Bringing back the Gardens of the Garden City

Through the PNG Forest Research Institute, Dr Martin Golman (Acting Director of the PNG Forest Research Institute), Michael Lovave (Curator of the Lae Botanic Gardens) and the Friends of the Lae Botanic Gardens have been working to deliver the National Botanic Gardens Advancement Program (LAE).

“The famous Lae Botanic Gardens will have its pride restored through the Advancement Program. The Gardens’ natural flora and fauna resources are very much intact and have always been preserved since the Garden was established”. Acting Director of the PNG Forest Research Institute, Dr Martin Golman said.

The Program is in the start-up stage and has recently received some fantastic support from Bishops to equip workers to start preparing the grounds within the Gardens as part of the Program’s initial implementation. Bishops generously donated uniforms, trousers, work hats, safety glasses, safety boots, tools and safety equipment.

“Bishops are always happy to promote good work in the community, the LAE gardens have been an under maintained gem in the town for many years and it’s a pleasure for us to provide some assistance to help bring the gardens back to life so that families and people in general can admire and use them once again. Obviously there is a lot of work to be done but I’m sure that the end result will be well worth while”. Bishops Lae Branch Manager Brett Watson said.

The importance of equipping workers with the necessary tools to bring them together to begin and the encouragement through support from local business, the community and the local and national governments is an integral part of the Program’s success and Friends would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support.

 Friends of the Lae Botanic Gardens continue to invite business, community, individuals and government organisations to support the Advancement Program and get involved in the delivery of the Program.

“To realize the potential the Garden can offer to Lae residents and visitors, it must become more people friendly and oriented. Support from individuals, business houses, community and governments is required. The Advancement Program aims to build on existing partnerships and engage new partners to deliver a long term plan to revive the Garden”. Dr Martin Golman said.

If you are interested in becoming a partner and/or participant in this initiative or require more information please contact Michael Lovave on email: mlovave@fri.pngfa.gov.pg or phone: 472 1041 or 472 4188.