Hundreds of volunteers including representatives from Government agencies, school children, and players from the PNG Hunters joined staff from ExxonMobil PNG Limited (EMPNG), in Port Moresby, Hela and the Central province to mark World Environment Day on Friday 5 June.
Dennis Vidmar, EMPNG Safety Health and Environment Manager said this year was the first time the company invited external organisations to participate its Environment Day activities and the response has been outstanding.
“This year EMPNG celebrates its highest rate of volunteer participation since the company first began taking part in World Environment Day activities in Papua New Guinea,” said Vidmar.
He said it was an indication that ExxonMobil PNG and its PNG LNG co-venturers recognise how important it is for the country’s development to be achieved in an environmentally responsible manner.
“Papua New Guinea is one of the most beautiful and unique places on earth. It’s encouraging to see our Project team continue to support this important initiative.”
“We are grateful to the many people and organisations who worked with us to make this happen. It is a great demonstration of our shared commitment to respect and protect the environment”.
At Papa Community Primary School, near the LNG Plant around 250 volunteers cleared rubbish and planted 100 trees.
A further 100 volunteers gave Ela Beach a facelift by working to remove rubbish and debris.
In Hela Province, around 250 people were involved in environmental awareness sessions presented by ExxonMobil PNG staff at Para Elementary School.
EMPNG’s goal is to operate the LNG Project in a way that protects the natural environment while supplying energy to meet the world’s growing demand.