In memoriam - PNG partner and environmental advocate
08 December 2010
The name Thomas Maniwave, Education Officer of Motupore Island
Research Centre (MIRC), is synonymous with mangrove restoration in
Papua New Guinea (PNG) and at AVI.
He is fondly remembered as a strong supporter of education
initiatives, including the Macquarie University Urban Planning
project to PNG in September 2009.
The New Guinea region contains the greatest diversity of
mangrove species in the world. Coastal ecosystem and local
livelihood issues are integrally linked to the preservation of
PNG's mangrove systems.
Mangroves are a vital part of PNG's coastlines to prevent
erosion, filtering run-off from land, protecting coasts from storms
and are an important part of an ecosystem that provides a centre of
biodiversity for many sea creatures.
In PNG mangroves are also used for medicinal purposes, as
materials for building and fuel, to support fisheries, which are
all important for local livelihoods.
A marine biologist, Thomas promoted environmental issues in his
homeland and coordinated the planting of thousands of mangrove
seedlings, bringing together public servants, corporate sector
volunteers, students and community members, across the coastline
PNG's Central Province as part of World Environment Day.
Wheelchair-bound but in no way limited in his vision and drive
to raise community awareness and involvement in protecting,
restoring and cultivating mangrove systems, Thomas achieved and
contributed so much.
He will be sorely missed by all those who came into contact with
him. AVI sends our sincerest condolences to his family and
friends.