Paramesi Eugene Mondu

Paramesi grew up in rural Turubu LLG, where he witnessed how communities were often overlooked in decisions affecting their land and future. This experience inspired his journey into environmental science and grassroots organising. At Mojirau WMA, he works alongside local leaders to establish governance committees, support sustainable cocoa farming and eco-tourism, and lead biodiversity monitoring and advocacy against illegal logging.

He believes deeply in unleashing the potential of rural communities to drive the change needed in society. It is not foreign companies or outside investors who will bring lasting solutions—they often come claiming to develop communities, yet extract more than they give. Local people are the real investors, because they own the true assets: their land, forests, rivers and knowledge.