Papua New Guinea had successfully hosted the 2024 World Coconut Day in Port Moresby during 30 September to 4 October, organized by the Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK) and the Government of PNG in collaboration with the International Coconut Community (ICC).
The prolific event attracted coconut experts, researchers, producers, exporters, entrepreneurs and delegations from ICC member countries and other stakeholders from the global coconut industry. Around 20 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) showcased their products to the international delegates and the public during the week-long event at the Sir John Guise Indoor Complex.
The World Coconut Day is an annual event of ICC, which is made up of 21 coconut growing countries globally, with member countries taking turns in hosting the event. PNG organized an enriching program in this year’s festival with guests from member countries participating and interacting with local stakeholders. It was centred around the theme “Coconut for a Circular Economy: Building Partnership for Maximum Value”.
The day is celebrated to recognize the importance and benefits of coconuts and to raise awareness on the significance of the industry. More integral is on raising the awareness about the versatility and economic importance of coconuts, particularly in highlighting the various products derived from coconuts, such as coconut oil, coconut water, copra and other value-added products.
KIK Chairman Stephen Raphael said the event played a crucial role in showcasing the coconut industry in PNG, adding that it was also about sharing of knowledge, exploring of new technologies and forging of partnerships to drive the industry forward. Raphael said some of the local industry’s achievements included the planting of one million coconut trees, strengthening the value chain for promoting local coconut products, increasing the number of SME-engagement in the industry, implementing training programs for farmers in enhancing production and improving quality, and expanding the reserves in the development efforts to high value products such as virgin coconut oil, coconut based bio-fuels, and other value added products.
Secretary for Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Dr Sergie Bang, said coconut in PNG generates K4.5 million annually and the sector expects to double or triple the number in line with targets under the 10-year National Agriculture Sector Plan and the Medium Term Development Plan IV to contribute to the National Government’s targets. When attending the event, Dr Bang also emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in the coconut industry, particularly in light of the growing global demand for coconut products.
The inaugural event also witnessed the launch of PNG’s National Coconut Census, a significant milestone for KIK and the country. KIK Managing Director Alan Aku said PNG owns 16 million coconut trees with over 96, 000 hectares of land. Aku said since the last counting in 1980, his research and development team took the challenge to conduct the census using technology (drone and satellite) and delivered the project in five months since November 2023. According to ICC: “The census provided Papua New Guinea with accurate data on coconut cultivation areas across all provinces, giving a much-needed boost to effective planning and sustainable coconut production in the country.”
Comprehensive Conference on the Coconut Industry Value Chain The core of the World Coconut Day celebrations was the international conference, which featured eight insightful sessions covering the entire value chain of the coconut industry. These sessions delved into critical topics such as Coconut Replanting and Climate Smart Farming, Coconut Biosecurity and Conservation, Health and Nutritional Benefits, and Technological Advancements in the Coconut Sector. The sessions provided a platform for discussions on innovative solutions, sustainable practices, and the importance of collaboration to meet the growing global demand for coconut products. Each session offered valuable insights and actionable strategies, focusing on enhancing productivity, addressing biosecurity challenges, advancing technology, and strengthening market systems for a more resilient and sustainable coconut industry.
Additionally, KIK launched a novel program titled “Youth, Sports, and Coconut,” which has caught the attention of international visitors. The program aims to promote coconut replanting by engaging the youth in a competitive yet community-driven initiative.
ICC Executive Director Dr Jelfina Alouwa said her organization is committed to supporting the PNG coconut industry in maximizing the value. Dr Alouwa said the emphasis will be on the potential for high-value coconut products. In line with the theme, she emphasized that efforts shall focus on improved farming practices, which include better management, resource use and investment with ongoing dialogue in collaboration and knowledge sharing among industry players to drive innovation and sustainable development.
The five-day event included a field trip to the East New Britain Province in which representatives of 21-member countries visited coconut plantations and coconut integrated farms in the Gazelle, Rabaul and Kokopo districts.
The event was proudly sponsored, with naming rights, by the WR Carpenter Group of Companies to the tune of K500, 000. WR Carpenter is the producer of PNG’s much beloved tea, The No 1 Tea, and involves in other agri-business portfolios including coconuts downstream processing and export.
The closing session comprised the announcement of winners in the World Coconut Day competition (photography, short video, and writing), awarding of top-performing SMEs and farmer cooperatives, and a vibrant fashion show of garments and accessories made from coconut materials.
