PNG in pictures
A WWF team from Australia and other South Pacific offices recently travelled to the rich forests of Mount Bosavi, Papua New Guinea, to join in celebrations with the local tribe people of Musula and Wabimisen. They celebrated the protection of more than 80,000 hectares of highly threatened pristine tropical rainforest.
Three major rainforest Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), protecting some of PNG's most threatened wildlife habitat, have been declared at a series of colourful launch ceremonies on Mount Bosavi. Hundreds of local tribal people joined together and held a magnificent traditional singing.
"Today we recognise the Bosavi people's efforts in protecting their land and heritage, including the source of the Kikori River, for future generations," said WWF-PNG Country Programme Manager, Michael Avosa.
"We acknowledge that they are leaders in protecting their land and developing alternative sustainable income opportunities."
The event was witnessed by Dr Gae Gowae, Deputy Secretary of DEC and WWF-Australia's Chief Executive Officer, Greg Bourne.
The Kikori Basin has a variety of forest habitats that are home to some of PNG's most threatened species, as well as dramatic landscape features that include the cockpit and needle karsts of the extensive Darai limestone, the remarkable Hegigio Gorge and the spectacular Wassi and Wawoi waterfalls.
The animals of the region rank among the most spectacular found anywhere on earth and include the world's longest lizard, largest pigeon, largest moth and one of the world's largest butterflies. Rare species of plant-life can also be found here, and recently WWF reported that eight new species of orchid had been discovered in the area with around 20 further species are being verified.
"The declaration signifies a commitment by local landowners to conserve and safeguard their land and to protect it against destructive development such as unsustainable logging. In future, any development in these areas should respect WMA rules," said Saina Jeffrey, WWF's Protected Areas Officer. "Today's announcement is an important milestone in strengthening the system of protected areas in PNG and gives a boost to the efforts of WWF and its partners in achieving big conservation results in the Kikori region."
WWF has been working in PNG since 1995. Our work focuses on linking community action, science and effective policy to ensure the protection and sustainable use of forests, freshwater and marine resources across the island of New Guinea.
