An eviction exercise involving 24 families at Bomana, Port Moresby, ended peacefully on September 1, with prayer, worship, fellowship and a commitment from the Central Papua Conference (CPC) to assist affected families with resettlement.

The families have occupied a portion of land at Bomana for several years. The land is titled to the Papua New Guinea Adventist Association (PNGAA) and has been identified for future church development.

CPC officers, accompanied by three police officers, visited the area to formally serve the families with three-month eviction notices. The exercise followed earlier discussions between CPC, local church representatives and the occupants regarding the church’s plans for the property and possible relocation arrangements.

 CPC leaders explained that the church was seeking a peaceful and compassionate approach to the situation. CPC has been engaging with landowners in neighbouring communities to acquire or purchase land that could be subdivided into smaller portions for families who wish to relocate.

“Our approach was not simply to ask these families to leave. We wanted to find a peaceful and compassionate way forward. We are working with neighbouring landowners to identify suitable land for those who wish to relocate, while also allowing the church to move forward with its plans for this property,” said Pr Lonnel Winnie, CPC president.

The families have been given three months to vacate the Bomana site. Those who would like CPC’s assistance with resettlement have been asked to register their interest during September, allowing the Conference to organise the necessary arrangements.

The offer was received positively by the occupants, with many expressing their willingness to relocate if suitable land could be arranged.

“We are happy with the way the church has approached us. We are willing to move, and we appreciate that the church is also considering our situation and helping us find a place to resettle,” said a representative of the affected families.

Of the 24 families, approximately five or six are Adventist, while the others are not members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The families are from the same ethnic community.

The peaceful nature of the exercise also stood out to the police officers who accompanied the CPC team. The notices were received and signed without confrontation.

Following the signing, CPC representatives, church members, police officers and the occupants gathered for prayer and worship. Church members then shared refreshments and lunch with the families and police officers.

With the three-month notice period now underway, CPC will continue working with interested families and neighbouring landowners to explore suitable resettlement options.

A new pathway through one of Papua New Guinea’s rich mangrove ecosystems is opening opportunities for people to experience nature, learn about conservation and renew their responsibility to care for God’s creation.

The Bautama Mangrove Educational Boardwalk was officially opened on July 29 through a partnership between the Central Papua Conference (CPC) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

The project brings together the church, traditional landowners, local communities, government agencies, conservation organisations and development partners in a shared effort to protect the country’s unique mangrove environment while promoting education, recreation and community engagement.

Speaking during the launch, CPC President Pastor Lonnel Winnie described mangroves as one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity.

“Mangroves are amongst God’s greatest gifts to humanity. They protect our coastlines from erosion, provide breeding grounds for fish and marine life, improve water quality, and help reduce the effects of climate change,” he said.

Pastor Winnie reminded attendees that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility.

“As caretakers of God’s creation, we have a sacred responsibility to preserve these natural treasures for future generations.”

He said the boardwalk would serve as an outdoor classroom where students, communities and visitors could learn directly from nature and develop a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship.

Representing TNC, Asia-Pacific Regional Managing Director Will McGoldrick described the project as years in the making and highlighted Papua New Guinea’s global importance for mangrove diversity.

“What we are about to see is a really special place. A mangrove forest is unique and incredibly important, and it is remarkable that it exists so close to Port Moresby,” he said.

The 27-hectare Bautama mangrove site provides important benefits, including supporting marine life, strengthening food security, protecting coastlines and storing carbon. Mr McGoldrick also acknowledged the late Manoa Wanaga for his contribution to the development of the project and encouraged schoolchildren to become future custodians of the environment.

The first phase of the planned three-kilometre boardwalk has been completed, while work on Phases Two and Three is underway.

The launch included the opening of a resource centre, the unveiling of Blue Carbon information signage, the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a guided walk along the boardwalk.

As the project continues, the Bautama Mangrove Educational Boardwalk is expected to become a centre for conservation, environmental education and community engagement—inviting every visitor to walk through God’s creation and help protect it for generations to come.