OTDF Management and staff plant trees outside their Kiunga office
Kiunga, Western Province – In recognition of World Environment Day (WED) on June 5, 2025, the Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) joined the global community in commemorating the occasion through a tree planting activity involving Executive Management and staff.
WED, established by the United Nations in 1972, is the world’s largest platform for environmental outreach. This year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” aligns with the UN’s global campaign #BeatPlasticPollution, which calls for urgent action to tackle environmental challenges such as plastic waste, pollution, and climate change.
As a subsidiary of Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), OTDF embraces OTML’s Environment Policy, which states: “Valuing and Respecting the Environment in Everything We Do.” The shared goal across the organisation is Zero Significant Environmental Incidents, with an emphasis on sustainable, responsible, and legally compliant environmental practices.
To support the 2025 theme, OTML adopted the slogan “Plastic-Free Starts With Me” to raise awareness and promote action across all operational areas. As part of World Environment Day 2025 commemorations, Safety Coordinator Shane Tarue addressed the issue of plastic waste mismanagement with a day of planting trees. In his presentation, he highlighted the environmental and health risks posed by improper disposal methods such as open burning, dumping in waterways, and unsanitary landfills. “Mismanaged plastic waste refers to plastic waste that is not properly recycled, incinerated, or disposed of in a secure landfill,” he explained. Mr. Tarue emphasised the urgent need for responsible waste handling to safeguard communities, wildlife, and ecosystems.
The OTDF tree planting event served as both a symbolic and practical contribution to reforestation and sustainability in Western Province. OTDF remains committed to protecting the unique biodiversity of the region while empowering local communities through awareness and environmental education.