Clans in Gembogl, Simbu Province, sign conservation deed to protect 12,241 hectares of land.
News Highlights September 20, 2023
On 4th August 2023, five clans from Inaugl tribe in Gembogl district, Simbu province, signed a Conservation Deed (CD) to protect 12,241 hectares of high biodiversity forest. The signing of the CD means the Inaugl tribe have joined their neighbours in the Bismarck Forest Corridor to commit to legally protecting their pristine forests whilst allowing for sustainable use of natural resources within certain marked zones. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in PNG with support provided from USAID PNG Lukautim Graun Program (PNG LGP), has been working with members of the clans to educate and empower them to be good stewards over their land and natural resources. These hectares of land are managed by KGWan, a community-based organisation made up of representatives from each of the tribe’s five clans and monitored by local rangers or “Wasman”.
USAID PNG LGP Chief of Party, Tom Pringel, attended the event personally expressing his support as part of this milestone achievement.
“Congratulations to the Danbalg Community, WCS and everyone who has been part of the journey in creating the Conservation Area. Conservation Deeds are an effective way of sustainably conserving and managing our forest especially at this time when Papua New Guinea, a land of 840 languages and diverse culture, is experiencing environmental degradation and biodiversity loss which includes loss of cultural identity associated with traditional bilas, folklores, totems, species, songs, areas of cultural significance, water sources, herbal medicine, traditional knowledge and skills, useful plants, animals and insects.”
Mr. Pringel also stated that, “All living and non-living things in the natural environment are interconnected and form various elements of the life supporting ecosystems. With the increase in human population and demand for more resources there is now a greater need to promote biodiversity conservation and environmental protection in PNG. The USAID- funded Lukautim Graun Program, promotes biodiversity conservation efforts by supporting biodiversity conservation initiatives as well as providing alternative options for sustainable livelihood activities, capacity building and training within the conservation sites.”
Manager of the KGWan Eco Habitat, Steven Yandime, expressed his gratitude on behalf of over 6000 community members. “Thank you WCS for the support provided to our community from the beginning to ensure we achieved this milestone activity, and thank you to USAID PNG LGP for making it possible.”
To show their appreciation the villagers turned up in numbers dressed in traditional attire and accompanied by traditional song and dance which took center stage as visiting dignitaries from major donor organizations were carried on a makeshift helicopter to the stage. The event was witnessed by representatives from the Simbu Provincial Government, Officers from the Kundiawa-Gembogl District Administration, USAID LGP Chief of Party, representatives from WCS and other notable persons from civil society.
