From Mining to Rainforest Conservation  

This is the story of Regina Kewa, who left a 20-year career in the mining industry to instead protect rainforests in Papua New Guinea with Cool Earth.

Regina had worked for years with a mining company, supporting rainforest communities that had been impacted by mining activities – including those displaced from their original land. But after 20 years, Regina decided to make a bold leap and join Cool Earth in protecting rainforests and supporting communities directly.

Regina, Cool Earth’s PNG Country Manager talking with the Wabumari community.

She now helps communities ward off mining and logging industries and instead empower communities to protect their land and traditional lifestyles. Today, Regina leads Cool Earth’s work in Papua New Guinea, helping five partner communities improve their livelihoods while ensuring their rainforests thrive.

“I used to do a lot of sustainable projects for mining-impacted communities. On the other side of the coin, I wanted to know what the NGOs were doing, so I joined Cool Earth,” Regina said.

“With Cool Earth, it’s very interesting because our programmes are focused on local people, believing in them as the key to forest conservation,” she said.

Regina and the Cool Earth Papua New Guinea team who work together to protect rainforest and support local communities.

Mining’s Toll vs. Healthy Rainforests

In Cool Earth’s rainforest communities, life flourishes. Towering trees, lush gardens, and vibrant wildlife create a sustainable way of life. Families harvest produce, sell it in markets, and receive unconditional cash support, all while protecting their forests.

Mining-impacted communities, on the other hand, face a grim reality. Forests have vanished, leaving barren gardens and polluted rivers. Wildlife has disappeared, and people often live in displacement, struggling to rebuild their lives.

“You’re trying to rebuild and bring those things back, but I don’t know when that’s going to happen,” Regina explained.

Decades ago, decisions to allow mining were made without understanding the long-term consequences. Now, these communities are slowly replanting trees and working to restore what was lost, but it’s an uphill battle.

Regina speaking with a member of the community in Sololo.

A Glimmer of Hope

Regina’s work with Cool Earth has reshaped her outlook.

“Working with Cool Earth has had a big impact on me. I’ve come to see the importance of trees, birds, and rivers. I have the power of influence, and I tell my people who are also affected by the mine to plant trees for future generations.”

Rainforest communities thrive by rejecting destructive practices and protecting their forests. Their success shows that conservation is not just possible, it’s vital for the future of our planet.