Supporting country action on the CBD programme of work on protected areas: Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The Fourth Goal of the Papua New Guinea National Constitution directs the PNG Forestry Authority (PNGFA), National Fisheries Authority (NFA), Department of Mining (DoM), Department Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) other sectors the mandate to manage and protect the PNG’s natural resources and environment. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is the key government agency responsible in environment conservation management issues in the country. The formal Protected Areas (PA) in Papua New Guinea cover less than 3% of land area (1,642,826 ha) well short of the CBD target of 10%. Importantly, much still remains to be done, in particularly regarding, development of appropriate national conservation plan, policies, strategies and processes to integrate protected areas into the broader landscape, seascape and sectoral plans.