RRI.CO.ID, Wamena - The administration of the newly formed Papua Pegunungan (Highland Papua) Province is taking decisive steps to counter highland deforestation, rolling out a dedicated reforestation initiative dubbed the Hijaukan Lembah (Green the Valley) program across the vulnerable mountain slopes of Jayawijaya Regency.

Designed as a strategic environmental shield for the region's unique highland topography, the project seeks to systematically replant critical catchment areas and steep slopes that have been cleared due to logging or agricultural conversion.

“Green the Valley is a program initiated by Papua Pegunungan Governor John Tabo so that areas where trees have been logged can be replanted, ensuring that environmental sustainability continues to be preserved,” Head of the Papua Pegunungan Governor’s Expert Advisory Team, Paul Wetipo stated in a written release from Wamena on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The reforestation campaign officially commenced its field operations during the National Education Day (Hardiknas) commemorations on May 2, 2026. The initial phase focused on the rugged hillsides of Napua in Jayawijaya Regency, a location deemed critical for regional hydrological security.

During the launch, environmental teams and volunteers planted approximately 3,000 tree saplings consisting primarily of native highland species, such as wilo and sin, alongside ornamental pucuk merah (red lip) trees to serve as organic anchors for the loose volcanic soil.

“At that time, we planted approximately 3,000 trees native to Papua Pegunungan, such as wilo, sin, and pucuk merah, as well as several other plants, so they can serve as a buffer and prevent landslides and floods,” Wetipo explained, highlighting the project's role in disaster mitigation.

Beyond structural environmental protection, the provincial administration is utilizing the Hijaukan Lembah blueprint as a live, hands-on educational platform to foster ecological awareness among indigenous Papuan youths. By involving younger generations directly in forestry field work, the administration hopes to cultivate a sustainable culture of environmental stewardship.

“The governor wants this program to be a direct method given to the younger generation of Papua Pegunungan to love nature through concrete actions, namely planting trees,” Wetipo added.

Stressing the biological importance of the project, Wetipo pointed out that each tree introduced back into the ecosystem effectively generates oxygen for two to three humans while helping stabilize ambient microclimates.

“The governor wants the culture of tree planting to be continually elevated by involving all elements of society, especially the younger generation in Papua Pegunungan, so that our environment and nature are properly looked after,” he concluded.

The successful mobilization of the May 2 launch involved a collaborative student network, bringing together 300 young pupils from the Napua YPPGI Elementary School in Jayawijaya Regency and the Papua Harapan School from Sentani in Jayapura Regency, establishing a model for cross-regional environmental volunteerism. ***