The SWM activities in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
© WCS/Elodie Van Lierde SWM PROJECT
The Bismarck Forest Corridor is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, with many endemic species. It is also an area with a high density of people. Wildlife is an important source of food as well as feathers and fur for traditional costumes. The increasing scarcity of wildlife is a growing concern for indigenous and rural communities in the region.
The SWM Programme is establishing community-led wildlife management initiatives, including community tree nurseries, to address this challenge. The SWM activities in Papua New Guinea are coordinated by the Wildlife Conservation Society with the national Conservation and Environment Protection Authority. They are being developed with local indigenous communities in Chimbu, Eastern Highlands and Jiwaka provinces and are supported by the provincial and district authorities responsible for wildlife management and animal production.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
- Supported Basic Necessity Survey focus groups with communities;
- Produced over 1 000 traditional ornament (bilas) protection kits to preserve cultural artefacts and lessen hunting pressure;
- Supported community nursery programmes and planted 15 000 seedlings;
- Developed comprehensive hunting regulation and land zoning with two communities.
NATIONAL PARTNER
