Tonda WMA is an important Ramsar Site for migratory shorebirds and waterbirds
Biodiversity Implementation and Monitoring Report (2017)
Population dynamics influences every aspect of the environment, human and economic development in any developing country.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is committed to the establishment of a network of protected areas to fulfil national and international commitments.
This Policy on Protected Areas (the Policy) has been developed by the Government of Papua New Guinea to support the development and management of a National Protected Area Network in Papua New Guinea (PNG). It will guide communities, organizations and agencies to harmonise their efforts in a structured and logical approach to the sustainability of existing and the development of new protected areas. The Policy offers a blueprint based on
international and national obligations and international best practice – but tailored to the unique context of PNG.
Papua New Guinea is committed to the establishment of a network of marine protected areas to fulfil national and international commitments. In order to assist this, the conservation priority areas analysis identified a range of areas of high conservation interest in the PNG marine environment, based on the principles of comprehensiveness, adequacy, representation and resilience (CARR). The analysis collated available national-scale data on biodiversity features and biodiversity surrogates.
East and West New Britain (2017) Report
PNG is in a unique position to choose a future that is responsible and sustainable
PNG, CEBA & UNDP organized an evaluation of PNG's protected areas as part of the process to improve management effectiveness. The scope of work included:
a literature review of protected areas in PNG and methodologies used to evaluate protected areas;
Design and test an evaluation tool to be employed in PNG;
Undertake field work to assess PNG’s formally gazetted protected areas; and
Analyse the data and compile reports (i.e. overall report and assessment data for each protected area).
Papua New Guinea has committed to expanding its network of protected areas, and its Policy on Protected Areas
clearly outlines the guidelines and targets for the network. Work over recent years has defined some priorities for
selecting areas for a comprehensive reserve system, and in addition many landowners wish to conserve their land and waters.
Management of Papua New Guinea’s protected areas is a shared obligation, with most of the on-ground responsibility falling to management committees and boards under both existing and proposed legislation. However, the national government has overall responsibility for the protected area network and its management, and must ensure effective management to meet its international obligations. CEPA has a duty to support management committees with advice, assistance and regular engagement, and to assist them in obtaining resources to carry out their work effectively.
Papua New Guinea’s provincial governments play a critical role in establishing and managing protected areas. Provincial government officials understand important issues at the regional level and keep in touch with local level government, industry and civil society. They know what challenges and opportunities will most likely be encountered.
The Protected Areas Bill (PA Bill) is a proposed piece of legislation that will guide the establishment and management of protected areas in Papua New Guinea. It will be administered by the PNG Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA). Amongst other things, the PA Bill sets out various governance arrangements that need to be established by CEPA. To implement the legislation effectively, CEPA needs to be well prepared for these arrangements and have relevant administrative structures in place prior to the PA Bill being approved.