Papua has one of the highest degrees of bio-diversity in the world and some of the largest reserves of precious metals, energy sources and other natural resources. However, due to the relationship between the land and the socio-cultural and economic status of many communities, the manner in which the resources and land is used has deep implications. Formal property rights are often different to informal cultural (adat) governed property rights, while illegal resource appropriation undermines both. In addition to threatening the long-term health of local ecosystems, the unlawful extraction of natural resources has serious economic implications.
In Papua, most of the land considered to be customary or adat land of local tribes is now formally classified as state lands and large areas have been allocated as concessions to forestry and mining companies. Other areas have been designated for conservation, are contracted out or are used by local communities. There is a lot of overlap between areas and classifications are very different to local understandings and practical use on the ground.
At a local government level capacity and funding is limited for proper application of laws and management of the natural resources. This is coupled with limited understanding by the local communities on their rights relating to their environment and on the potential fragility of their systems and how to protect it into the future.
Improved Food Security through Erosion Prevention The majority of local communities in Papua are dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods which are increasingly fragile. The increasing population in the highlands is putting pressure on already fragile systems and erosion and landslides are a daily threat. Papua Partners together with their partner Yasumat are supporting local communities in the highlands of Yahukimo with improved production techniques in sweet potato and vegetable gardens to reduce erosion and improve food security.
Protection and management of cultural lands in the Momuna Tribe The Momuna tribe live just south of the Baliem Valley in the southern lowlands. Until 5 years ago their lives revolved around hunting and gathering in the forest and cultivation of sago palms. They were only scarcely aware of development going on in the rest of the region. A few people had left to go to school and some people in the tribe had started to learn to read and write and learn about basic health issues. They were gradually learning skills that would enable them to adapt to outside changes. In 2002 the new Kabupaten of Yahukimo decided to establish its main town right in the middle of their tribal lands and since then the Momuna have been launched into the modern world at a velocity that they are finding difficult to keep up with. They are currently observers of the changes taking place around them, changes with do not include them and have implications which could impact their survival into the future.
As well as working with the Momuna on basic village leadership, literacy and health Yasumat and Papua Partners have recently started discussions with Momuna Leadership about the importance of their environment and how they would like to manage and protect it for the future. Large parts of it have already been sold. During 2008 the people together with Yasumat support hope to establish a local cultural organisation which will enable proper representation for the Momunas before government and private companies.
Papua Partners Limited is registered in England and Wales No, 05539947 Charity Registered No. 1117275
