Bougainville celebrates ‘Tree of Life’ at inaugural coconut festival in Buka

The first-ever North Bougainville Coconut Festival burst into life yesterday at Kuskus Oval in Buka Town, drawing crowds eager to celebrate and learn about the region’s treasured coconut tree.

National Member for North Bougainville, Francesca Semoso, spearheaded the festival alongside Regional Member for Bougainville and National Minister for Police and Internal Security, Peter Tsiamalili Jr., with strong support from the Autonomous Bougainville Government [ABG] and the people of North Bougainville.

This unique festival shines a spotlight on the coconut tree, often revered as the 'tree of life' for its uses and benefits.

Through this festival, organizers aim to increase awareness about the coconut's value while empowering local women to showcase and sell coconut-based products, opening up new avenues for income.

Francesca Semoso announced that the Coconut Festival is set to become an annual event, potentially expanding to other districts in the future.

She expressed deep gratitude to the community for their enthusiasm and support in bringing this dream to fruition.

“We wanted to establish something that truly celebrates our culture and resources here in North Bougainville. With this first festival, we hope to see the coconut festival reach more areas within our region,” Ms Semoso said.

ABG Vice President and Minister for Commerce, Trade & Industry & Economic Development, Patrick Nisira, officiated the launch, voicing his strong support for the coconut industry's development in Bougainville.

In his address, he urged leaders Semoso and Tsiamalili to collaborate with the ABG to acquire the Pristine 101 Mill on Buka Island.

“If we are serious about growing this vital plant industry, then let’s work together to secure the Pristine 101 Mill. This would empower Bougainvilleans, especially our SMEs, to fully engage in coconut processing and industry growth,” said Nisira.

The festival, which runs through Saturday, features a variety of stalls and events, from coconut product showcases to cultural performances and demonstrations of traditional uses of the coconut tree.

For the people of Bougainville, the coconut is more than just an economic asset. It has served as a critical resource for generations, providing food, materials, and sustenance to countless communities.

The inaugural North Bougainville Coconut Festival has not only uplifted the region’s women entrepreneurs but has also brought attention to Bougainville’s potential in the coconut industry.