^Varirata National Park is PNGs first protected area, declared in 1969 (©Biatus Bito).
Customary landowners, custodians of 97% of land in PNG, recognise many areas of land and sea as “tambu” – areas of special spiritual significance. Customary landownership is therefore integral to PNGs 2.1 million hectares in its 59 protected areas. Protected areas sustain livelihoods, help maintain culture, provide tourism opportunities, store carbon, and protect biodiversity.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is committed to the establishment of a network of protected areas to fulfil national and international commitments.
10 paged document outlining the development and conservation in societies of great cultural and biological diversity in New Guinea of PNG. This was published in 2003
The 2020 State of Environment Report is the first for Papua New Guinea.