Academic literature on the topic 'Logging – Environmental aspects – Papua New Guinea'

Papua New Guinea is a country in Oceania that hosts unique rain forests and forest ecosystems which are crucial for sequestering atmospheric carbon, conserving biodiversity, supporting the livelihood of indigenous people, and underpinning the timber market of the country. As a result of urban sprawl, agricultural expansion, and illegal logging, there has been a tremendous increase in land-use land cover (LULC) change happening in the country in the past few decades and this has triggered massive deforestation and forest degradation. However, only a few studies have ventured into quantifying the long-term trends and their associated spatial patterns—and have often presented contrasting responses. Herein, we intended to assess the extent of deforestation and the rate of urbanization that happened in the past 33 years (1987–2020) in the Bumbu river basin in Papua New Guinea using satellite imagery—for the years 1987, 2002, 2010, and 2020—and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. On performing image classification, land use maps were developed and later compared with Google Earth’s high-resolution satellite images for accuracy assessment purposes. For probing into the spatial aspects of the land-use change issues, the study area was divided into four urban zones and four forest zones according to the four main cardinal directions centered in the urban and forest area centers of the 1987 image; subsequently, the rate of urban area expansion in each urban zone was separately calculated. From our preliminary analysis and literature survey, we observed several hurdles regarding the classification of regenerative forests and mixed pixels and gaps in LULC studies that have happened in Papua New Guinea to date. Through this communication paper, we aim to disseminate our preliminary results, which highlight a rapid increase in urban extent from 14.39 km2 in 1987 to 23.06 km2 in 2020 accompanied by a considerable decrease in forest extent from 76.29 km2 in 1987 to 59.43 km2 in 2020; this observation favors the presumption that urban and agricultural land expansion is happening at the cost of forest cover. Moreover, strategies for addressing technical issues and for integrating land-use change with various socioeconomic and environmental variables are presented soliciting feedback.

The article describes and quantifies the financial benefits of small-scale community forestry, conducted on an ecologically sustainable basis—‘eco-forestry’, by customary landowners in Papua New Guinea. Through economic modelling the article also attempts to quantify the global benefits generated. Eco-forestry is subsidized by donors directly and through NGOs in its setting up and certification. Financial modelling suggests that, with a subsidy, eco-forestry is capable of generating a return to landowners that is comparable to industrial logging. While the return to logging followed by conversion to agriculture is much more attractive than eco-forestry, agriculture is an option available only in some locations. Economic modelling finds that the external economic benefits emanating from tropical forest conservation that replaces logging in Papua New Guinea are far greater in scale than the financial benefits to landowners. However, the lack of reliable data on the environmental benefits of forest conservation means that economic analysis is somewhat inconclusive. The need for further research to quantify environmental benefits is thus highlighted. The subsidization of forest conservation directly, instead of indirectly through small-scale forestry, is investigated and found to generate a similar level of economic benefits to eco-forestry. However, the cost of direct subsidization is greater. Moreover, mechanisms for direct subsidy are undeveloped in Papua New Guinea. Donors may prefer to continue to subsidize small-scale forestry where it replaces logging because of its apparent conservation and side benefits and because it is operational, while at the same time exploring and extending cost-effective models of direct conservation that have the advantage over eco-forestry of being applicable in more remote areas. Compared with industrial logging, eco-forestry contributes little to consolidated revenue. Therefore it is to be expected that eco-forestry will meet government resistance if it makes significant inroads into the allocation of logging concessions.

Objective:The type of health education messages that communities and individuals seek to have communicated about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is important if vaccine programmes are to succeed, especially in settings such as Papua New Guinea (PNG), which have a high burden of cervical cancer, low health literacy and negative experiences of earlier vaccination programmes. This study sought to identify the health education messages that are viewed as most appropriate in such a context.Methodology:A qualitative study using gender-specific focus group discussions ( N = 21) and semi-structured interviews ( N = 82) was undertaken in three sites in PNG. Sites included both rural and urban locations in Milne Bay, Eastern Highlands and Western Highlands Provinces.Results:Two divergent discourses emerged. One group of participants, largely young people, felt communication messages should stress that HPV is a preventable sexually transmitted infection, which can cause cervical cancer. The other group, mainly members of the older population, believed that messaging should focus on the vaccine as a prevention strategy for cervical cancer. A small minority wanted both aspects of the vaccine discussed.Conclusion:Sensitivity needs to be taken when engaging with communities which have negative experiences of earlier infant immunisation programmes. Ensuring that the health communication needs and priorities of different sections of the populations are taken into account is key to the successful introduction and roll-out of HPV vaccination in this setting.

SummaryThe Gainj of highland Papua New Guinea do not use contraception but have a total fertility rate of only 4·3 live births per woman, one of the lowest ever recorded in a natural fertility setting. From an analysis of cross-sectional demographic and endocrinological data, the causes of low reproductive output have been identified in women of this population as: late menarche and marriage, a long interval between marriage and first birth, a high probability of widowhood at later reproductive ages, low effective fecundability and prolonged lactational amenorrhoea. These are combined with near-universal marriage, a low prevalence of primary sterility and a pattern of onset of secondary sterility similar to that found in other populations. Of all the factors limiting fertility, by far the most important are those involved in birth spacing, especially lactational amenorrhoea.

Abstract I report nonrandom selection of sites for incubation mounds and interspecific sharing of mounds by three sympatric megapodes (Wattled Brush-turkey [Aepypodius arfakianus], Brown-collared Talegalla [Talegalla jobiensis] and New Guinea Megapode [Megapodius decollatus]) in the Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area in the eastern highlands of Papua New Guinea. Talegallas used mounds concurrently with New Guinea Megapodes, and renovated brush-turkey mounds after the latter species had finished breeding. New Guinea Megapodes and brush-turkeys did not use the same mounds. Analysis of 18 environmental variables at 80 mound sites and 91 random points showed that (1) mound sites of the three species differed significantly from random points. Mounds were associated with large trees and in less disturbed habitat, characteristics which contribute to the functioning of the mound. (2) Mound sites of the three species differed from each other. Brush-turkey sites were steeper, and had fewer and smaller trees in the mound and more herbs in the surrounding forest than those of the other two species. New Guinea Megapode and talegalla sites were not clearly separated. (3) Some important environmental variables had significant effects of study location and location × species, suggesting that inter- and intraspecific differences in mound sites are dependent on the habitat in which the mounds are located. Given this, caution should be applied to generalizations about widespread species from site-selection studies in a small subset of habitats. I recommended landowners be advised not to locate gardens or cut trees close to mounds, and exclude some areas from logging concessions and mining leases. Selección de Sitios para Montículos de Incubación en Tres Megapódidos Simpátricos de Papua Nueva Guinea Resumen. Se reporta la selección no azarosa de sitios para incubación y como comparten estos sitios tres especies simpátricas de la familia de Megapodiidae (Aepypodius arfakianus, Talegalla jobiensis y Megapodius decollatus) en tres sitios en el área de manejo de vida silvestre Crater Mountain en las tierras altas del este de Papua Nueva Guinea. Individuos de Talegalla usaron los sitios al mismo tiempo que Megapodius, pero utilizaron sitios de Aepypodius después que ésta los abandonara. Un análisis sobre 18 características ambientales de 80 sitios y 91 puntos ubicados al azar indicó que (1) Las características ambientales de los sitios de incubación de las tres especies fueron significativamente diferentes de las registradas en puntos al azar. Los sitios de incubación se concentraron en áreas con árboles grandes y en áreas con menos perturbación que los puntos azarosos, factores que contribuyen a la función del sitio. (2) Las tres especies utilizaron sitios diferentes: Aepypodius utilizó sitios con mayor pendiente, con menos árboles y de menor tamaños, y con mayor cobertura herbacea en el bosque circundante, que las otras dos especies. Los sitios de Megapodius y de Talegalla no se distinguieron claramente uno de otro. (3) Algunas variables ambientales importantes tuvieron efectos significativos de ubicación y de ubicación × especies, lo cual sugiere que las diferencias entre y dentro de cada especies dependieron del hábitat en el cual se encontraban. Dados estos resultados, se recomienda precaución al generalizar los resultados para especies con amplia distribución geográfica basados en áreas pequeñas. Se recomienda no sembrar, ni cortar árboles cerca de los sitios de incubación, y que algunas áreas sean excluídas de las conseciones para actividades forestales y de mineras.

Disturbances to the developmental processes of organisms produce phenotypic asymmetries. It has been hypothesized that populations subjected to sustained environmental stress will suffer greater developmental instability and, therefore, exhibit greater morphological asymmetry than healthy populations. Thus, sampling the average asymmetry of populations through time might be a useful indicator of the overall health of their corresponding habitat. This hypothesis was investigated using antler flies (Phytafmia spp.) in Papua New Guinea rainforests. The larval substrate of these flies is restricted to a few rainforest tree species found in primary forests. The prediction that fly populations in logging areas would exhibit greater asymmetry was tested by comparing fluctuating asymmetry (FA: small, random deviations from perfect symmetry) of fly populations in primary forest and logging areas, as well as from a single location across time. Only one (P. biarmala) of three species had significantly higher FA (according to a composite measure of wing venation) at logged sites than at intact forest sites, and the average FA decreased in a population of P. afcicornis over a 20-year period despite continuous logging in the area. Because some sample sizes were unavoidably small, a meta-analysis of combined effect sizes was performed and revealed a significant effect of habitat on FA across the species. Logging practices may impose stress on these flies as alleged, but if so the indication of the stress through FA levels was weak. Thus, reliance on this method as a monitoring tool for this environment should be considered with caution.

Biodiversity in the Solomon Islands Is extremely rich, and in the Pacific is second only to Papua New Guinea. Despite this high diversity there are only rough estimates for the biodiversity of most taxa in the Solomon Islands. As part of a terrestrial biodiversity survey, we conducted nocturnal surveys for frogs in a range of habitats from 10?1 060 m on Choiseul Island. This work was carried out between June 2005 and January 2006. In addition to the nocturnal surveys, we also conducted opportunistic diurnal searches for reptiles as well as community environmental education and awareness workshops. Fifteen frog species (65% of all Solomon Island frogs) including all five endemic species, were found during our surveys of Choiseul Island. Most of the species were fairly widespread and abundant, however, four species (Discodeles bufoniformis, Palmatorrapia solomonis, Brachylodes trossulus and B. wolfi) were fairly restricted in their distribution. In addition, we found 20 reptile species during opportunistic surveys (30% of all Solomon Island reptiles Including four endemics). Important habitats on Choiseul Island based on frog species richness and abundance are mid-altitude rainforest (500?600 m), primary lowland rainforest and lowland coastal forest. Unfortunately, it is these habitats that are most threatened by logging operations on the island. In order to aid biodiversity conservation on Choiseul Island we recommend a number of activities including additional biodiversity surveys, increased community awareness and education about biodiversity and the impacts of logging, and the drawing up of a management plan including all terrestrial taxa for Choiseul Island forests.

A set of 94 variable charge soils (Oxisols and Ultisols) from humid tropical Queensland has been formed into three groups on the basis of their surface charge characteristics. Mean curves of basic cation exchange capacity (CECB) against pH, total cation exchange capacity (CECT) against pH, and anion exchange capacity (AEC) against pH for each group at various soil depths were derived, to describe the essential features of each group, designated as Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 soils. Type 1 soils have high CEC and low AEC, Type 2 soils have low CEC and low AEC, and Type 3 soils have low CEC and high AEC. A number of statistical devices were employed to illustrate the clear separation of the three groups. Additional Oxisol and Ultisol soils from southern China, Peru and the south-eastern United States were successfully allocated to our three groups, but this was not possible for some Andisols from Papua New Guinea. Aspects of possible different management requirements of each group are discussed.

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<p>Today, the Asia Pacific region is one among the fastest growing region in the world with strong economic growth. Due to globalization, world economy has undergone significant changes. While Europe’s economic growth has been slowing down, Asia Pacific’s consistently shows an impressive growth. In the next few years, the economic growth in the region will remain strong, in parallel with improving living standards in the region. With its huge population and strategic location, Asia Pacific offers many opportunities for countries outside the region to embark on collaboration and economic cooperation.</p><p>Papua and PNG are integral parts of Asia Pacific and play a strategic role in the region. Papua and PNG share commonalities in terms of economic development’s approaches. Both regions rely on extractive economies which depend on the exploitation of natural resources. Papua and PNG posses enormous and extraordinary biodiversity, unique to the region. But natural resource-based development has not only threatened but also undermined any effort to protect region’s diverse flora and fauna. With the emergence of Asia Pacific as a new economic powerhouse, the growth has transformed indigenous communities and their livelihood including their economic, cultural and social institutions as well as their relationship with their environment.</p><p>Moreover, although Papua and PNG are resource-rich regions, both have a substantial number of populations who live in poverty or extreme poverty. Income distribution in Papua and PNG demonstrates that there is a striking gap between the poor and the rich. On top of that, the provision of basic services such as education and healthcare is still unevenly distributed. While cities are generally well-served, some areas in the hinterland suffer from a lack of teachers and medical personnel. The fundamental challenges faced by Papua and PNG lie precisely in these aspects: economic, social, cultural and environmental.</p><p>Considering the importance of human development and biodiversity in Papua’s and Papua New Guinea’s contexts, efforts are needed to develop the region, while at the same time, to save and protect region’s immense diversity by improving the quality of life, promoting sustainable development in all sectors, preserving natural resources, and improving community awareness. Furthermore, there is a need to conduct more research and studies related to above mentioned components in order to support better development efforts in the region.</p><p>Papua and PNG have been collaborating in the education sector for a long period, which takes the form of research collaboration, student exchanges, seminars and symposia. This long standing collaboration has strengthened bilateral relations between Papua and PNG. This symposium has persist this tradition as well as add a new tone in the framework of knowledge sharing between educators in Papua, PNG and abroad by bringing together some crucial issues in social sciences and biodiversity in Papua and PNG. Additionally, this symposium is also an important moment for Cenderawasih University as the symposium will be held to commemorate the university’s 53rd anniversary and to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between Papua-Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.</p><p>Cenderawasih University was established on November 10th, 1962. Cenderawasih University is the oldest university in Papua and has committed to develop its human resources and determined to implement the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi or the Three Principles of Higher Education which focuses on education, research, and contribution to society. This momentum of holding International Conference on Social Sciences and Biodiversity of Papua and Papua New Guinea in Cenderawasih University was vital given that some distinguished experts are gathered from around the world presenting their finest research. We highly expect that this event had inspiring researchers who are interested in exploring further research on the social sciences and biodiversity around Papua and Papua New Guinea. </p>

[Truncated abstract] Globally, tropical rainforests are noted for their high biodiversity and key roles in carbon storage and influence on climate. Nevertheless, tropical deforestation in many parts of the world continues at an alarming rate. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), tropical rainforest is relatively well maintained, with about 70 % of the land area still covered by primary forest. However, PNG's native forests are coming under increasing pressure, particularly from selective logging for high quality timber. While the forests of PNG, and more broadly the entire New Guinea Island, are recognised as of high conservation and ecological significance, they remain grossly understudied with little knowledge of key ecosystem processes within lowland forests in particular. Such knowledge is urgently required if the impacts of logging and other land-use change are to be assessed and in order to develop sustainable management systems. This thesis investigated the impacts of logging on diversity and nutrient cycling in a lowland tropical rainforest growing on limestone soils in the area of the Mongi-Busiga Forest Management Agreement (FMA, which is a logging concession area), in northeastern PNG. These forests are on relatively young soils and provide a useful contrast to the majority of tropical forests. The research includes a four-year study of the recovery of diversity and structure after logging, and quantified forest structure, tree species diversity, forest biomass and productivity, and nutrient distribution and cycling. This thesis also examines the ecological sustainability of Eucalyptus deglupta plantations in Wasab, PNG as an alternative resource for timber and biomass energy. The thesis concludes with a discussion of long-term forest recovery and sustainable forest management in north-eastern PNG. Two adjacent one-hectare plots were established in lowland tropical rainforest at Mongi-Busiga FMA. One of these plots was subsequently selectively logged, one year after establishment. Before logging, the two one-hectare plots contained a total of 37 families, 70 genera and 110 tree species that were >5 cm in diameter at breast height. Mean basal area was 42.4 m2 ha-1. Two tree species, Madhuca leucodermis (Sapotaceae) and Pometia pinnata (Sapindaceae) accounted for ~60% of the total basal area. Gymnacranthera paniculata (Myristicaceae) was the most common species and accounted for 13% of individuals. ... This study concludes that the Mongi-Busiga forest has many unusual characteristics for a tropical forest, including relatively low diversity of tree species, high accumulation of P in the biomass, and N limitations, compared to other tropical rainforests. However, those extraordinary characteristics may be explained well by the underlying geology of young, marine-derived limestone. Sustainable management of the lowland tropical forests of PNG should consider the consequences of logging on nutrient cycling processes, with the possible significant removal of P from site with repeated logging, as well as the interactions between N and P in these systems. Establishment of Eucalyptus plantations on previously cleared land also has the potential to meet some of the timber and biomass energy requirements of northern PNG in ecologically sustainable manner.

This chapter examines a conservation and development project in Papua New Guinea in the mid-1990s. These projects were intended as alternatives to more destructive forms of resource extraction, including logging and mining. In this case, the four sociolinguistic groups living in the area could not agree on a shared agenda, forestalling the project. This suggests the importance of understanding regional history before establishing conservation areas. Although I correctly diagnosed the challenges facing implementation of the project, my desire for an alternative to destructive forms of development tempered my assessment of the project. In subsequent work, I began to focus on corporations responsible for environmental degradation.