“Most of the coconut trees were planted before the twin volcanic eruption in 1994 and have now reached their aging stage and added that coconut farmers should engage in major replanting exercise within their blocks.” This was the advice given by the Manager for Industry Capacity Building and Strengthening (ICBS) for Kokonas Indastri Koporeisen (KIK) in PNG Mr. Ephraim Tade during the closing of five days training yesterday at Nodup ward in the Kombiu Local level Government of Rabaul District, East New Britain Province. The training included three days of sustainable livelihood course and two days white copra skills funded by the Rabaul District Administration. It was facilitated by KIK and the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) through its training centre, Kairak Centre for Sustainable Rural Development with the theme “Sustainable livelihood and decision making.” “The productive life for coconut trees is 15 to 50 years so we need to start replanting for the future and given this important training, we should start implementing what we’ve acquired to sustain our livelihood.” He encouraged the people of Nordup to capitalize on their resources, saying that ENB province used to produce 100, 000 tonnes of copra per annum and that they should improve on production. “KIK is already into negotiations with partners to bring investors into the country but our biggest challenge now is having the capacity to boost and maintain our production." Meantime, Rabaul District Economic Sector Head Mr. Eliaser Mutumut when congratulating the participants on behalf of the District Administrator Mr Benedict Mode, said the district will continue to partner and support such programs. A total of 400 tall coconut seedlings were presented by KIK to Nordup ward as well as kiln pipe from Rabaul District Administration for the ward’s white copra dryer. A similar training will be held next month for Watom Island LLG.