The Bismarck Forest Corridor is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, home to many endemic species. Indigenous communities, as customary landowners, rely on the forest’s wildlife for food and traditional customs. The increasing scarcity of wildlife is a growing concern for indigenous and rural communities in the region. Thus, the SWM Programme is piloting a unique model to enhance land and wildlife by these landowners, while preserving their culture and traditions. Activities are being developed with local indigenous communities in Chimbu, Eastern Highlands and Jiwaka provinces, supported by the provincial and district authorities responsible for wildlife management and animal production.
The SWM Programme in Papua New Guinea works with four communities in the Bismarck Forest Corridor. Field activities are coordinated by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in collaboration with the national Conservation and Environment Protection Authority.
Output 1: Community rights and governance
The SWM Programme facilitated three voluntary legal agreements called Conservation Deeds, covering 19 clans and creating three community conservation areas covering 193 km², with 92 km² designated for customary use. These Deeds allow Indigenous Peoples to operationalize their constitutionally recognized land tenure that is founded on custom and collectively decide on the sustainable use of wildlife and natural resources within their owned lands. A fourth Conservation Deed is under discussion with a new community.
Output 2: Adaptive wildlife management
The operational capacity of the Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to manage the area covered by the Deeds and to support various community-led activities has been strengthened through training and meetings. About 30 individuals were trained in monitoring the newly established areas, with ten becoming community rangers. To reduce hunting for cultural practices, more than 2 000 Bilas preservation kits were produced and distributed, extending the life of cultural artefacts and reducing hunting pressure on wildlife.
Output 3: Healthy and sustainable supply chains and consumption
After extensive participatory community consultations, poultry was introduced as a possible alternative to wild meat. A total of 593 chickens were distributed to the CBOs. Community members received comprehensive training and mentorship on animal care, poultry production, and biosecurity. The SWM Programme is also supporting community tree nurseries, planting over 58 000 native trees to reforest cleared areas.
Output 4: Zoonotic risk prevention and management
The SWM Programme PNG team is working with authorities to develop and implement zoonotic risk prevention and monitoring systems within the communities.
Check out this first footage of wild dwarf cassowaries (Casuarius bennetti) in the recently formed community conservation area of Kwiop in Jiwaka Province, Papua New Guinea. The images are a significant achievement for the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme. Camera trap data is being...
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