A Sustainably Run Island Resort Supporting Local Communities

On a private island located in Papua New Guinea, just a 20-minute boat ride from Kavieng town in the New Ireland Province, Lissenung Island Resort is owned and managed by Dietmar and Ange, a couple who welcome guests for scuba diving adventures and cultural day trips. 

The resort has been part of the Best of PNG selection since its launch in 2011, chosen for many reasons: the exceptional quality of its reef dives, the genuine human connection, and its strong local and environmental commitment. 

Food is sourced from local markets or purchased directly from nearby communities, buildings are constructed in a traditional style that blends harmoniously with the natural environment, and staff come from Enuk Island, the closest neighboring community. Lissenung Island Resort also pays reef fees to surrounding communities, contributing directly to the upkeep of schools, aid posts, building materials, and other communal facilities, ensuring that tourism benefits are shared locally. 

Protecting Marine Life Through Turtle Nest Relocation and Long-Term Research

In 2013, the owners became aware of turtle egg poaching on two nearby islands, where eggs were being collected for food. They began combating this issue by relocating turtle nests to Lissenung Island, creating a safe haven that increased hatchling survival rates. Since then, they have collaborated with scientists from Australia and around the world, providing data on turtle eggs and hatchlings, collecting DNA tissue samples, and tagging turtles as part of long-term conservation research.