Community Businesses Drive Milne Bay’s Blue Economy
The grants, which are being provided through the Blue Economy Enterprise Incubation Facility that UNDP helped establish in 2024, are being used to strengthen livelihoods, protect marine ecosystems, and build more resilient coastal communities.
From fisheries to eco-tourism, each enterprise reflects a shared goal: creating sustainable income while safeguarding the ocean resources that communities depend on.
Strengthening Small-Scale Fisheries
On Sideia Island, Bayside Cooperative Society Ltd is demonstrating how simple changes in fishing practices can make a big difference.
Operating as a community-driven cooperative, Bayside supplies fresh fish to local markets, schools, and shops, catching only what has already been ordered. This approach reduces waste and helps prevent overfishing, ensuring fish stocks remain healthy.
“For us, fishing is not only a business, but also part of our everyday life. We are teaching our fishermen to only catch what is needed and avoid wasting resources, because looking after the sea also means looking after our community and livelihoods,” explains Chris Dawita, the Manager of Bayside.
However, limited infrastructure continues to constrain the cooperative’s growth. Without electricity or cold storage, fish spoilage remains a challenge. Through support from the Blue Grants, Bayside is addressing this by constructing a fish processing and storage shed, introducing solar-powered freezers, and upgrading fishing gear. This will be the first fishing infrastructure of this type on the island.
Alongside these investments, the cooperative is promoting Good Fishing Practice Guidelines and expanding opportunities for women and youth in the value chain.
Bayside fish processing and storage shed under construction. Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
Further along the coast in Saiwaga village, Gamadoudou ward, Huhu LLG, Alotau, Refah Fisheries Suppliers is tackling similar challenges from a market access perspective.
As a woman-led enterprise, Refah connects local fishers to reliable buyers while enforcing responsible fishing practices, such as rejecting undersized fish and limiting the sale of vulnerable species during spawning periods.
With grant support, Refah is establishing a solar-powered cold storage facility that will also produce ice for local fishers.
Refah establishing a solar-powered cold storage facility. Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
This will reduce spoilage, improve product quality, and stabilise incomes for fishing families. The business is also investing in training and awareness programs to strengthen sustainable fishing practices across the community.
“This support is helping us improve how we handle and store fish, so local fishermen and their families can earn better income without wasting catch. At the same time, we are teaching responsible fishing practices to protect our reefs and ensure future generations can continue to benefit from the sea,” says Sharon Maiseveni, the Manager of Refah Fisheries Suppliers.
Sharon Maiseveni, the Manager of Refah Fisheries Suppliers, updating UNDP on grant implementation. Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
Growing Eco-Tourism and Conservation
Beyond fisheries, the ‘Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis Programme’ also seeks to enhance the role of eco-tourism in supporting conservation and livelihoods.
At Kunawa Getaway Beach Site, located in Lelehudi village along the East Cape Highway, a community-led initiative is combining tourism with marine protection through a Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA). The site offers a peaceful coastal setting for visitors while promoting mangrove restoration and environmental awareness.
Despite increasing visitor interest, Kunawa currently operates with basic facilities and cannot yet accommodate overnight guests. Planned upgrades, including guest accommodation, improved sanitation, and enhanced site security, will enable the site to expand its services, create jobs, and provide more opportunities for women and youth.
Kunawa conference room under construction. Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
“Kunawa started as a simple community picnic site, but we are now building it into a place that can bring together tourism, conservation, and community development. We want visitors to experience our culture and environment, while also helping local families create income and protect the coastline and marine resources that support our community,” explains Mr. Abel Wallace, the Manager of the enterprise.
Mr. Abel Wallace, the Manager of the enterprise, discussing with UNDP on progress so far with grant implementation. Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
Deeper within Milne Bay’s mangrove ecosystems on Logeia Island Island, Nuli Sapi Retreat offers another model of eco-tourism in action.
Located within a “gwala” or no-take zone, the retreat supports marine conservation while providing employment and income for local communities. Visitors experience reef diving, manta ray encounters, and cultural activities, all grounded in environmental awareness.
Nuli Sapi is a locally owned, community-based eco‑tourism initiative that has been operating successfully for over ten years. Located on Logeia Island, it is one of the few community initiatives to have formally registered an eco‑tourism lodge. Nuli Sapi has gained valuable experience in marketing its products on global platforms such as TripAdvisor, as well as through its own website and Facebook page.
Nulisapi Resort Entrance and boardwalk Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
Over the years, it has attracted international tourists, researchers, and local organisations for holidays, conferencing, and field activities. Other reef‑positive businesses can draw important lessons from Nuli Sapi’s experience, particularly in strengthening market visibility, branding, and customer engagement.
However, limited infrastructure, including the absence of a dedicated kitchen and additional accommodation, has restricted the retreat’s ability to grow. With support from the project, Nuli Sapi is constructing a kitchen and restaurant, along with an additional self-catering bungalow. These facilities will not only improve guest experiences but also serve as training spaces for eco-friendly hospitality and sustainable tourism practices.
New Bungalo under construction, with the use of grant. Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
“Nuli Sapi is not only about tourism, but also about creating jobs, supporting local families, and protecting the natural environment that our community depends on. With these new facilities, we can provide a better experience for visitors while continuing to promote sustainable tourism practices,” says Mr. Olian Jacob, one of the tour guides of the resort with enthusiasm.
Mr. Olian Jacob, a tour guide of the resort speaking to UNDP. Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
Innovation at the Intersection of Conservation and Livelihoods
Across the islands of Mahabalina and Keleton, Villink Tours & Expedition PNG is taking a hands-on approach to conservation-driven tourism.
Working closely with local custodians, Villink is restoring mangroves and coral reefs while creating income opportunities through guided tours and environmental experiences. These restoration efforts are critical, healthy mangroves improve water quality, protect coastlines, and create the conditions needed for coral reefs to thrive.
‘’With support from the Blue Grants, we will be developing a 50-metre mangrove boardwalk, an experience designed to immerse visitors in the ecosystem while raising awareness about its importance. This will be complemented by kayak tours, enhanced snorkelling activities, and expanded community engagement initiatives such as clean-up campaigns and environmental education,’’ said Maleta Tokwakwasi, Manager, Villink Tours & Expedition PNG.
Maleta Tokwakwasi, Manager, Villink Tours & Expedition PNG, meeting with UNDP team. Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
Villink is also working towards establishing a Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA), which would give the community greater control over protecting and managing its marine resources.
Together, these community enterprises demonstrate how locally led innovation can drive a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy in Milne Bay. By investing in small-scale fisheries, eco-tourism, and marine conservation, the ‘Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis Programme’ is helping communities strengthen livelihoods while protecting the ocean ecosystems that sustain them.
Through partnerships, traditional stewardship, and practical business support, these initiatives are showing that economic growth and environmental conservation can go hand in hand — creating lasting benefits for present and future generations across Papua New Guinea’s coastal communities.
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