The Community Environment Section promotes amongst communities the values and benefits of a safer physical, social and sustainable natural environment.

Key activities of the Section are:

• The provision of comments on Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Environmental Impact Statements
  
• Leading the Department’s response to HIV/AIDS, including facilitating workshops for staff and developing and implementing the Department’s HIV/AIDS workplace policy; and
  
• Participating in other wider environmental issues with other line agencies and non-government organisations and to collaborate with other researchers carrying out data collection and social-economic research activities.

In 2006, the Section has carried out a number of activities which are:

• Completion of donor/community-based organisations’ data base;
  
• Delivery of HIV/AIDS workplace training
• Partnerships established with government agencies in Health, Environment and Conservation, the National AIDS Council, Mining & non-government organisations; and
  
• Community Environment Section has also produced pamphlets describing their activities.

The Community Environment Section is currently working on preparing for the HIV/AIDS-community capacity enhancement project to contribute a more effective community-based response to HIV/AIDS in areas where district focal points are established as part of the Integrated Community Development Policy, is participating in social impact studies concerning mining operations, particularly a Social Impact Study concerning the Angabanga River in Central Province and preparing to stage the cultural heritage expo in the forth coming year.

The branch has five staff a manager.

Community Environment can be contacted on telephone number 325 4566/ 325 0119, fax 325 0119 and email on berepan@pngfamilies.gov.pg