USAID PNG Biodiversity Program - Quarterly Report FY2021 Q2 (Jan.-Mar. 2021)

The program, which began in July 2019, is implemented by Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd. and its partners, including the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and REAL Social Impact. The program's geographic focus is on the Bismarck Forest Corridor provinces of Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, Jiwaka, and the maritime provinces of Morobe and Madang, and Milne Bay. The program's strategic approach is based on four main pillars: strengthening institutional capacity, improving government systems, strengthening private sector engagement, and supporting community-based conservation initiatives. The program's implementation is guided by a Theory of Change (TOC) that outlines the expected outcomes and impact of the program. The TOC is based on a participatory approach that involves stakeholders at all levels, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities. The program's progress during the second quarter of Year 2 (January-March 2021) was marked by challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, the program's implementing partners continued to work on various activities, including the Ridge-to-Reef Workshop in January 2021, which brought together participants from different districts to discuss existing and proposed sub-provincial land use plans. The program's performance indicators and results are reported in Annex A of the quarterly report. The report also includes financial information, which is redacted due to security concerns. The program's success stories are also reported in Annex D, but the details are redacted. The program's stakeholders include the Government of Papua New Guinea, provincial governments, sub-local level governments, civil society organizations, and local communities. The program's partnerships with research firms and academia are also an important aspect of its implementation. The program's management structure includes a Chief of Party (COP), a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP), and a Director of Finance and Operations (DFO). The program's staff are responsible for implementing the program's activities, monitoring and evaluating its progress, and reporting on its results. The program's environmental compliance is an important aspect of its implementation. The program's activities are designed to minimize harm to the environment and to promote sustainable land-use management practices. The program's financial management is also an important aspect of its implementation, and the program's budget is managed in accordance with USAID's financial regulations. Overall, the USAID PNG Lukautim Graun Program is a comprehensive initiative that aims to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable land-use management in Papua New Guinea. The program's progress during the second quarter of Year 2 was marked by challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the program's implementing partners continued to work on various activities to achieve the program's objectives.