Today, we are privileged to interview Judith, the Orchids and Sensitive Plants Management Coordinator for a main Papua LNG Operator. In this discussion, she provides insights into the challenges, objectives, and innovative strategies employed in preserving the delicate and unique flora of the region.
Judith: Certainly. I serve as the Orchids and Sensitive Plants Management Coordinator for a main Papua LNG Operator. With a background in Biological Sciences, I operate within the Biodiversity and Environment Department. My primary responsibility involves managing sensitive plants and orchid species in the Papua LNG project area of Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is home to over 3,000 orchid species.
Judith: The main goal is to protect these plants from construction activities. We relocate them from the pipeline and associated facilities' construction areas to a temporary nursery. After construction, our aim is to return them to their natural habitats through revegetation and rehabilitation efforts. We are also in the process of establishing a permanent nursery and possibly a tissue culture laboratory to support the conservation of these plants not only in the project area but also throughout Papua New Guinea.
Judith: Sensitive plants are those with limited geographic range, often endemic to specific areas. In our project, we've identified over 100 new-to-science species. We conduct retention missions to salvage and retrieve these species, mapping their coordinates for future conservation efforts.
Judith: The primary challenges include difficult terrain and logistical constraints. With only one helicopter and one plane, navigating the rugged landscape is a significant hurdle. Weather conditions, such as daily rain and recent floods, impact our activities. Currently covering a challenging 9-kilometer stretch on the current Retention Mission, the project operates in one of the world's richest biodiversity areas.
Judith: I started in March 2023, focusing on developing management documents and procedures. We've completed those and are now executing the conservation plan. I've conducted two missions so far, covering different localities.
Judith: Tracking specimens is a time-consuming task, taking about two hours for each specimen. With inadequate manpower, covering nine kilometers and locating 604 specimens is a formidable challenge. The process involves carefully extracting specimens from their natural habitat and ensuring their survival during transportation.
Judith: We conduct weekly monitoring, documenting growth parameters and physical dimensions in a photo album. Our company-wide register is crucial for tracking success, as it aids in demonstrating project success.
Judith: My team has made significant progress, my role is crucial in demonstrating success before construction begins. By maintaining comprehensive records, I aim to instill confidence in investors and meet permit requirements for the overall success of the conservation project.
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