Hello! Liam here, welcome from SOFETI.
I thought I would add a small introduction about myself and a bit of a background story
about the project, how it begun. This is the first of, what will be a regular newsletter with
updates about the project moving forward
My name is Liam Smedley, a proud Kiwi from New Zealand and project manager for the
Green Canopy Collective. Together, alongside Mr. Jeicob Marek, we formed the Sepik
Organic Farming and Eco Tourism Innovative – SOFETI.
I met Jeicob during my first travels to Papua New Guinea in 2019, I asked for his assistance
in traveling the Upper Sepik River and spent a few weeks in his hometown of Ambunti.
During this time, we talked about the community and shared ideas. Jeicob, being a valued
leader in the community, is so passionate about the growth and quality of life for his people,
so that, along with us sharing common philosophies and just general positivity about Papua
New Guinea as a whole, drove me to really make the dream a reality.
The next year was spent getting a team around me and forming the non-profit – Green
Canopy Collective. I felt this was an important piece of the puzzle, with Green Canopy
providing the infrastructure, promotion and fundraising. Along with the added benefits of
being based in Germany and New Zealand, along with Papua New Guinea.
Now, as you can see, SOFETI is becoming a reality. It’s a learning process, but we are a
collective of knowledge, with many different minds offering expertise in different areas. It’s
amazing to think that as you will be reading this, the full plan and scope for the Running
Water Project in Ambunti will be finished and the FUNdraisng begins. Just seeing how far
this project has grown so far, gives me great motivation and optimism that we can surely
succeed in providing the Sepik River Region an improved quality of life and opportunities
for personal growth.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. We appreciate all the support and let’s make Papua
New Guinea the most SUSTAINABLE NATION ON EARTH.
Liam Smedley