The RETA Team conducted its final country Needs Assessment Workshop at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Port Moresby, PNG on 17 February 2011. Thirty-four participants from the NCC and its member agencies attended the workshop, including Ms. Kumaras Kalim, Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

The Team gathered information related to the country’s knowledge management (KM) needs and priorities and discussed areas for technical assistance during plenary sessions, open forum, and small group meetings. The group also agreed on the mechanics and timelines for the implementation of identified KM activities in the three focus areas (sustainable finance, resource economics, and the SCTR).

Issues on IPR and high interest in PES

One of the issues raised by participants was how intellectual property rights will be guaranteed when documents and maps are shared with the CT6. Dr. Edgardo Gomez, Marine Science Specialist, suggested that the NCC should publish what they know and acknowledge the authors so they can be properly credited. In terms of building the skills of participants in knowledge capture, the RETA Team promised that it would provide guidelines on writing news articles and other forms of documentation.

There was also a lively discussion on payment for ecosystem services (PES) and economic valuation work because process was similar to what some participants have been doing in their communities.

For example, there was a positive response on the potential practice of PES in Kimbe Bay. The NCC and member agencies recognized that they need more PES mentoring because it can help them correctly value their resources. The participants requested for simple PES guidelines from the Team. They also said that the KM Project can help in organizing the references and information on PES and the other focus areas.