Foresty to establish provincial office in Hela

Hela Governor Philip Undialu says the National Forest Authority will be given an office space at Hulukumaiya Haus or the new Hela 3 Building. (NBC News)

Hela Governor Philip Undialu has confirmed that office space will be allocated at Hulukumaiya Haus, also known as the Hela 3 Building, to accommodate the National Forest Authority’s new provincial operations in Tari.

The announcement follows a formal request from National Forest Authority Acting Managing Director John Mosoro, seeking office space at the Hela Provincial Headquarters for six staff members.

Governor Undialu welcomed the move, saying he had recently invited the National Forest Authority to establish a provincial presence in Hela.

“Human settlement and economic activity have placed significant pressure on our forests, environment, and traditional livelihoods. This partnership is a timely step to restore, manage, and create long-term sustainable value from our forest resources,” he said.

“Beyond reforestation and environmental sustainability, Hela must also invest in planting trees of high economic value as a long-term resource for landowners and future generations.”

Governor Undialu said he is also working with Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong to establish a National Fisheries Authority office in the province to promote inland fisheries.

Mr. Mosoro said the NFA’s expansion into Hela aligns with National Government policy under Vision 2050.

As part of the National Reforestation and Afforestation Program, the PNG Forest Authority is targeting 800,000 hectares of new tree planting, with Hela and the wider Highlands Region identified as key implementation areas.

“In addition, the Government’s current policy priorities, including downstream processing, the ban on round log exports, and the establishment of forestry plantations further underline the need for PNGFA to have a strong provincial presence,” Mr. Mosoro stated.

“Together, these directives make our presence on the ground in Hela essential.”

He said the establishment of a provincial forest office will bring services closer to communities, enable direct policy implementation, support economic development, and strengthen leadership presence in the province.

A recent launch of Agro Forestry and Reforestation Program by the Komo Hulia DDA in Komo. The NFA office setup in Tari will bring services closer to the communities and enable direct policy implementation - Picture: (NBC News)

The National Forest Authority is the statutory body responsible for managing, regulating, and developing Papua New Guinea’s forest resources, with responsibilities covering sustainable forest management, reforestation, timber development, landowner engagement, and environmental compliance.