CMCA COMMUNITIES URGED TO GROW VANILLA FOR POST- MINE SUSTAINABLITY

BY KENNY ROMANUS

The founding CEO of the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF), Ian Middleton, is calling on Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) communities to take charge of their economic future by planting vanilla.

Speaking in Kiunga, Mr. Middleton urged locals to use the remaining years of Ok Tedi Mine’s operation wisely, warning that relying on handouts won’t be sustainable once the mine closes.

He said most current vanilla growers under the Fly Vanilla initiative are from non-CMCA areas like Nomad and Telefomin and they are already earning income by supplying green beans to the Agro Industrial Centre.

Fly Vanilla was set up to prepare CMCA communities for life after the mine, but uptake has been low. Mr. Middleton encouraged people to invest individually, not just through groups, noting that owning personal shares brings greater benefits.

North Fly MP James Donald has already purchased shares on behalf of all 115 wards in his district.

Meanwhile, Agro Industrial Centre manager Eitan Ribak confirmed that landowners with land and labour should take advantage of the opportunity now. He also said casual employment will be available at the facility.