for Gazelle Open Jelta Wong was allowed to vote even when his name was not on the roll.

The angry students told Mr Baroro and his team that if the Electoral Commission has given approval to Mr Wong to cast his vote then this was unfair for other PNG citizens. They demanded that approval be sought for them to vote using their Identification cards and names on the registration list.

Mr Baroro who did not know why Mr Wong was allowed to vote had to call the Electoral Commission to find out.

After about two hours, he received a phone call that explained that Mr Wong was allowed to vote under Section 131 of the Organic Lae on National and Local Level Government Elections.

Section 131.2 states: A candidate is entitled to vote in the electorate for which he is a candidate whether or not his name is on the Roll for that electorate.

The request by students to vote using their Identification cards and names on the registration list was denied.

Mr Baroro explained that the officials have performed what is required by Law and they could not go beyond that.

He said according to the law only people with names on the Common Roll can vote and those with grievances could take the matter to court after the election.

However, it was reported in the media that Pacific Adventist University students were allowed to vote using their identification cards.

Farm gives an old cart new life Eligible voters miss out

floor boards removed and replaced with hard wood timber for a stronger base during cartage.

In total it cost the farm about K2,500 in labour and materials to complete the task.

The refurbished crate will save money on transportation costs for cattle cartage from Warangoi and other sites if required.

It will also save on time in transporting cattle to and from the Vudal/Warangoi Farms and the abattoir for processing; and saves on stress in organizing manpower to work on cattle loading.

The team have already commenced on other projects.

p Newlymaintainedcattlecage(loadingcapacityof6-10head).

p Previouscage(loadingcapacityof1-2head).

p Aboveandbelowleft:Waitingtoheartheoutcomeoftheirrequest.

p Waitingtochecktheirnames.

Campus Voice 5

CORAL REEF AWARENESS

By MARY KUDAU LAHEN Final Year Fisheries Student

PAPUA NEw GUiNEA has some of the world’s most biodiversity ecosystems in the world, most of which are now threaten by climate change and the continuous negative implicated human activities.

Coral reefs are one of Papua New Guinea’s bio diverse communities.

Coral reefs are a vital source of food and income for many coastal communities.

They are very important feeding and nursery grounds for many marine species.

In PNG alone, the marine protected area of Kimbe Bay displays half of the world’s 6000 known species.

According to the World Research Institute (WRI), there are over 6000 different species of coral species, out from which only 500 are coral reef buildings.

To make people more aware of the importance of coral reefs and the current threats on coral reefs we took to the streets of East New Britain on a small awareness campaign - street talk.

The street talk was conducted along the Kokopo boat shed and the Duke of York-Namatanai transit beach front.

All groups of people we randomly talked to were from the Duke of York islands.

Three of the street talk groups had

The importance of coral reefs in the marine environment

a fair idea on the importance of coral reefs, the other group consisting of three young men and an elderly woman showed very keen interest in the topic discussed.

Methuselam Israel from Utuan Island in Duke of York said that as Islanders who depend very much on the sea to sustain themselves it has become challenging to adapt to the changes in the reefs brought about by rising sea level.

“Most of the reef fish we usually fish in the past are no longer there,” he said.

Mr Israel said that most of the islanders were fully aware of the importance of the coral reefs and the implications that some of their activities have on the reefs because of the occasional awareness programmes conducted by the Rabaul Provincial fisheries in their LLG.

James, a community leader from Nioko-Palpal ward in Duke of York reiterated that the diversity of reef fish in their reefs is diminishing.

He said even though people in his ward have been made aware of the implication of harvesting live corals to produce lime, they still continue to harvest corals as they have done in the past 30 years.

James said as a community leader he could not restrict the harvest of

corals because it was one of the few alternatives presented to most of the islanders in his ward as a means of generating money to sustain themselves and their families.

According to statistics from WRI, 75% of the world’s coral reef are now threatened, therefore coastal communities are urged:

• Not to overfish and target certain reef fish, because individual species have a role to play in helping the reef ecosystem keep in balance.• Not to use destructive fishing methods that will disturb the growth of corals and reduce the number of fish reefs.• To encourage the use of Kina shell for lime production or use stony corals that have already been bleached/ dead.• Not to step on live coral reefs (especially small branching corals). When deploying anchor look for reef area free of corals to prevent damage to fragile corals.• To dispose rubbish in appropriate places.

Street talk was a proud initiative that discussed the importance of coral reefs, their importance and the threats presented to coral at localised areas and ways to minimise these threats.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

1: Streettalkawarenesswith localsfromDukeofYork Island.

2: Heating coral for lime production.

3: Poundingthecoraltofinelime powderafterwards.

4: Ahealthycoralreef.

1

3 4

2

Name: Rodney Aku

Organisation: National Agricultural Research Institute

Position: Researcher - Rural Economic Development Phase 2

Alumni Year: 2012

Course: Tropical Agriculture

Qualification: Bachelors Degree

Study Campuses: UNRE Vudal

TYPICAL DAYOn the field I visit my project (research) sites, meet with farmers, observe and collect data for my study. When in station I work on my research proposals, write news articles and reports, including field trip reports. In addition, I also provide support to other research activities and tasks on station.

CHALLENGESWhen I’m given extra/additional tasks while already having outstanding tasks to complete. However I try to prioritise and plan what I have to do first, considering the due date of each activity.

IN 10 YEARS TIME...I want to excel and contribute earnestly to the research and development of agriculture in PNG… and having a satisfactory feeling as a professional agriculturalist.

WHAT I kNOW & APPRECIATE NOW THAT I DIDN’T AS A STuDENTI wish I had used my time wisely or fully on reading and writing as a student. I see that my time on doing my own research as a student was wasted.

ADvICE fOR CuRRENT STuDENTSRead a lot and write more. Do your own research on anything you are interested in. Take responsibilities well and abide within University rules. Be a role model at the University and respect everyone with different backgrounds. Above all, commit your ways to the Lord and He shall establish your path.

6 Campus Voice

ALUMNI PROFILE & NEWS

ALUMNI PROFILE

For the love of agriculture and the people

Rodney Aku is a former student of the university.

The 29 year-old from kofena in daulo, eastern Highlands Province was also once, president of the university’s Student Representative Council.

These days, however, it isn’t students that Rodney is leading but farmers in his home province, through his work with the national Agricultural Research Institute as a researcher.

Rodney does both qualitative and quantitative research work in the fields of agriculture and socio economic development through projects such as the Rural economic development phase 2 (Red2) project; Climate Change – 2015/2016 dFAT Agriculture drought Rehabilitation and Integrated Crop Management Strategies for Roost & Tubers Crops (ICM).

elaborating on the Red2 Project, he said its purpose is to accelerate income generation from agricultural produce in the Highlands region.

He said it supports the delivery of three interconnected components: rural road rehabilitation and maintenance; microfinance development in rural areas; and capacity building for districts and farmers’ communities; and ensures maximum impact on poverty reduction.

“The program fosters the key principles of ownership and partnership development. It is designed to support social inclusion and human development enhancing support to sustainable agriculture and natural resources management,” he said.

under the 2015/2016 dFAT Agriculture drought

Rehabilitation project, Rodney has been working with rural and farming communities in climate change vulnerable areas or districts (category 4/5) that were most affected by the 2015 el nino induced drought and frost.

The project helps farmers improve their capacity by using agricultural based measures supporting agricultural production in mid-drought/frost and post-drought situations.

Rodney assisted in the establishment of foundation stock of selected crops and initiation of propagation process at Aiyura Highlands Regional Centre for post-drought partners. This is for further bulking or direct rehabilitation and distribution to Resource Centres and other distributions to most affected communities in category 4/5.

“(We also) train, build capacity, improve learning for project partners (oxfam, CARe International, IoM) and farmers through Train the Trainer on climate change adaptation training on drought coping strategies;” he said.

Apart from these two important projects, Rodney is presently also

conducting research on the role of the Big-Headed Ant (Pheidole megacephala) in the biological control of sweetpotato weevil in PnG.

“The knowledge and innovation (from this study) will be disseminated to farmers as biological control for sweetpotato weevil,” he said.

Before being employed at nARI, Rodney was first attached with CARE International Integrated Community development Program (ICdP) Project as a Livelihoods officer for two years.

In this capacity, he worked with vulnerable communities in the remote rural areas of obura Wonenara in eastern Highlands; and Menyamya in Morobe Province.

“The goal was to eradicate poverty mainly by promoting social inclusion and good governance practices and empowering women by educating men and other key people in the lives of women and girls on gender roles and responsibilities,” he said.

“I also had to encourage participation of vulnerable groups (women, PLWd, HIV AIdS victims) to be involved more in agriculture production and small infrastructure development.”

Finding out everything Rodney has been involved in since he graduated, Campus Voice had to ask the obvious - do you think your studies prepared you well for what you do now?

Campus Voice 7

ALUMNI NEWS

As would any good patriot and proud graduate, Rodney answered that unRe had properly equipped him with the basic knowledge and understanding on agriculture research and development.

He said these have continued to develop as he gains more experience in the field, especially in his current job which he started on in november 2015.

Growing up, Rodney didn’t know what he wanted to be when he was

older.“Like any ordinary kid, I wasn’t focused

on what to be. When I saw planes flies in the sky, I wished I became a pilot. Then when I saw soldiers and policemen in their uniforms, I wanted to be like them. There was no real focus on what I wanted to be in the future,” he said.

But while he had no goal on a career then, he knew exactly what his favourite subject at school was - Agriculture.

“Agriculture was my favourite subject. I enjoyed every bit of it especially during practicals, either in livestock production, soils or crop production. As a kid growing up in an urban setting, agriculture wasn’t part of my daily life so during practical class especially in primary school, I always participated actively to learn as much as I could.

“I can still remember how I learnt to sterilize soil and make homemade pesticides with chillies, soap powder and water in grade 7 from my Agriculture teacher back then. All these years later and I still have that knowledge with me now,” Rodney said proudly.

He said when he was selected to kabiufa Adventist Secondary School in 2006, he chose Agriculture as my optional subject and as his work-line area (work parade or school service in other schools).

Because of his love for agriculture, it was not surprising that Rodney

decided to study agriculture after completing Grade 12, but why did he choose unRe and not unitech which is closer to his beloved upper Asaro village?

“Apart from studying agriculture, I wanted to play rugby league in east new Britain and be part of the Vudal Cowboys

and the Mighty Agmark Gurias,” he said.So with the pull of the Cowboys and

the Gurias, Rodney ended up at unRe and spent four years learning all he could about the subject he loves and even finding time to be president of the SRC.

His proudest moment, however, isn’t becoming president, it’s presenting

his student research paper at the 5th PnG Science, Research & Technology Conference at Pacific Adventist university in 2012. The research which looked at Cocoa Fermentary Residue as a Fertilizer, was done in collaboration with nGIP Agmark and PnG unRe. Then dean of the School of natural Resources Professor Alan Quartermain was his mentor.

“I’m also very proud of graduating with a Bachelors degree from unRe,” he said.

In the professional arena, Rodney is proud of

• Being part of the Livelihoods Team upon completion of the CARe Integrated Community development Project in obura Wonenara district, eHP (2008-2015);

• Contributing to survey reports, science papers, research articles, etc, at nARI;

• Contributing to agriculture research and development in PnG as part of the nARI Team;

• Assisting farming communities with innovative knowledge and information on sweetpotato, Irish potato and bulb onion value chain crops in rural areas of PnG Highlands; and

• Assisting in drought rehabilitation in the highlands of PnG.

After working with farming communities for a number of years now, Rodney believes the agricultural

potential in PnG is huge. However, he says consecutive governments have failed to acknowledge and support this industry.

“The entire populace of PnG depends mostly on agriculture whether it be cocoa, coffee, coconut, vegetables, livestock or fisheries. Even the countries revenue is mostly derived from our agriculture industry. The government should look at providing markets for fresh produce all throughout the country. Rehabilitate run down and colonial cash crop plantations. Assist smallholder cash crop farmers with incentives and list goes on,” he said.

“These will benefit both the people and the country as a whole. Farmers livelihoods will be improved, law and order will decrease as people will be busy with their farm/garden. Income earned will help farmers support themselves and their families’ health (medication) and quality education. The economy of the country will increase and will support infrastructure development throughout the country. The Government of PnG needs to invest in agriculture.”

Rodney says he has no regrets about choosing a career in agriculture

but after witnessing firsthand the dire need of rural Papua new Guineans for basic services, he said if he could live his life over again, he would choose the field of economic or Rural development.

“I so want to help Papua new Guineans prosper in development,” he said.

Whether he stays in this field or moves into another career path, Rodney’s commitment and his love for his countrymen cannot be denied. unRe is proud of him and many other graduates who continue to selflessly help rural Papua new Guineans who are so often forgotten.

p RodneyAku(fourthfromright)withwomenfarmersfromWestEngadisplayingthebulb onionstheygrew.

If undelivered please return to:PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE, PNG UNIVERSITY OF NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT

Private Mail Bag. KOKOPO. East New Britain Province. Papua New Guinea.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA UNIVERSITY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT

LESSONS IN BILUM MAKING Staff dependent Naomi Taisa teaches Dr Cathryn Warren the basics of bilum making.

Are you a staff member? Have your targets for 2017 been

set?

If not, see your line manager immediately to do this or miss out on a possible promotion

next year.