Papua New Guinea (PNG) recently passed a Protected Areas Bill, signalling a new era for biodiversity conservation.
14 years in the making and with support from the Australian Government, the bill paves the way for traditional owners to have greater control and benefits from conservation.
With 98% of PNG land owned by customary landowners this marks a great milestone both for the environment and traditional owners.
We have worked with PNG over the past decade to help develop the legislation.
As we celebrate this historic milestone, we will continue to support PNG to:
- deliver its biodiversity conservation strategy
- develop regulations under the new act.
We are also continuing to work on establishing formal protected areas along the Kokoda Track. This 96km track is of cultural significance both in PNG and here in Australia.
Australia is committed to partnering with the Pacific and our neighbours as we work towards a nature positive future.
