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World Coconut Day 2024 Celebrations in Papua New Guinea: A Grand Success

The World Coconut Day 2024 celebrations, organized by the Kokonas Indastri Koporesen (KIK) with the collaboration of the International Coconut Community (ICC), were successfully held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from September 30th to October 4th. This highly anticipated event, centered around the theme "Coconut for a Circular Economy: Building Partnership for Maximum Value," attracted a diverse group of attendees, including coconut experts, researchers, producers, exporters, MSMEs, and delegations from ICC member countries, among other stakeholders from the global coconut industry. The event was formally inaugurated at the APEC Haus and Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium, where the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Papua New Guinea, representing the H.E. the minister of Agriculture, delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in the coconut industry, particularly in light of the growing global demand for coconut products. The inaugural session also witnessed the launch of Papua New Guinea's National Coconut Census, a significant milestone for KIK and the country.

 

A Landmark Achievement: National Coconut Census Launch During the inaugural session, the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, representing the Minister of Agriculture, launched the National Coconut Census Report. This monumental task, conducted by KIK over seven years, was made possible using the latest technologies, including GPS mapping and drone technology. 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.

A Memorable Field Visit One of the most inspiring highlights of the event was the field visit that took delegates to local communities, where they were welcomed with enthusiasm. The delegation saw firsthand the success story of Mr. Tade, a graduate of the ICC’s Coconut Development Officers Training Program, held at the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) in Sri Lanka. Mr. Tade has since applied the knowledge gained from the training to his community, effectively guiding local farmers and boosting coconut production.

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. Youth groups were formed to compete for the highest number of coconut trees planted, a strategy that has already proven successful in mobilizing the younger generation to contribute to the replanting efforts. Delegates were impressed by the innovative approach and saw it as an excellent model to replicate in other coconut-growing regions.

Competitions, Awards, and Closing Ceremony The closing session of the event saw the much-anticipated announcement of winners in the World Coconut Day competition, organized by the ICC. Participants from ICC member and non-member countries took part in three categories—Photography, Short Video, and Writing. KIK also recognized top-performing MSMEs and farmer cooperatives through special awards, celebrating their contributions to the coconut industry. The closing ceremony was graced by a vibrant fashion show, which creatively displayed garments and accessories made from coconut materials. This unique showcase underlined the endless possibilities for value-added products in the coconut industry, inspiring both local and international guests. A Collaborative Success The World Coconut Day 2024 event was a collaborative success led by KIK’s Chairman, Mr. Steven Raphael, and Managing Director, Mr. Alan Aku. Both were highly praised for their leadership in organizing such a comprehensive event. The ICC, led by Executive Director Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, played a crucial role in ensuring the event’s success through close collaboration with KIK and other stakeholders. This year’s World Coconut Day celebrations not only demonstrated the strength and resilience of the coconut industry but also underscored the critical role partnerships play in driving sustainable development. By embracing the circular economy model, the coconut sector can continue to grow while addressing the challenges of global market demands and environmental sustainability. As the ICC flag was ceremoniously handed over to the host country for World Coconut Day 2025, the event concluded on a high note, leaving participants inspired and ready to take on the future challenges of the coconut industry.

The event was graced by the presence of dignitaries, including ambassadors, provincial governors, and other regional government representatives from Papua New Guinea, further emphasizing the national and international significance of the coconut sector. Their participation underscored the strong support from various levels of government and highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships for sustainable growth in the industry. The ICC looks forward to more fruitful collaborations as we continue to advance the coconut sector globally. Thank you to all the attendees, participants, and organizers who made this event a resounding success.

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