The Eda Davara Marine Sanctuary has successfully hosted its first-ever EcoExplorers Debate, a youth-led initiative that brought together students from three Motuan communities to promote environmental awareness and traditional knowledge preservation.
Held this year in Barakau village, the debate marked a major milestone for the organisation’s EcoExplorers Program — an educational initiative launched to empower local youth as future leaders in environmental stewardship.
The event featured four teams from Tubusereia Junior High School, GabaGaba Primary School, and Barakau Primary School, with GabaGaba Primary providing two teams. The debates focused on pressing topics such as marine protected areas, mangrove species, seawalls and manmade infrastructure, and seagrass ecosystems.
The judging panel comprised communication specialist Bryan Earles, national environmental conservation advocate Vinzhealar Nen, distinguished academic Professor John Genolagani, and Lisa Bun, policy officer from the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA).
Following an engaging series of debates, GabaGaba Primary School emerged as the first Eda Davara EcoExplorers Debate Champions for 2025. Awards were also presented for best speakers and individual participation.
The debate was made possible through a grant from the Young Pacific Leaders program and the support of the Government of the United States of America, with Deloitte Papua New Guinea also joining as a local sponsor.
In his closing remarks, Hiri-Koiari District Member Hon. Keith Iduhu commended the youth-led initiative and pledged K50,000 in funding to help expand the program across more Motuan villages in Central Province.
“This support will allow Eda Davara to continue the work and impact that it has through its projects,” Hon. Iduhu said.
Established in 2023, the Eda Davara Marine Sanctuary is a youth-led and run organisation based in Barakau village. It focuses on youth development, environmental conservation, and the preservation of traditional Motuan knowledge.
The EcoExplorers Program was introduced to educate primary school students on marine ecosystems and their cultural significance. After a successful pilot in 2025, Eda Davara now aims to roll out the program to Grades 7 and 8 across the Hiri-Koiari District, with a goal of reaching more than 1,000 students by 2026.
The organisation operates entirely through volunteers who balance full-time jobs with their passion for environmental work. Its teams cover Administration, Law and Policy, Science, Community Projects, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Marketing, and include student interns from the University of Papua New Guinea, Institute of Business Studies University, and Pacific Adventist University.
Community members and supporters interested in partnering with or sponsoring Eda Davara’s initiatives may contact the team at edadavara@gmail.com.
