Title Page
Policy Analysis: Papua New Guinea Environmental Policy
Executive Summary
Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces significant challenges in environmental management, driven by rapid population growth, extensive logging, mining activities, and climate change impacts. These challenges lead to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and the degradation of ecosystems, threatening the livelihoods of many communities that depend on natural resources. The existing environmental policies have been criticized for being fragmented, lacking enforcement, and not adequately addressing the integration of environmental sustainability into national development strategies.
Background on PNG's environmental policy reveals a complex interplay between economic development and environmental conservation. PNG is rich in biodiversity and hosts numerous endemic species, yet it ranks among the highest in the world for deforestation rates due to industrial-scale practices, particularly in agriculture and forestry. The government has enacted various legislative frameworks aimed at protecting its environment, such as the Environmental Act of 2000 and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, but challenges in implementation and local engagement persist.
The analysis identifies major alternatives to address the environmental issues facing PNG. First, strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms could enhance compliance with environmental laws. Second, promoting sustainable resource management practices through community-based approaches could empower local populations and ensure resource stewardship. Third, integrating climate change adaptation strategies into development planning could improve resilience against environmental degradation and its socio-economic impacts.
The preferred alternative is a holistic integration of sustainable resource management practices with robust regulatory frameworks and increased community involvement. This approach not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also fosters long-term benefits by empowering local communities to manage their resources sustainably. Enhancements in regulatory frameworks, alongside local engagement, will create a synergistic effect, ensuring that economic development does not come at the cost of environmental degradation, ultimately leading to a healthier ecosystem and improved quality of life for PNG's citizens.