The role of traditional conservation practice in a nature conservation strategy for Papua New Guinea

Abstract

A study is made of the role of traditional conservation practice in protecting the natural and cultural resources of Papua New Guinea. Traditional conservation practices in the islands of the South Pacific are reputed to have existed for many hundreds of years before the region came under the influence of the Western world. The customary land and sea tenure systems with associated resource use rights and access to natural resources, are of special relevance to nature conservation and the establishment of protected areas. South Pacific current experience indicated wider public support for traditional conservation practices than is granted by official bodies. Traditional conservation practices in association with customary land tenure could be used as a foundation for contemporary management of the environment in Papua New Guinea. This foundation would link traditional communities through their land with nature conservation. A suggestion is made for the development and establishment of a local protected area system called ples taboo in Papua New Guinea.