Cecilé Benjamin honoured for her work in marine conservation and dive industry

Papua New Guinea's first woman scuba diving instructor, Cecilé Benjamin, is set to be inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in York this week.

She left for the United States on Monday.

Benjamin, originally from Australia, owns the Walindi Plantation Resort in West New Britain.

She was among six selected out of 18 nominees from around the world.

She's been recognized for her work over the years in the dive industry and conservation and education on the diverse marine species at Kimbe Bay.

Kimbe Bay is home to over half the species of the world's hard coral and over 900 species of fish.

It's regarded as a great centre for marine diversity and reflects the whole of P-N-G, which has world class marine environment.

Benjamin says they've working with the local people since 1983 to educate and conserve the marine eco-system.

She describes the recognition as a special honour because of the calibre of other women contestants are very high.

She says at least countries like the United States recognize and acknowledge P-N-G's work on marine conservation and education awareness.

When in the United States, Benjamin will visit the State of New Jersey and attend a dive show called Beneath the Sea.

She will also talk to about 140 high school students about potential career in marine conservation in the country.

Benjamin says she will continue here work in conservation when she returns, in her capacity as the Chair of the Mahonia Na Dari, a conservation and educaton marine research non-government organization in Kimbe.