2 results

^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.

 PNG Conservation and Environment Protection Authority

In 2006, Papua New Guinea formally nominated seven identified areas for the World Heritage Tentative Listing. To date, none of these areas has been nominated to the World Heritage List. This desktop review examines the seven sites on the Papua New Guinea World Heritage Tentative list and reports on the current knowledge, condition and threats to each of these sites; as well as recommendations made to address identified issues and provide guidance for advancing the "processes of identification, protection, conservation, presentation and rehabilitation of this heritage".