Papua New Guinea Policy on Protected Areas

1.3.2 Role of National Government 38 Glossary, List of Acronyms 3-4

1.3.3 National Conservation Council 38 Forward: Minister for Environment &Conservation and Climate Change 5 1.3.4 Conservation and Environment Protection Agency (CEPA) 38 Endorsement: Secretary of the Department of Environment and Conservation 6 1.3.5 National Protected Area Round Table (NPART) 38 Executive Summary and outline of pillars 10

1.3.6 Other government departments I. Vision and Priciples 17 and agencies 39 II. Supporting pillars 17 1.3.7 Role of Provincial, District and Local Level Government 40 III. Guiding principles for the PNG Protected Area Network 20 1.3.8 Regional Protected Area Round Table 40 a) The PNG Protected Area Network is designed and managed for and by the 1.3.9 Working groups at Protected PNG people. 20 Area level 40 PNG Policy on Protected Areas b) Ecological design and management 1.3.10 Protected Area Management principles and practices are applied. 20 Boards and Committees 41 PAGE 8 c) A fair and thoughtful system 1.3.11 Civil Society partners 41 of management gives benefits 20

1.3.12 Industry 42 IV. The PNG Protected Area Network Policy 21

1.4 Legislative changes and amendments 42 a) What does the Policy do? 21 b) Where does the Policy fit in with international and national documents? 22 2 PILLAR TWO: Sustainable livelihoods for communities 44 V. Background and context 26

2.1 Introduction 44 c) What is a Protected Area? 26

2.2 Collaboration with customary d) Why are Protected Areas important landowners and communities in Protected for PNG? 26 Area establishment 44

2.3 Collaboration with communities in Protected Area management 45 1 PILLAR ONE: Protected Areas: Governance and 2.4 Community awareness and support 46 Management 28

2.4.1 Education systems and

1.1 The PNG Protected Area Network 28 environmental education 46

1.2 Building blocks for the PNG Protected 2.4.2 Research 46 Area Network 29

2.4.3 Traditional Ecological Knowledge 46

1.2.1 Classes of Protected Areas for PNG 30 2.5 Conflict resolution 47 3 PILLAR THREE: 5 PILLAR FIVE: Effective and adaptive biodiversity Sustainable and equitable financing for management 48 Protected Areas 70

3.1 The PNG Protected Area 5.1 Introduction and background 70 Network workforce 48

5.2 Financing Options 71

3.2 Establishing adaptive management systems 49 5.3 Principles for a sustainable financing of Protected Areas 71

3.3 Management planning 50

5.4 Protected Area Grants Program 71

3.4 Zoning 51 5.5 Conservation and benefit sharing agreements 71

3.5 Managing natural integrity on Protected Areas 52 References 72

3.6 Adequate and well-maintained Appendix 1: Protected Area proposal outline 73 infrastructure, facilities and equipment 53 Appendix 2: Existing Protected Areas in PNG 74 Wildlife Management Areas 74 4 PILLAR FOUR: Managing the PNG Protected Area Network 54 Conservation Areas 74 PNG Policy on Protected Areas

4.1 Introduction 54 National Parks 75

4.2 Guidelines for the building of the CARR Appendix 3: Roles of CEPA 76 Protected Area Network 55 FIGURES PAGE 9

4.3 Targets for the Protected Area Network 58 Figure 1: Framework for Papua New

4.4 Methodology and eco-regions Guinea’s National Protected Area Network 17 for selecting, assessing and prioritising Protected Areas 58 Figure 2: Relationship of the Policy on Protected Areas with other key policies

4.5 Preparation of proposals 63 and conventions 22 Assessment of proposals 63 Figure 3: The PNG Protected Area Network 29

4.6 Conversion of existing areas – the Table 4: Permitted uses in PNG protected areas 36 transition period 65 Figure 5: Adaptive management cycle. 49

4.7 Setting priorities for new Protected Areas 67 Figure 6: Zoning for one ward of the YUS Conservation Area. 51

4.8 Degazettal 67 Figure 7: Summary of the CARR system for

4.9 Papua New Guinea Tentative World building the protected area network 54 Heritage Areas 68 Figure 8: Areas of outstanding marine values

4.10 Proposed Protected Area – Torricelli “priority seascapes” in PNG. 61 Mountain Range 68 Figure 9: Process for preparing and evaluating protected area proposals 64 Figure 10: Transitional arrangements for existing protected areas 66 EXECUTIVE The Policy is built on five pillars for an effective protected area network: SUMMARY 1. Protected Areas, This Policy on Protected Areas (the Policy) has Governance and Management been developed by the Government of Papua New Guinea to support the development 2. Sustainable livelihoods for communities and management of a National Protected Area Network in Papua New Guinea (PNG). 3. Effective and adaptive It will guide communities, organizations biodiversity management and agencies to harmonise their efforts in a structured and logical approach to the 4. Managing the Protected Area network sustainability of existing and the development of new protected areas. The Policy offers a 5. Sustainable and equitable blueprint based on international and national financing for Protected Area’s obligations and international best practice – but tailored to the unique context of PNG. The pillars each have desired outcomes and objectives, and are supported by The PNG Government’s mandate for a foundation of the PNG constitution, this Policy derives directly from the 4th its Goals and Directive Principles. Goal of the National Constitution and its Directive Principles, which states that: Guiding Principles for the Policy on Protected Areas are: “Papua New Guinea’s natural resources and environment should be conserved and đ
The PNG Protected Area Network is designed and managed PNG Policy on Protected Areas used for all and should be replenished for for and by the PNG people. the benefit of ourselves and prosperity of the environment and its sacred, scenic and đ
Ecological design and management historical qualities for future generations”. principles and practices are applied. PAGE 10 A number of national policies provide part đ
A fair and thoughtful system of of the framework underpinning the Policy management gives benefits to all. on Protected Areas, including the explicit commitment to environmental sustainability contained in PNG Vision 2050, the New Strategic Directions (2007) which provides for decentralisation of plans and strategies, The National Strategy for Responsible Sustainable Development for PNG (2014), the PNG Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030, the Environment Act (2000), Conservation Area Act (1978) and the Mid- Term Development Plan 2011-2015. International agreements also influence this Policy. As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), PNG has committed by 2020 to establish a “comprehensive, effectively managed and ecologically-representative national system of protected areas” including specific targets of coverage of land and sea by protected areas. The vision for the PNG Protected Area Network is “Our protected area network across land and sea safeguards our precious and outstanding natural and cultural heritage. Together we manage these areas effectively for all the people of Papua New Guinea.” Pi) ~ Ill] P I L L A R đ
Ensure CEPA supports the PNG Protected - Area Network with adequate funding ONE: and staff capacity, competent leadership structure, functioning policies and PROTECTED AREAS: operational systems. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT đ
Deliver improved scope and support for volunteers, mentors and partners to work Desired outcomes: with governments and communities in protected area management. The PNG Protected Area Network consists of a range of protected area types, which form The PNG Protected Area Network will be the cornerstone of an integrated approach comprised of two groups of protected areas: to conserve nature and provide resilience đ
National Protected Areas including to climate change on both land and sea. National Parks (NP), Marine Sanctuaries (MS), National Heritage Areas (NHA) The Network is established and governed to and Special Management Areas (SMA). conserve the country’s outstanding biodiversity These areas will be gazetted under and provide benefits for local communities, national legislation. customary landowners and all our people. đ
Regional Protected Areas include The Network is built and managed Community Conservation Areas (CCA) with free prior and informed consent and Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA). of customary landowners. These areas will be gazetted through provincial government legislation. PNG Policy on Protected Areas National, Provincial, District and Local Level Governments provide effective legislation, PNG’s new Protected Area Classification policy and institutional support and assist System (Table 1) reflects the IUCN category with capacity development and practical system tailored to suit the PNG context. It PAGE 11 management for all protected areas. includes protected areas owned and managed by customary landowners, all levels of Local, National and International partners government, NGOs and private companies, assist with management, sustainable and incorporates both marine and terrestrial financial and practical support, areas. Recognizing the extensive customary including training and mentoring. ownership of land and near shore waters in PNG, protected areas of any type will be Objectives: gazetted only after formal Conservation and Benefit Sharing Agreements with the ‘on the đ
Establish the legal and institutional ground’ customary landowners are established. framework for effective management and governance of the PNG Protected Area International designations may include Network. any kind of protected area entirely or may đ
Ensure this framework becomes fully overlap with them. Subject to the wishes of operational with clear lines of responsibility the customary landowners, it is desirable and high standards of governance, that Ramsar sites, World Heritage Areas accountability and reporting. and the core area of any future Biosphere Reserves are covered by one or more of đ
Ensure effective arrangements are in the protected areas listed in this policy. place for national, provincial, district and local level governments, communities Strong and accountable governance will including customary landowners, on- rely on clear and effective institutional ground protected area managers and arrangements, and cooperation among other partners work in cooperation. government agencies at all levels. This is critical for the establishment and effective đ
Support customary landowners in their management of the Protected Area Network. initiatives to establish effective protected areas on their lands. Table 1: Protected area classes for PNG Revision as necessary of legislation listed below that currently deals with protected areas: IUCN Class Group category đ
Conservation Area Act (1978) National Park (NP) II National đ
Fauna (Protection and Control) Act 1966; National Heritage and III National Area (NHA) đ
Environment Act (2000) and related Special Manage- regulations IV National ment Area (SMA) Community đ
Resource Sector Acts (Mining, Petroleum Conservation V Regional & Energy, Fisheries, National Seas, National Area (CCA) Maritime and Safety, Forestry, Lands, Agriculture, National Planning, Monitoring Locally Managed and Office of Urbanization, Ports, Harbours) Marine Area V Regional (LMMA) đ
Torres Straits Treaty and other Marine Sanctuary IV (with International Border Treaties National (MS) zones) Complementary legislation will also consider how declared and proposed protected The Policy outlines roles and responsibilities for: areas are excluded from extractive resource activities and other incompatible uses. đ
National Executive Council (NEC) Changes are recommended to the Organic PNG Policy on Protected Areas đ
National Conservation Council (NCC) Law on Provincial Governments and Local- level Governments Act to complement đ
Conservation and Environment Protection the new protected areas legislation, to Authority (CEPA) enable provincial governments to declare PAGE 12 and gazette regional protected areas. đ
National Protected Area Round Table (NPART) đ
Other government agencies đ
Provincial, District and Local Level Governments đ
Regional Protected Area Round Table (RPART) đ
Protected Area Management Boards, Committees and working groups đ
Civil society partners, inclusive of international environment NGOs đ
Industry Existing legislation facilitating the gazettal of terrestrial protected areas includes the Fauna (Protection and Control) Act 1966 and the Conservation Areas Act 1978 and the National Parks Act which was repealed in 2014. However, there is no legislation governing marine protected areas in the current Acts, and this Policy will provide the basis for a legislation that would cover all aspects associated with terrestrial and marine protected areas. • [II] P I L L A R đ
Develop Conservation and Benefit - TWO: SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS FOR COMMUNITIES Sharing Agreements with customary landowners for all protected areas Governments (National, Provincial, District and Local), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders (e.g. NGOs and customary landowners) will develop transparent processes Desired outcome: to establish Conservation and Benefit Sharing Agreements to enable the establishment of In recognition of the PNG Constitution, protected areas on customary lands. These customary practices for enhancing and agreements will take account of the biodiversity protecting the environment and traditional and the diversity of social and cultural livelihoods are strengthened through protected practices. They will identify the roles and area establishment and management. responsibilities of the customary landowners in the establishment, implementation The support and enthusiasm of customary and monitoring of the protected area. landowners for protected areas are nurtured and encouraged through government Support will be built at the local recognition and through practical assistance. level, and sufficient resources will be provided to customary landowners (by Objectives: a range of stakeholders) to enhance community awareness of protected đ
Ensure that local arrangements areas, their values and management. governing use of natural resources in protected areas are fair and sustainable, PNG Policy on Protected Areas The government, in collaboration with and continue to support traditional all relevant stakeholders, will develop livelihoods. procedures that avoid or minimise conflicts between and among stakeholders. PAGE 13 đ
Build capacity, support and empower communities, customary landowners and protected area staff to sustainably manage the protected areas. (§We) ~ [II] P I L L A R Maintaining natural integrity, cultural values - THREE: EFFECTIVE AND ADAPTIVE BIODIVERSIT Y MANAGEMENT and natural landscapes and seascapes across time is the highest priority of protected area management, along with delivering sustainable benefits to customary landowners. Adaptive management will be developed and implemented with a robust information Desired outcome: base for decision making, a national Protected Areas and Proposals database Effective and adaptive biodiversity management and reporting systems to ensure quality supports the network and ensures that information, including spatial information. the values of the protected areas are maintained to the highest possible extent. Management effectiveness of protected areas will be evaluated regularly and improvements Objectives: put into place based on assessment results. đ
Develop and apply policies for biodiversity Management planning plays an important management planning, monitoring and role in PNG protected areas as part of an reporting, natural and cultural resource adaptive management system and for building management, and law enforcement. consensus among stakeholders and managers. The emphasis will be on a good planning đ
Effectively manage activities on protected process. A requirement for planning will areas including biodiversity protection, compatible development, recreation, be built into legislation for protected areas. research and traditional use. Different protected area types and zones will PNG Policy on Protected Areas be managed on land and sea according to đ
Evaluate management effectiveness the values of management plans, zoning and every three years to demonstrate the conservation agreements for that area. successes and challenges for each PAGE 14 protected area PNG. đ
Ensure protected area management is well resourced, efficient and effective, with capable, knowledgeable and helpful staff. Pi) ~ [II] P I L L A R and agreement of the customary landowners. - FOUR: MANAGING THE PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK Desired outcome: Support from NGOs will also be critical. Within and across all protected area types, special zones may be declared to give greater flexibility and guidance. These can be declared by legislation on gazettal, by a management plan or by agreement signed between the customary landowners, The PNG Protected Area Network is relevant to the government and, if appropriate, other the PNG people, represents the diversity of life, stakeholders. National Marine Sanctuaries will landscapes and seascapes, and forms a well- include statutory zones of categories II-V. connected, adequate and resilient system. Objectives: đ
Establish a PNG Protected Area Network according to the guiding principles and the range of reserve types outlined in this Policy. đ
Establish a relevant, comprehensive, adequate, representative and resilient PNG Protected area Network according to the range of reserve types and network design principles established in this Policy. PNG Policy on Protected Areas đ
Build upon traditional management and traditional ecological knowledge. PAGE 15 đ
Ensure a smooth transition from the 2014 protected area types to the updated Network, with no loss of values. The development of the expanded protected area network in PNG will be guided by the following principles: đ
Relevance to the customary landowners đ
Representation of biodiversity đ
Viability into the future. A robust scientific basis will be used to define protected areas where investment priorities can be applied as well as consensus of community’s priorities on land and marine planning. An efficient and effective process will be developed for the legal establishment and gazettal of the National Protected Area Network, including the process for negotiating new protected areas with customary landowners and other stakeholders. This will include conversion of existing areas and establishment of new areas. It will allow for de-gazettal where existing areas do not meet the new standards. No new areas will become protected areas without the support ._.6) [D] PF II V LLAR Each protected area will require annual budgets for development and implementation - E: SUSTAINABLE A N D E Q U I TA BL E F IN A N C IN G F O R PROTECTED AREAS of management plans (including capital and recurrent expenditure), and to support the customary landowners in their management of the protected areas. Through a diversified mix of conventional funding sources (e.g., budgetary allocations, Desired outcome: overseas development assistance) and innovative funding sources (e.g. payments for Sustainable and equitable financing offsets and ecosystem services, trust funds supports the Protected Area Network and green taxes), PNG can achieve stable and sufficient long-term financial resources to Objectives: support their conservation area networks. A sustainable financing mechanism for protected đ
Develop and implement a Biodiversity areas management should be developed Trust Fund to support the Protected Area that would include multiple strategies for Network through mechanisms such as acquiring funding, including budgetary biodiversity and ecosystem services offsets, Payment for Environmental Services (PES), support, grant funding, fines, and user fees green contributions such as levies and for extractive and non-extractive use. taxes, and donations and philanthropic contributions. Work on an offsets policy and sustainable financing through a Biodiversity Trust đ
Develop small grant programs to Fund is being progressed and will PNG Policy on Protected Areas deliver funding directly to support local complement and operationalize this policy. communities in the establishment and A coordinated and long-term investment management of protected areas strategy will support protected areas and their management, incorporating PAGE 16 Adequate and reliable financial resources innovative and effective mechanisms will be needed for effective designation and for funding biodiversity conservation, management of protected areas in PNG. such as market-based instruments. I. VISION & 11.SUPPORTING PRINCIPLES PILLARS FOR PNG’S PROTECTED AREAS The supporting pillars of the vision are The vision for the PNG Protected Area Network briefly outlined here and are discussed is “Our protected area network across in more detail in Sections one to five. land and sea safeguards our precious and outstanding natural and cultural heritage. PILLAR ONE: PROTECTED Together we manage these areas effectively AREAS: GOVERNANCE for all the people of Papua New Guinea.” AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS The vision supports the PNG 2050 vision for a smart, fair, wise, healthy and happy community. Desired Outcomes: The vision is supported by five pillars for an The PNG Protected Area Network consists of effective protected area system in PNG, with a range of protected area types which form the Constitution as its foundation (Figure 1). the cornerstone of an integrated approach to conserve nature and provide resilience to climate change on both land and sea. The Network is established and governed to conserve the country’s outstanding biodiversity and provide benefits for local communities, customary landowners and all our people. PNG Policy on Protected Areas Figure 1: Framework for Papua New Guinea’s National Protected Area Network PAGE 17 PNG PROTECTED AREA NETWORK Our protected area network across land and sea safeguards our precious and outstanding natural and cultural heritage. Together we manage these areas effectively for all the people of Papua New Guinea. A network for and by Ecological design A fair and thoughtful system PNG people and management of management Five pillars supporting the vision - - - - - •••••••• PILLAR ONE Protected •••••••• PILLAR TWO Sustainable •••••••• PILLAR THREE Effective •••••••• PILLAR FOUR Managing •••••••• PILLAR FIVE Sustainable Areas: livelihoods and the and equitable Governance for adaptive Protected financing for and communities biodiversity Area Protected Management management network Areas PNG Constitution, its Goals and Directive Principles The Network is built and managed protecting the environment and traditional with free prior and informed consent livelihoods are strengthened through protected of customary landowners. area establishment and management. National, Provincial, District and Local Level The support and enthusiasm of customary Governments provide effective legislation, landowners for protected areas are nurtured policy and institutional support and assist and encouraged through government with capacity development and practical recognition and through practical assistance. management for all protected areas. Objectives: Local, National and International partners assist with sustainable financial and đ
Ensure that local arrangements governing practical support, including capacity use of natural resources in protected areas building, training and mentoring. are fair and sustainable and continue to support traditional livelihoods. Objectives: đ
Train, support and empower communities, Establish the legal and institutional framework customary landowners and protected area for effective management and governance staff to sustainably manage the protected of the PNG Protected Area Network. areas. đ
Ensure this framework becomes fully đ
Develop Conservation and Benefit operational with clear lines of responsibility Sharing Agreements with customary and high standards of governance, landowners for all protected areas to accountability and reporting. formalise the management arrangements and benefits. PNG Policy on Protected Areas đ
Ensure effective arrangements are in place for National, Provincial, District and Local Level Governments, communities PILLAR THREE: EFFECTIVE PAGE 18 including customary landowners, on- ground protected area managers and other AND ADAPTIVE BIODIVERSIT Y partners work in cooperation. MANAGEMENT đ
Support customary landowners in their Desired Outcomes: initiatives to establish effective protected areas on their land and seas . Effective and adaptive biodiversity management supports the network and ensures that đ
Ensure CEPA supports the PNG Protected the biodiversity of the protected areas are Area Network with adequate funding maintained to the highest possible extent. and staff capacity, competent leadership Biodiversity with traditional culture are structure, functioning policies and imperative to the sustainability of any protected operational systems. area within PNG. It is therefore essential that these elements make up the backbone of đ
Deliver improved scope and support for this policy i.e. are one of the policy’s pillars. volunteers, mentors and partners to work with governments and communities in Objectives: protected area management. Members of the Protected Area Network should include đ
Develop and apply policies for biodiversity CEPA, NGOs, CBOs, in-situ and ex-situe management planning, monitoring and developers/industry and representatives reporting, natural and cultural resource from existing Protected Areas. management, and law enforcement. đ
Effectively manage activities on protected areas including compatible development, PILLAR TWO: LIVELIHOODS recreation, research and traditional use. FOR COMMUNITIES đ
Evaluate management effectiveness every Desired Outcomes: three years to demonstrate the successes and challenges for each protected area In recognition of the PNG Constitution, in PNG. customary practices for enhancing and đ
Ensure protected area management is Protected area Network according to the well-resourced, efficient and effective, range of reserve types and network design with capable, knowledgeable and principles established in this Policy. dedicated staff. đ
Ensure a smooth transition from the 2014 protected area types to the updated Network, with no loss of values. PILLAR FOUR: MANAGING THE PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK Desired Outcomes: PILLAR FIVE: SUSTAINABLE AND EQUITABLE FINANCING The PNG Protected Area Network FOR PROTECTED AREAS establishes strong rules and regulations, as part of policy and incorporated into the Desired Outcomes: appropriate acts, for existing Protected Areas, proposed Protected Areas and areas Sustainable and equitable financing supports wanting to become Protected Areas. the stakeholders of the Protected Areas and the Protected Area Network. Protected The PNG Protected Area Network is relevant to Areas should be regarded as a benchmark the PNG people, represents the diversity of life, for Payment for Environmental Services landscapes and seascapes, and forms a well- (PES) and climate change. Protected connected, adequate and resilient system. Areas will provide ongoing results from research in terms of climate change The PNG Protected Area Network will trends and shifts whilst demonstrating the highest level for biodiversity offsets. PNG Policy on Protected Areas directly liaise with Protected Area groups, landowners and communities at the designated sites – not via representatives in Objectives: Provincial Capitals or the National Capital. PAGE 19 đ
Develop, implement and manage a Objectives: Biodiversity Trust Fund to support the stakeholders of Protected Areas and đ
Establish an enabling technical unit to the Protected Areas Network such as manage, monitor and report on the PNG Biodiversity/Ecosystem offsets, Green and Protected Network. Blue contributions (levies & taxes), and donations đ
Set strong rules & regulations through the PNG Protected Area Network on Protected đ
Develop small, medium & large grant Areas. programs to deliver funding to support and build sustainability of the Protected Areas đ
The PNG Protected Area Network to meet of PNG regularly electronically & bi-annually đ
Incorporate Protected Areas into đ
Existing Protected Areas to be audited/ Government structures for funding projects checked, via the Criteria, every three years. and capacity building đ
Build upon traditional management and đ
Work with the NGO (Local & traditional ecological knowledge. International) sectors to gain support, recognition & assistance. đ
New Protected Areas to be stringently assessed via field visits, stakeholder đ
A strong framework is essential for this meetings, LLG, Provincial and National policy to hold. This network should include Government meetings. Criteria set and staff from CEPA, DPI, Health etc. and assessed once all the above have been members from NGOs, CBOs, corporate approved. Establish a PNG Protected Area and Universities Network according to the guiding principles and the range of reserve types outlined in this Policy. đ
Establish a relevant, comprehensive, adequate, representative and resilient PNG III. GUIDING heard when decisions are made about the future of land. PRINCIPLES đ
The needs of future generations FOR THE PNG are considered, and the capacity and PROTECTED awareness of young people are nurtured in the development of the enhanced AREA NETWORK protected area network. This Policy recognises the following b) Ecological design and management guiding principles. principles and practices are applied. a) The PNG Protected Area Network is designed đ
Biodiversity is best conserved in its natural and managed for and by the PNG people. environment and by protecting nature at all levels: genetic, species and community. đ
The PNG Protected Area Network is a Preventing habitat loss and damage is critical part of our nation’s identity into the first priority and is much more cost- the future, and the cornerstone of PNG’s effective and less risky than recovery and biodiversity conservation strategy. Its restoration. development and management are based on PNG’s specific needs and circumstances, đ
All resource use and development on though we draw on international examples protected areas will be sustainable – that and guidance and meet international is, will remain within the capacity of the obligations. protected area to support and maintain these activities indefinitely. đ
Approximately 92% of PNG is in PNG Policy on Protected Areas customary land ownership and the đ
We will design and manage the PNG customary landowners are managers and Protected Area Network to be resilient to owners of most existing protected areas. the impacts of climate change and other We recognise and support the importance threats. Research and monitoring being PAGE 20 of biodiversity to traditional cultures, the pivotal here. experience and wisdom of landowners and communities in living sustainably on đ
Protected areas are part of the wider land and sea, and the values of the landscape, seascape and flyways. Habitat people’s contribution to conservation. connectivity is vital. We work to maintain Customary landowners and communities ecosystem integrity and ecological process are fully involved in all decisions relating such as water flows and food chains across to their lands and seas, with free prior the land and sea. informed consent. đ
We make decisions based on science, đ
PNG’s protected areas are a priceless evidence and information, including resource for local communities and scientific data, results of scientific research, customary landholders, for the nation and and traditional ecological knowledge. for the world. Their protection is a shared Where there is a lack of information, we responsibility. People and institutions that strive to avoid or minimise the possibility of benefit from protected areas contribute harm, especially where impacts could be to the costs of management and serious or permanent. conservation, and pay for costs of degradation of these areas. đ
Ecological, economic, social and cultural conditions are constantly evolving, and đ
Governments at all levels, communities policy and management responses and customary landowners, non- will adapt to that change, through government organisations (NGOs) and continuous improvement and innovation. industries are partners in protected Monitoring and evaluation is an integral area management and work together to part of implementing of this policy, and sustainably manage their resources. our management will be adaptive and responsive. đ
Processes of selection and management of protected areas recognise the c) A fair and thoughtful system of management contribution, rights and roles of women, gives benefits to all and ensure that the voices of women are đ
Protected areas are managed to enhance sustainable livelihoods of customary landholders and other I V. T HE P N G community members. PROTECTED đ
The values of protected areas and of AREA NETWORK the goods and services they provide are recognised by all, and are taken into POLICY account in the design and implementation of management arrangements. “Papua New Guinea’s natural đ
All partners including governments, resources and environment should communities and NGOs take all measures to ensure that this policy and its enabling be conserved and used for the legislation are adequately implemented collective benefit of all and should be and enforced replenished for future generations” 4th Goal of the National Constitution đ
Other relevant legislation, policies and instruments will be linked to and harmonised with the Policy on Protected Areas. đ
There will be fairness, transparency and accountability in the formulation, adoption Well-governed and effectively and implementation of this Policy. managed protected areas are a proven method for safeguarding both đ
Currently clans manage their environ- habitats and populations of species and PNG Policy on Protected Areas mental resources with no outside funding for delivering important ecosystem usually. As custodians of the environment services. Particular emphasis is and not negatively impacting on the needed to protect critical ecosystems legacy of the future generations, future such as tropical coral reefs, sea- PAGE 21 generations legacy they will leave things in grass beds, deepwater cold coral as best shape as possible. Money needs to reefs, seamounts, tropical forests, be invested into community development, education and capacity building before peatlands, freshwater ecosystems and being considered to be disbursed to coastal wetlands. Additionally, there customary landowners and communities. is a need for increased attention to the representivity, connectivity and đ
The Foundation stone is establishing management effectiveness of protected and maintaining responsible areas”. see https://www.cbd.int/sp/) custodianship principles. CEPA is committed to establishing the PNG Protected Area Network to conserve the country’s unique biological and cultural diversity and contribute to protection of local livelihoods. a) What does the Policy do? The Policy will guide PNG in the development of a legislative and institutional framework for this national network. It provides guidelines for selecting, designing and managing protected areas across PNG. This Policy: đ
Covers PNG’s entire terrestrial and marine environment including internal waters, the territorial sea (coastline to 12 nautical miles) and the exclusive economic zone (12 to 200 nautical miles). đ
Directly addresses protection of historic đ
Vision 2050, New Strategic Directions or cultural heritage, and the non-extractive (2007) which provides for decentralisation use and values as well as research of plans and strategies. or recreational opportunities using appropriate protected area models đ
The National Biodiversity Action Strategy and regulations and Action Plan (2007) that is a road-map to the sustainable use and management đ
Includes World Heritage, Ramsar and of the country’s biological resources, and other international declarations. assists PNG in meeting some its obligations under the CBD. đ
Covers the processes through which government, at all levels, will declare đ
PNG Development Strategic Plan (DSP) new Protected Areas, which will be 2010-2030 that elaborates how PNG can registered as part of the National become a prosperous, middle income Protected Areas Network. country by 2030. đ
Complements other legislations’ đ
Medium Term Development Plan 2011- requirements for maintaining and 2015 that is five year rolling development sustaining biodiversity. plan providing a clear, accountable plan for investment and sets the sector strategies, đ
Does not seek to manage the sustainable targets, deliverables and their projected use of fisheries, forestry or other natural estimate cost to implement. resources outside protected areas. đ
The National Strategy for Responsible b) Where does the Policy fit in with Sustainable Development for PNG 2014. international and national documents? PNG Policy on Protected Areas Apart from the clear mandate from the National Constitution, a number of national policies provide a supportive policy PAGE 22 framework for this Policy on Protected Areas, including the explicit commitmet to environmental sustainability contained in: Figure 2: Relationship of the Policy on Protected Areas with other key policies and conventions PNG Constitution Strategic Vision 2050 Biodiversity Action Strategy and Action Plan PNG Marine Program on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security Development Strategic Plan and Medium Term Development Plan National Protected Area Policy National protected area International conventions implementation plan and agreements Table 2: National guiding strategies relevant to the Policy on Protected Areas National Guiding Objectives and strategies relevant to the Policy Document PNG Constitution đ
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Program on Coral marine environment, including targets and goals for Reefs, Fisheries establishment of the marine protected area network. and Food Security National Plan of Action 2014-2017 Table 3: International agreements influencing the Policy on Protected Areas International Points relevant to the Policy Agreement Convention Article 8 on ‘in-situ biodiversity conservation’ commits PNG to on Biological establish and manage a system of protected areas, and to ensure Diversity (CBD) that traditional lifestyles linked to the land are also protected. Strategic Plan for Target 11 states that “By 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial and in land Biodiversity 2010 water areas and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially -2020 was agreed areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem to in 2010 (CBD services. These are to be conserved through effectively and equitably COP 10 Decision managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems X/2 2010) of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascape.” Programme of đ
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area systems. Emphasising a bottom-up approach with communities. Nagoya Protocol The Nagoya Protocol create greater legal certainty and transparency on Access to for both providers and users of genetic resources by: Genetic Resources and the Fair đ
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Arising from their leave the contracting party providing the genetic resources Utilization (ABS) to the Convention on By helping to ensure benefit-sharing, the Nagoya Protocol creates incentives Biological Diversity to conserve and sustainably use genetic resources, and therefore enhances the contribution of biodiversity to development and human well-being. United Nations Protected areas of all types contribute significantly to preventing Convention and reversing land degradation, which is the focus of the on Combating convention. Habitat restoration to be addressed. Desertification (UNCCD) Table 3 continued International Points relevant to the Policy Agreement United Nations Protected areas will play important roles in relation to climate change: Framework in storing greenhouse gases and preventing further emissions through Convention on QSFWFOUJOH
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Climate Change communities against the effects of sea level rise and increased (UNFCCC) climatic events. Data and information gathered for the establishment of Protected Areas are also highly useful to and compliment other key agencies involved in delivering PNG’s UNFCCC obligations. Convention on PNG has also been a party to the Ramsar Convention since 1993: two Wetlands of Wetlands of International Importance have been declared but there is International potential for more to be designated with the expansion of the Protected Area Importance Network. Ramsar is concerned not only with designated Ramsar sites but with (The Ramsar “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national Convention on actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving Wetlands) sustainable development throughout the world”. Wetlands include all kinds of permanent and temporary areas of inundation from peat swamps and highland streams to coral reefs and estuaries. As such many potential and existing Protected Areas should relate to the Ramsar Convention. Convention There is currently one existing World Heritage Area in PNG, while PNG Policy on Protected Areas Concerning the another seven proposed areas are on the “tentative” list. Protection of the World Cultural and All properties inscribed on the World Heritage List must have adequate PAGE 25 Natural Heritage long- term legislative, regulatory, institutional and/or traditional (World Heritage protection and management to ensure their safeguarding. This Convention) protection should include adequately delineated boundaries. Similarly States Parties should demonstrate adequate protection at the national, regional, municipal, and/ or traditional level for the nominated property. Convention on As a signatory to this Convention, PNG is required under to protect the Protection of and preserve rare or fragile ecosystems and depleted, threatened or Natural Resources endangered flora and fauna, as well as their habitat (Article 14). As part of and Environment this obligation PNG must establish and effectively manage protected areas. of the South Pacific Region (PNRESP) Coral Triangle The CTI-CFF is a multilateral partnership between the Initiative on governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Coral Reefs, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste. Fisheries and Food Security (CTI) At the Leader’s Summit in 2009, these governments agreed to adopt a 10- year CTI Regional Plan of Action to safeguard the region’s marine and coastal biological resources. The RPOA has five goals: strengthening the management of seascapes; promoting an ecosystem approach to fisheries management; establishing and improving effective management of marine protected areas; improving coastal community resilience to climate change; and protecting threatened species. V. BACKGROUND đ
Maintain in perpetuity the values for which it was assigned AND CONTEXT đ
Operate under the guidance of a management plan, and a monitoring and evaluation programme that supports The internationally accepted adaptive management definition of a protected area developed by the IUCN after extensive đ
Possess a clear, effective and equitable consultation is “a clearly defined governance system geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed, through d) Why are protected areas important for PNG? legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation The values and diversity of both natural and of nature with associated ecosystem cultural systems of PNG are exceptionally services and cultural values” high by international standards, and it is a global priority for conservation action. (Dudley 2008 p.8) PNG’s Protected Area Network will be a critical component of the global protected area system for conservation of plant and animals communities on land and sea, and for protection of living cultures still “The island of New Guinea supports linked to the natural world, and diversity an estimated 5-9% of the world’s of languages and traditions. Benefits to terrestrial biodiversity in less than the world from assured conservation of a representative and well-connected and PNG Policy on Protected Areas 1% of the land area (Mittermeir et. al. 1998, Myers et al. 2000). It managed protected area system are clear. contains the world’s third largest contiguous area of tropical rainforest Climate change is a major threat to PAGE 26 and habitats ranging from alpine livelihoods in PNG. Protected areas can grasslands to cloud forests to contribute to the defence against climate lowland wet tropical forests, swamps change in many ways, such as: and dry sclerophyll woodlands” đ
mitigating its effects through maintaining (Lipsett- Moore, Game et al. 2010). intact forests and thus storing carbon; and đ
helping in adaptation, by providing a buffering effect from climatic extremes, and reducing the impact of sea level rise c) What is a protected area? along coastlines by maintaining natural vegetation. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommends that all protected Protected Areas can be the basis of sustainable areas, of whatever type, should aim to: livelihoods for the customary landowners, through supported local land use planning đ
Conserve the composition, structure, which sets out and protects the landowners’ function and evolutionary potential agreed areas for food production; access of biodiversity to forest, grassland, freshwater and marine resources; and conservation areas. đ
Contribute to regional conservation strategies (as core reserves, buffer zones, Protected Areas keep options open for corridors, stepping-stones for migratory future generations, by conserving samples species etc.) of the landscapes and seascapes with their plants, animals and cultural stories intact. đ
Maintain diversity of landscape or habitat Once these places are lost or degraded and of associated species and be of it is very difficult and expensive – or sufficient size to ensure the integrity and impossible – to fully restore them. long-term maintenance of the specified conservation targets or be capable of being increased to achieve this end PNG is part of the ‘Coral Triangle’ – centre of diversity for corals and other marine life. In PNG over 7000 square km of reef have been mapped, with more than 500 species of coral. The coral reefs and associated marine habitat are home to about 2800 species of fishes, about 10% of the world total Some 44 species of mangrove have been recorded, providing vital breeding grounds for marine life. Source: Coral Triangle Atlas Through the protection and management of water catchments they provide long- term security of fresh and usable water. Other ‘ecosystem services’ include lessening the impacts of disasters such PNG Policy on Protected Areas as floods, cyclones and tidal events. Marine and freshwater Protected Areas can play a very important role in keeping fishing PAGE 27 sustainable, by protecting nursery grounds and ensuring that harvesting of fish and other aquatic animals is sustainable and that at least some of the area is reserved for exclusive use by customary landowners. Protected areas on land can also provide a long-term supply of foods and other resources to customary landowners. Livelihoods and economic development can also be developed based on conservation, research and tourism, especially in areas which are marginal in their ability to produce other goods and services. Employment in Protected Area management can provide meaningful work and a way of learning about and becoming connected to the land and sea, both for customary landowners and for support people in offices and cities. Protected Areas could form the backbone of future research and university partnerships in PNG. Appropriate amendments to the issuing of research permits will mean a greater respect both the nature and the culture of the country. w ~ [D] P I L L A R đ
Ensure CEPA supports the PNG Protected - ONE: PROTECTED AREAS: GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Area Network with adequate funding and staff capacity, competent leadership structure, functioning policies and operational systems. Deliver improved scope and support for volunteers, mentors and partners to Desired outcomes: work with governments and communities in Protected Area management. The PNG Protected Area Network consists of a range of Protected Area types, which form the cornerstone of an integrated approach to conserve nature and provide resilience 1.1 THE PNG PROTECTED to climate change on both land and sea. AREA NETWORK The Network is established and governed to Under this Policy and legislation to be conserve the country’s outstanding biodiversity developed, a world-class Protected Area and provide benefits for local communities, Network will be established. The network customary landowners and all our people. will be based on international Protected Area principles, i.e. IUCN. Guidelines are to National, Provincial, District and Local Level be applied and adapted to be appropriate, Governments provide effective legislation, beneficial and workable in the social, policy and institutional support and assist cultural and political environment of PNG. with capacity development and practical PNG Policy on Protected Areas management for all protected areas. As 92% of PNG’s land and 90% of near-shore marine areas are either owned or used by The Network is built and managed with customary landowners, the PNG Protected free prior and informed consent by Area Network can be built only with their full PAGE 28 customary landowners and communities. involvement, support and cooperation. Many customary landowner and communities in Local, National and International partners assist PNG – both men and women - are keen to with sustainable financial and practical support, establish and manage protected areas on including training, education, capacity building, their lands and waters, to ensure that future community development and mentoring. generations still enjoy the benefits of healthy and properly managed natural resources. Objectives: All aspects of building the network will be in partnership with communities, thus ensuring đ
Establish the legal and institutional that the network supports their livelihoods framework for effective management and and natural resource sustainability. governance of the PNG Protected Area Network. A range of Protected Area types will make up the PNG Protected Area Network, as đ
Ensure this framework becomes fully shown in Figure 3 and outlined in Table 4. operational with clear lines of responsibility and high standards of governance, Legislative responsibility for the PNG Protected accountability and reporting. Area Network will be a shared responsibility among different levels of government and đ
Ensure effective arrangements are in place for National, Provincial, District and other sectors. The National Government Local Level Governments, communities will have primary legislative responsibility for including customary landowners, on- some of the most critical and iconic areas, ground protected area managers and other including World Heritage Areas, Ramsar sites, partners work in cooperation. Special Management Areas, National Parks and National Marine Sanctuaries. Other protected đ
Support customary landowners in their areas will be managed under legislation initiatives to establish effective protected created at Provincial, District and Local Level. areas on their lands. Protected Area types for PNG outlined in Table 4 will all be recognised in national legislation, and all Protected Areas created International designations




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3FTFSWFT International reporting International agreements PNG PROTECTED AREA NETWORK All protected areas are defined and have head of Reporting power in national legislation Reporting National Protected Areas Regional Protected Areas Gazetted at National level with Gazetted at Provincial level or National level regulations LLG level, with regulations from Local legislation National Park (NP) Funding support, Community Conservation National Heritage Area (NHA) standards, Area (CCA) capacity Special Management Area (SMA) building Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) National Marine Sanctuary (NMS) PNG Policy on Protected Areas Management planning Figure 3: The PNG Protected Area Network PAGE 29 Management zones - for example





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in these classes will be included in the 1.2 BUILDING BLOCKS FOR PNG Protected Area Network Register. THE PNG PROTECTED AREA NETWORK The PNG Protected Area Network will thus be comprised of two groups of protected areas: A Protected Area is “a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated đ
National Protected Areas including: and managed, through legal or other effective National Parks (NP), Marine Sanctuaries means, to achieve the long-term conservation (MS), National Heritage Areas (NHA) and of nature with associated ecosystem services Special Management Areas (SMA). These and cultural values” (Dudley 2008 p.8) areas will be gazetted under national legislation; and The IUCN guideline states that “only those areas where the main objective is conserving nature đ
Regional protected areas include can be considered protected areas; this can Community Conservation Areas (CCA) and Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA). include areas with other goals as well, at the These areas will be gazetted through same level, but in the case of conflict, nature provincial government legislation. conservation will be the priority”…and that “Protected areas must prevent, or eliminate where necessary, any PNG’s new Protected Area Classification System exploitation or management practice shown in Table 4 reflects the IUCN category that will be harmful to the objectives of system and is tailored to suit the PNG context. designation” (Dudley 2008, p.10). It includes Protected Areas owned and Therefore, not all areas important for managed by customary landowners and conservation will be protected areas – for communities, all levels of government, NGOs example well-managed forests, community and private companies and will incorporate gardens and reefs can play an important role both marine and terrestrial areas. Recognizing in the landscape or seascape without official the extensive customary ownership of land Protected Area status. A key factor in deciding and near shore waters in PNG, Protected whether an area qualifies as a Protected Area Areas of any type will be gazetted only after is that conservation and biodiversity is the formal agreements outlining the management most important purpose in managing the responsibilities with the customary owners area. There must be a long-term agreement and communities. An initial site inspection and in place for management by communities and meeting with the on the ground landowners government. Other purposes may also be very and communities is an essential first step important, but should not over-ride the needs in establishing a new Protected Area. for conservation over most of the reserve. In addition to the Protected Areas outlined If an area is being managed sustainably above, the Policy and National legislation then it is indeed being protected from over- recognize international designations - World exploitation. Spreading the blanket wide Heritage Areas, Wetlands of International in terms of Protected Areas is essential. Importance and Biosphere Reserves – and Encompassing all the land of villages as part reflect PNG’s obligations under the relevant PNG Policy on Protected Areas of a Protected Area rules out compromise international Conventions. These international and possibilities of industry coming in and designations may include any kind of Protected taking portions of land outside the specific Area entirely or may overlap with them. Subject Protected Area. Having all the land as a to the wishes of the customary landowners and PAGE 30 Protected Area brings communities together communities, it is desirable that Ramsar sites, and decreases confusion and corruption. World Heritage Areas and Special Management Areas are covered by National Legislation. Within the protected area definition there is great flexibility for Protected Areas to Existing Protected Areas such as the YUS be designed and managed in ways that Conservation Area (Established 2009) are appropriate to national and local and the Torricelli Mountain Range (TMR) circumstances. Modern Protected Area Conservation Area (first proposed in 2010; Networks consist of a flexible variety of last submission 2013) are prime examples Protected Areas, working together and of successful Protected Areas in PNG. with other natural and near-natural areas These Protected Areas, both looking to create landscapes and seascapes that to expand the size of their respective can protect and replenish ecosystem Protected Areas, provide solid guidelines services, culture and biodiversity and sustain and principles that need to be adapted by customary landowners and communities. other Protected Areas across the country.

1.2.1 Classes of protected areas for PNG The most recent category system for protected areas was established by IUCN in 2008 (full description in Dudley et al (2008)), after extensive consultation, and is designed to reflect the variety of needs and contexts across the world, including Marine Protected Areas (Day et al. 2012). Table 4: PNG Protected area classes and international designations Class IUCN category Description National Park (NP) II Iconic area of national importance with a National high level of protection. Reserved primarily for protection of ecological processes, species and ecosystems and for compatible human use. Terrestrial and freshwater, and may extend into near-shore areas. National Heritage III Site of outstanding natural or cultural National Area (NHA) significance with high level of protection. terrestrial or Uses as appropriate to protect values. marine Special IV Area where special management is needed to National Management Area protect particular species or ecosystems. I.e. (SMA) terrestrial Critically Endangered & Endangered Species. or marine Community V Important landscape and seascape Regional Conservation created by interactions with people Area (CCA) through traditional management practices. Can include villages and gardens. Locally Managed V Defined near-shore protected area managed National PNG Policy on Protected Areas Marine Area or co-managed by the local community for conservation and sustainable local use. National Marine VI with zones of Marine protected area – may be near-shore National PAGE 31 Sanctuary (NMS) II, III, IV and V or off-shore – to be managed under national legislation. Statutory zones within NMS enable multiple use of varying intensity and type. Will include marine national park zones, as well as areas where most activities, including commercial fishing and shipping, can occur. International designations – can be overlays used in addition to PA classes World Heritage International Areas containing universal natural and/or cultural values Area (WMA) designations inscribed by UNESO under the World Heritage Convention. which overlay PNG currently has only one World Heritage Site (the Kuk other PA types Early Agricultural Site) but a further seven are on the ‘tentative’ list and these include a variety of outstanding natural sites (see section 4.8). Wetland of Wetlands of International Importance (known as Ramsar International sites) under the Convention on Wetlands. PNG currently Importance has two sites listed (Lake Kutubu and the Tonda Wildlife (Ramsar Sites) Management Area) Biosphere Reserve Biosphere reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. Internationally recognized under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program (not an international Convention). Core zone can be protected area – also includes sustainable use areas. National Park (NP) IUCN category II Description National Parks are iconic areas of National and International importance, and purpose where the customary landowners and communities agree to their declaration and management with a high level of protection. They consist of natural or near-natural terrestrial or freshwater areas or a combination of these, and may also extend into near-shore marine areas. Permitted uses A range of sustainable non-extractive activities can be undertaken, but the only agriculture or resource extraction should be relatively minor hunting, fishing and collecting by customary landowners and communities for their own use and subject to the conservation agreement. Management and National Parks will be gazetted under National legislation and managed governance by customary landowners and communities with support from CEPA and other governments or other stakeholders e.g. Universities or NGOs under a contract agreement. CEPA will set and monitor standards and will provide co-funding and capacity building. As the most iconic Protected Areas in PNG, National Parks require a high level of support and input from technical experts. National level legislation will ensure their protection from exploitation. Criteria for National Parks will be selected to contribute to a selection comprehensive and representative reserve system. PNG Policy on Protected Areas The area will be of sufficient size, design and ecological quality to maintain ecological functions and processes that PAGE 32 will allow the native species and communities to persist for the long term with minimal management intervention. The composition, structure and function of biodiversity will be to a great degree in a “natural” state or have the potential to be restored to such a state, with relatively low risk of large-scale invasions by non-native species. National Heritage IUCN category III Areas (NHA) Description Areas of outstanding natural or cultural significance with high level and purpose of protection. Features could include geological features (caves, cliffs, volcanoes), natural features such as an unusual reef or forest, tambu sites or places of special historic significance. Permitted uses A range of sustainable non-extractive activities can be undertaken, but the only agriculture or resource extraction should be relatively minor hunting, fishing and collecting by customary landowners and communities for their own use and subject to the conservation agreement. Management and National Heritage Areas (NHA) will be gazetted under National legislation. governance They may be managed by CEPA or customary landowners and communities, or contracted to another body e.g. an NGO Criteria for National Heritage Areas can be relatively small and focus on selection one or more prominent natural or cultural features. Special Management IUCN category IV Area (SMA) Description Special Management Areas (SMA) aim to protect particular plant or and purpose animal species or habitats and management reflects this priority. Critically Endangered and Endangered taxa are priorities of SMAs. Many of these areas will need regular, active interventions to address the requirements of particular species or to maintain habitats and biodiversity. They could be used for introductions or translocations of endangered species. Permitted uses A wide range of sustainable uses might be permitted as long as they contribute to the survival of the species or habitat for which the area was declared. Management and Special Management Areas will be gazetted under National legislation. governance Management must comprise customary landowners and communities, NGOs or CBOs and overseen by CEPA. Criteria for SMAs should be large in size containing Critically Endangered and/ selection or Endangered taxa. Areas of SMAs may need habitat restoration. It is important that research, on many levels (biodiversity, climate change, culture etc.) is undertaken to maintain present biodiversity and culture and to replenish what has been lost. Note: within Regional protected areas – i.e. Community Conservation Areas and Locally Managed Marine Areas, Special Management Zones PNG Policy on Protected Areas may be created by either gazettal , a special regulation or management planning. If they are declared by legislation, they can be legally enforced and will be regarded as category IV areas. PAGE 33 Community Conservation IUCN category V Area (CCA) Description Community Conservation Areas conserve and sustain and purpose important landscapes and seascapes that people carrying out their traditional management of land and sea. These will be the most common protected areas in PNG, as they can incorporate villages and food gardens under sustainable use as well as less used forestlands and waters under customary land ownership. Wildlife Management Areas will be transferred into Community Conservation Areas (CCA). In near shore marine areas, CCAs can include reefs, estuaries and seas managed by and for customary landowners and communities for multiple purposes. Alternatively they might be adjacent to LMMAs and managed in conjunction with them. Within these areas can be zones of higher protection and zones of more intensive use. Permitted uses Community use for living on a traditional or semi-traditional life, including harvesting, and subsistence hunting and fishing. Recreation, education and scientific use as allowed by the customary landowners PNG Policy on Protected Areas Commercial hunting and large-scale industry would not be permitted, but some commercial fishing for and by customary landowners is allowed. Community Conservation Areas could seek to maintain current PAGE 34 practices, restore historical management systems, or to maintain key landscape values while allowing for modern development and change: decisions about this need to be made in management plans. Management and Commercial hunting and large-scale industry would not be permitted, but governance some commercial fishing for and by customary landowners is allowed. Criteria for Community Conservation Areas (CCA) are where people and nature selection have lived together over time to create places of significant ecological, biological, cultural and scenic value, and where safeguarding the integrity of this interaction is vital to protecting and sustaining the area. These areas contribute to a comprehensive, representative, adequate and resilient reserve system but do not need to demonstrate unique values to the same extent as iconic Special Management Areas (SMA). Where customary landowners and communities wish to create such areas and can demonstrate their values on a regional or National level, their establishment can be supported. Locally Managed Marine Area IUCN category V (LMMA) Description Defined near-shore Protected Areas managed or co-managed by and purpose the local community for conservation and sustainable local use. Permitted uses As with Community Conservation Areas (CCA), the emphasis is on community use for traditional or semi-traditional uses. Some commercial use by customary landowners (e.g. fishing for local sales) can occur under management agreements, but commercial use by outside parties is restricted. Management and Managed by customary landowners assisted by local level, district and governance provincial government, NGOs or other bodies as required. LMMAs are recognized in national legislation but are enacted and managed under Provincial, District and Local Level Government laws. Criteria for LMMAs do not require NEC or other national –level approval for creation selection and management, but will be registered as part of the PNG Protected Area Network to give additional support and strength to their management. These areas are chosen by customary landowners. They contribute to the CARR system but do not need to meet set criteria for selection. National Marine PNG Policy on Protected Areas IUCN category VI, with statutory zoning areas of II, III, IV and V Sanctuary (NMS) Description There are nationally important marine Protected Areas that conserve and purpose ecosystems and habitats, together with associated cultural values PAGE 35 and traditional natural resource management systems. They are generally large, with most of the area in a natural condition, where a proportion is under low-level non-industrial sustainable natural resource management and where such use of natural resources compatible with nature conservation is seen as one of the main aims of the area. National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS) will include offshore areas in the exclusive economic zone, as well as territorial waters. Other marine Protected Areas such as LMMAs can be contained within National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS). Permitted uses Sustainable use of marine resources, with limitations according to the Zoning Plan. Large-scale commercial extractive industries such as undersea mining and oil extraction are not permitted. Shipping may be restricted to ensure that marine resources including coral reefs are not put at risk. Management and National Marine Sanctuaries are declared and managed under National governance legislation. As the most iconic marine Protected Areas in PNG, National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS) will have a high level of support and input from CEPA and technical experts. However, at local level management of near- shore areas will be by local communities. Criteria for The area should be of sufficient size and ecological quality selection to maintain ecological functions and processes that will allow the native species and communities to persist for the long term with minimal management intervention. The composition, structure and function of biodiversity should be to a great degree in a “natural” state or have the potential to be restored to such a state, with relatively low risk of successful invasions by non-native species. To further explain how the different will also influence where and when activities Protected Area classes are managed, take place, and set standards and conditions. Table 5 outlines how each can be used. International designations are not included on this table: permitted uses will be determined Zoning within the Protected Area, management by the underlying Protected Area type but also plans, conservation agreements and the wishes subject to management requirements and of customary landowners and communities agreements under the relevant Convention. Table 4: Permitted uses in PNG protected areas Activity NP SMA NHA CCA LMMA NMS Non-extractive traditional use Y Y Y Y Y Y Traditional sustenance hunting and gathering ; ; Y Y Y Y Traditional sustenance fishing and resource Y Y Y Y Y Y collection Commercial fishing and marine resource N N N N N Y collection by external groups Commercial fishing and marine resource N N N C C Y collection by customary landowners PNG Policy on Protected Areas Recreational fishing ; N ; C C Y PAGE 36 Research Y ; Y C C Y Commercial agriculture and plantations N N N N* Community agriculture - gardens ; ; ; Y Renewable energy generation eg solar, Y Y Y Y Y Y micro-hydro Commercial logging N N N N N N Commericial mining and oi extraction N N N N N N Mining and oil exploration N N N N N N key NP Meaning Notes Yes, unless zoning or specific Some activities will be subject to management plans Y regulation does not allow and agreements, and may require permits or licences Not allowed in this category *May be allowed in special circumstances N as non-conforming use if for community benefit and a smaller proportion of area According to wishes of customary Will be allowed subject to management plan or other C landowners agreement with customary landowners Only where zoning or specific Will only be allowed where specified in ; regulation or agreement allows management plan, regulation or special zone

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Governance by Indigenous peoples and/ or local communities (e.g. by customary landowners in PNG) The clan-based resource Due to the fact that most lands and near- ownership structure is one of shore marine areas are owned by customary the most important features of landowners, governance in the PNG natural resource management Protected Area Network will include roles for and conservation in PNG. governments at all levels, but also critical roles for customary landowners, other community Protected areas will only be members, and partners who support them. In established with the support and addition, industry and civil society will be key agreement of the legitimate players in governance of some of the areas. customary landowners. Any of the governance types discussed above can be applied in any category of Protected Area and thus the PNG Protected Area Network, as a whole will consist of a variety Key elements to consider of models of ownership, governance and when establishing governance management styles. This offers opportunities arrangements include: to establish and manage Protected Areas




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1.3.1 A network built on cooperation comprised of two groups of protected areas: The PNG Protected Area Network will be National Protected Areas including: Special successful only with clear and effective Management Areas (SMA) National Parks (NP), institutional arrangements, and with high Marine Sanctuaries (MS) and National Heritage levels of cooperation among governments, Areas (NHA). These areas will be gazetted civil society and customary landowners. and managed under National legislation. The high-level arrangements for Regional Protected Areas include: management of Protected Areas are known Community Conservation Areas (CCA) and as governance. Four broad options for Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA). governance of Protected Areas have been These areas will be gazetted through recognized by IUCN and the CBD (Borrini- Provincial government legislation. Feyerabend, Dudley et al. 2013). These are: Free prior informed consent of customary đ
Governance by government (in PNG this landowners and communities will be includes the National, Provincial, District or the basis for the entire Network. Local Level Government) Roles of agencies and institutions in the PNG đ
Shared governance by various rights Protected Area Network are outlined below. holders and stakeholders together (e.g. joint management by a customary landowners and NGOs)

1.3.2 Role of National Government 1.3.4 Conservation and Environment Protection Agency (CEPA) The role of the National Government is to provide strong leadership and direction for As mentioned above, CEPA is recognised as the development and implementation of the lead agency for protected areas in PNG. the national protected areas network. Though on-ground management is conducted by customary landowners and other partners, It is mandatory for CEPA to develop CEPA sets the standards, provides overview and and implement a strong working support, and coordinates the complex array of structure and ethic. CEPA’s lead in the activities. CEPA ensures that Protected Areas are implementation of this policy is critical to managed as an effective and cohesive network the success of Protected Areas in PNG. rather than a number of independent reserves. The National Executive Council (NEC) as CEPA will have a proactive role in prioritising, the major decision making body of the identifying and declaring National Protected Government of the day, approves and supports Areas (Special Management Areas (SMA), this Policy for Protected Areas and endorses National Parks (NP), Marine Sanctuaries its effective and timely implementation as a (MS) and National Heritage Areas (NHA)) priority in achieving the 2050 vision. The NEC, and provide an advisory role to other levels in line with the Constitutional requirements of government for the declaration and and international obligations, will ensure management of Regional Protected Areas. that the establishment and management of the Protected Area Network are given CEPA will also establish a Biodiversity Trust Fund priority and receive full consideration to support the establishment and management along with other national interests. of Protected Areas across the country. PNG Policy on Protected Areas The endorsement of the NEC is essential CEPA will seek the advise and expertise for gaining recognition and commitment to of existing successful Protected delivering on the policies objectives and for Areas in PNG i.e. TMR and YUS PAGE 38 establishment of the Protected Area Network.

1.3.5 National Protected Area Round Table (NPART)

1.3.3 National Conservation Council The role of the NPART is to evaluate The National Conservation Council (NCC) will proposals for National Protected Areas, and review proposals and associated documentation to provide technical advice to the NCC on for new Protected Areas before these are a range of Protected Area matters. The submitted to NEC. Arrangements will be put in NPART will comprise senior CEPA officials, place to ensure these reviews occur in a timely representatives from conservation NGOs, fashion and with the appropriate people – the and at least one representative with strong customary landowners and the communities. ecological and protected area background such as an academic. Women must be Specific functions with respect represented adequately in the NPART. to this Policy are to: đ
Endorse the criteria for areas to be The draft Terms of Reference for the NPART recommended as Protected Areas. will be developed by CEPA, and approved at the first meeting of the NPART. The NPART đ
Consider and endorse proposals (as will meet four times per years, and will be outlined above) for the establishment chaired by a Deputy Secretary from CEPA. of National Protected Areas prior to forwarding to the Minister. The NPART will make recommendations to the NCC for declaration of National đ
Advise the Minister on the formulation of Protected Areas, based on assessment of legal instruments necessary to implement proposals in the light of national priorities, this Policy. customary landowner and community support and capacity for effective management. đ
Endorse the annual report of the CEPA Supporting information will include the draft concerning the outcomes in implementing conservation and benefit agreement with this Policy prior to forwarding to the Minister. customary landowners and communities.

1.3.6 Other government Relevant agencies and departments will departments and agencies be consulted about each nomination for National Protected Areas. The resource sector agencies (e.g. Mineral Resources Authority (MRA), National Fisheries Land use planning to include the PNG Authority (NFA) and PNG Forest Authority Protected Area Network is essential. Key (PNGFA) the Department of Agriculture biodiversity areas identified as existing & Livestock (DAL), the Department of or potential future Protected Areas will Mineral Policy and Geohazards (DMPGH), be excluded from new agreements and Department of Petroleum & Energy (DPE) commitments for alternative land uses, and the Department of National Planning especially mining, logging and clear-felling for & Monitoring (DNPM)) are key partners in large-scale agriculture or development, until the successful establishment of the PNG the best use of the land has been determined. Protected Area Network. It is important these Conflicts between land and resource uses agencies are co-operative and enabling in the will be resolved through negotiation and delivery and implementation of the Policy. respect for agreed outcomes. Importantly, the customary landowners and communities will CEPA will provide information briefings to have the final say in the use of their lands. the agencies about this Policy, and identify champions within the agencies to ensure understanding and consistency in approach. PNG Policy on Protected Areas PAGE 39

1.3.7 Role of Provincial, District and concerning proposals for declaration of Local Level Government regional Protected Areas, based on assessment of proposals in the light of regional priorities, Provincial, District and Local Level customary landowner and community support Governments play a critical role in the and capacity for effective management establishment of Regional Protected Areas and in the management of both The RPART will comprise government officials National and Regional Protected Areas. responsible for Regional Protected Areas, CEPA officials, Regional members from other relevant They support customary landowners government agencies, representatives from through capacity building, development of conservation NGOs working in the region, agreements and the practical on-ground and at least one representative with strong management of the Protected Areas. ecological or Protected Area background such Dedicated Protected Area Network staff from as an academic. Women must be represented the Provincial and District Governments adequately in the RPART, reflecting their will act in cooperation with CEPA to provide important roles in management of land and sea. technical support, training and an on-ground presence to support customary landowners The draft Terms of Reference for the RPART will and communities in their management. be developed by CEPA, and be approved at the first meeting of the RPART. The RPART will Provincial Governments will assist with the meet four times per year, and will be initially implementation of this policy by supporting chaired by a senior government official. establishment and management of Protected Areas when developing their five-year development plans, annual budgets and PNG Policy on Protected Areas land use plans. They will develop legislation 1.3.9 Working groups at Protected Area level (reflecting the National legislation) to gazette regional Protected Areas, implement A Protected Area advisory working group the gazettal process, and provide details should be formed at the beginning of PAGE 40 of all regional protected areas to CEPA negotiation process for each Protected for inclusion on the National register. Area. The group will consist of: District and Local Level Governments will đ
Customary landowners and communities implement local projects and activities related including both men and women; to Protected Areas. These Governments đ
Other stakeholders with an interest in the oversee the implementation of the five-year land or sea or adjacent areas, including plans, data collection and reporting. Local private enterprise; level Government also has the power to make laws regarding the local environment. đ
Non-government organisations interested in the area; Local Level Government (LLG) will consider Local Level laws that support the đ
CEPA representatives; and management of Protected Areas in their region. Nothing in this policy prevents LLGs đ
Local-level and provincial Government implementing conservation actions under representative. their own legislation, providing they are not inconsistent with the National legislation Over time, more than one working group and Policy. CEPA will work closely with may be required with different roles – for these levels of government to establish and example one group may be needed just manage the PNG Protected Area Network. for proper representation of customary landowners and communities. This advisory group would oversee Protected Area planning and operations including:

1.3.8 Regional Protected Area Round Table đ
Negotiation of management The Regional Protected Area Round Tables arrangements; (RPART) will mirror the National Protected Area Round Table at regional level. The RPARTs will đ
Management planning process, including make recommends to Provincial Governments contacting all relevant customary landowners and communities, organising and facilitating stakeholder and public input staff exchanges; into the planning process, approving the draft and final plan and calling for periodic đ
Provision or support of on-ground staff review; Investment, donations, loans or grants – supplying money or equipment either as a đ
Overseeing appointment of staff one-off donation or as a continuing funding and ensuring that working conditions source; and and training opportunities are fair and adequate; đ
Research and monitoring programs. đ
Ensuring that benefits and opportunities Many of the activities undertaken by local are equitably distributed to customary and international NGOs and technical bodies landowners and communities; and could not be undertaken by government as effectively, even if the capacity existed. đ
Periodic assessment of management For example, NGOs are particularly skilled effectiveness. at activities relating to public education and awareness and developing relationships with customary landowners and communities. NGOs are often seen as neutral and supportive

1.3.10 Protected Area Management parties. They also provide support to the Boards and Committees customary landowners in the development of legal agreements and management plans Management oversight of each National and for protected areas, implementation of Regional Protected Area will be by a Board the key actions in management plans and or Management Committee comprised of evaluation of management effectiveness. relevant customary landowners and community PNG Policy on Protected Areas These are critical roles, which NGOs are well members, Provincial and Local Level placed to undertake, and past contributions Government representatives, NGOs and CEPA have been vital in achieving protected area as appropriate for the particular Protected Area. outcomes to date. A good example of this is PAGE 41 The Protected Area Board or Management the NGO the Tenkile Conservation Alliance Committee will be responsible for the (TCA), which works with 50 villages to protect development of the management plans, the Torricelli Mountain Range (TMR) – some any work plans and the allocation of 200,000 hectares. The TMR holds four resources. A Board may be responsible critically endangered mammals and two for more than one Protected Area. endangered bird species. This NGO has been a success story for Protected Areas in PNG. Universities and research organisations

1.3.11 Civil Society partners have unique capacity to conduct research and monitoring activities on land and Because of the outstanding importance of sea. Their involvement is critical in biodiversity and cultural life in PNG, civil monitoring success of Protected Areas. society including many NGOs, universities, individuals and funding bodies are willing to There are risks that activities conducted contribute to Protected Area management by partners can raise expectations for and establishment here, especially if they customary landowners that cannot be filled can see clear outcomes for their investment in the long term. A lack of sustainability of time and in some cases money. There is is particularly an issue where programs also potential for Protected Area specialists, are funded by short-term grants. students, helpers and scientists from other countries to contribute through volunteerism, The challenge for partners is to work exchanges and specific assignments. together so that there is cooperation across the Protected Area Network, management Partners in PNG’s Protected Area management is sustainable, and their efforts are as can play a range of roles, including: effective as possible for conservation and for strengthening the capacity of custodians. đ
Technical advice and assistance; Some of the most successful conservation initiatives have been built from the ground đ
Training and capacity building including upwards and it is critical that government on-site and off-site training, mentoring and helps to encourage and facilitate such efficient type of contribution, as would design initiatives and in some cases help direct the and construction of community facilities. efforts, rather than inhibit their effectiveness. New structures and oversights must assist Industry requires the PNG Government and not make progress more difficult. to approve of their activities as well as the minimum requirements of This policy looks towards already successful land area to be protected under models such as the TMR and YUS. present legislation and PNG law.

1.3.12 Industry 1 .4 L E G ISL AT I V E C H A N G E S AND AMENDMENTS Institutions in the private sector as The revision, development and declaration development partners, must be of supporting legal instruments (laws and socially and ethically responsible regulations) will be required to effectively in the conduct of their business, for implement the National Protected Areas Policy the collective good of the nation. and to achieve harmonization with the existing legislative framework. New legislation may be Vision 2050 part of an amendment to existing legislation, or may be a stand-alone piece of legislation dealing specifically with Protected Areas. The resource development sectors, in particular The new national legislation will PNG Policy on Protected Areas forestry, agro-forestry, fishery, mining and include the following: agriculture, require access to large areas of land and sea for resource extraction Provision for the role of the National and management. They are partners of the Conservation Council with respect to this policy; PAGE 42 PNG Government in supporting economic development, poverty reduction and Definition of classes of Protected Areas, improved livelihoods. The early engagement including their management principles, which of these industries to obtain their views on indicate activities that are encouraged or establishment of Protected Areas, and where prohibited in each class of Protected Area; necessary their direct involvement in avoiding Governance responsibilities, and management disturbance of priority sites, will be essential planning and reporting requirements to minimise conflict. This does not imply that for all classes of Protected Areas; Protected Areas can be established only where there are no commercial interests. Provision for the transitional arrangements for existing Protected Areas and potential Industry partners can play an important role for de-gazettal of areas where necessary; as partners and supporters at both local and national level. They can contribute to Recognition of a landowner legal entity to Protected Area establishment where land set manage each Protected Area in accordance aside as reserves within their leases is suitable with the management plan and to receive as Protected Area – there are opportunities and expend funding for the Protected Area; for companies to assist in both establishment and continuing management of such areas. Governance arrangements of a board to oversee management and allocation of They can also assist management through resources for each Protected Area; direct contributions, support of communities and customary landowners. For example, Mechanisms, processes and principles for large resource companies often have strong coordination and stakeholder participation capacity in areas such as asset management, in Protected Area management; infrastructure development, financial management and workplace health and safety. Establishment of the process for the designation Direct capacity building with communities of Protected Areas; and protected area staff could be a very đ
Provision for licenses, permits, Revision as necessary of legislation listed below enforcement notices, cessation orders, user that currently deals with protected areas: fees (including fees paid by beneficiaries of ecosystem services), incentives and fines; ~ Conservation Area Act (1978) đ
Establishment of an appropriate structure ~ Fauna (Protection and of fines and other penalties which will serve Control) Act 1966; and as a deterrent to inappropriate use of Protected Areas or activities contrary to the ~ Environment Act (2000) Policy; and related regulations đ
Provision for sustainable financing ~ Resource Sector Acts (Mining, mechanisms for Protected Areas, including Petroleum & Energy, Fisheries, user fees and payments for ecosystem National Seas, National Maritime services schemes to ensure adequate and Safety, Forestry, Lands, Agriculture, funding is available for management and National Planning, Monitoring customary landowner and community and Office of Urbanization, aspirations, as well as capacity to withhold Ports, Harbours) funds for non-compliance of management; đ
Revision as necessary of legislation listed ~ Torres Straits Treaty and below that currently deals with Protected other International Border Treaties Areas: đ
To ensure there is nothing inconsistent ~ Conservation Area Act (1978) in these Acts with the new protected areas legislation. Complementary legislation will also consider how declared and proposed PNG Policy on Protected Areas ~ Fauna (Protection Protected Areas are excluded from and Control) Act 1966 extractive resource activities and other incompatible uses; and ~ Environment Act (2000) PAGE 43 đ
Changes required to the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local- level Governments Act to complement the new Protected Areas legislation, to enable Provincial Governments to declare and gazette Regional Protected Areas. w ~ [D] 2 P I L L A R rather than consultative processes (DEC 2010). - TWO: SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS FOR COMMUNITIES This social structure means that Protected Area establishment and management can only be achieved through comprehensive, early and ongoing consultation with landowners and communities, together with the engagement of all levels of government and the non-government sector. Desired outcome: This policy recognises the importance of In recognition of the PNG Constitution, customary landowners and communities customary practices for enhancing and managing their land and sea, and of protecting the environment and traditional their management activities being seen livelihoods are strengthened through protected as gainful employment. It is essential to area establishment and management. explore ways to provide benefits to the communities in to support these livelihoods. The support and enthusiasm of customary Positive and successful models now exist landowners for Protected Areas are nurtured i.e. YUS and TMR with benefits including and encouraged through government employment as Protected Area wardens, recognition and through practical assistance. support for health and local education, provision of community facilities such as Objectives: water supplies and resource centres. đ
Ensure that local arrangements governing Establishment and continuing management use of natural resources in Protected Areas of the Protected Area Network will require are fair and sustainable and continue to PNG Policy on Protected Areas a sustained long-term commitment from support traditional livelihoods. customary landowners and communities. đ
Train, support and empower communities, It is essential that individuals, families, clans and villages are well informed and have the PAGE 44 customary landowners and Protected Area staff to sustainably manage Protected capability to make decisions concerning Areas. the future use and management of their resources. Important activities will include đ
Develop Conservation and Benefit education and awareness raising, capacity Sharing Agreements with customary building, developing effective benefit landowners and communities for sharing arrangements and establishing all Protected Areas to formalise the robust conflict resolution procedures. management arrangements and benefits. In accordance with the Constitutional 2.2 COLLABORATION WITH recognition of PNG ways, customary CUSTOMARY LANDOWNERS practices for enhancing and AND COMMUNITIES preserving the environment will IN PROTECTED AREA be strengthened. Landowners ESTABLISHMENT often have a cultural obligation to ensure the benefit of future Protected Areas of all classes will be gazetted generations, while supporting the only with the formal agreement and support goal of sustainable development. of customary landowners and communities. As shown in the process for establishing (PNG Strategic Plan 2010- 2030) Protected Areas (Figure 8), villages may submit a preliminary proposal for a new Protected Area as a group and in conjunction with partners such as NGOs, CBOs and National, Provincial,

2.1 INTRODUCTION District and Local Level Governments. PNG has high levels of customary Legitimate owners and users of the land and landownership, where resources are owned sea must be clearly identified. Male and female collectively, rather than by individuals or representatives from each village must confirm families, and decisions are made by consensus their Protected Area commitment. Groups of villages owning an area of significance need will be invested in the community; to work together to achieve the common goal of establishing a Protected Area. Community đ
Monitoring and reporting procedures; needs, Social mapping and censuses must be recorded in conjunction with a brief on the đ
Conflict resolution procedures ; biodiversity and the threats to the intended đ
Clear specification of the roles Protected Area. Once established Protected and responsibilities of each level of Area groups will need to work with CEPA and government, the non-government sector others to officially gazette the Protected Area. and customary landowners; and đ
Agreed arrangements for future management of the Protected Area. As part of the development and finalisation of a Protected Area proposal, a formal Conservation 2.3 COLLABORATION WITH and Benefit Sharing Agreement will be written COMMUNITIES IN PROTECTED for endorsement by customary landowners and AREA MANAGEMENT communities involved in the Protected Area. Once Protected Areas are established, Local cultures within PNG have a long tradition clan groups will make decisions about their of addressing land allocation, usage rights and management based on their customary traditional resource management. The effective practices and processes, within the scope of the negotiation of these arrangements is crucial Conservation and Benefit Sharing Agreement to local culture and social and economic and the legislation applying to the Protected wellbeing. Thus we recognise the importance Area. This recognises the right of customary of agreed benefit sharing arrangements landowners to use their biological resources PNG Policy on Protected Areas that clarify all relevant aspects of Protected in accordance with their traditional cultural Area establishment and management. practices, while ensuring the conservation and sustainable management of their resources. The Conservation and Benefit Sharing PAGE 45 Such an approach will ensure the supply Agreement will enable customary landowners of basic natural resources to support local and communities to receive benefits for community economic and human development managing their land and sea resources in both the current and future generations. for conservation. These benefits are not restricted to funding the management of Communities have extensive traditional their Protected Area, but can be used for knowledge and understanding of their alternative purposes, which improve the land and seascapes. They are skilled quality of life and wellbeing of the customary managers of their customary lands. landowners. Preference will be given to benefits, which will support community well- Communities at the local level, in being, education and health. Community consultation with government and the non- needs will be prioritised and addressed. government sector, will develop Protected Area management plans, including the These agreements will take account of the important step of identifying management diversity of social and cultural practices within zones for different levels of use. This PNG to ensure that they reflect the interests process can take some time and may of the community. This process will include: involve a number of landowner groups, especially for a large Protected Area. đ
Identification of clan representatives who will negotiate on behalf of the customary Communities will then be responsible for landowners and provide for a two-way the management plan’s implementation exchange of information; and the achievement of its goals and đ
Clear identification of who is included in objectives, in partnership with government the benefit sharing arrangement; and non-government sectors. The balance of responsibilities will depend on the type đ
Effective incorporation of the views of all of Protected Area and the local situation: customary landowners (including women); National Government will have a high level of responsibility and involvement in đ
Clear specification of where community National Protected Areas (such as Special development, or other benefits received Management Areas (SMA)) but less involvement in Regional Protected Areas (such as landholders to fully understand their Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA)). perspectives and needs. Communication with women as well as men is essential and may Improved capacity of community members in some cases require separate processes. is needed in most situations to fully take on these responsibilities. They will be đ
Support for customary landholders and supported by government, non-government community groups may include: organisations and industry partners to build capacity to participate fully in the development đ
Supporting local champions who can of Protected Area agreements and in the galvanise support for conservation; establishment and on-going management of đ
Fostering customary landowner the Protected Areas. This will enable customary conservation initiatives; landowners and other community members to: đ
Promoting information exchange đ
Clarify their vision for their Protected between customary landowners and Areas; communities to overcome issues of isolation and remoteness, which limit the đ
Understand the benefits of managing extent of collaboration; their land for conservation and sustainable use; đ
Implementing professional development for government staff to better work with đ
Negotiate, establish, and implement customary landowners; participatory management arrangements, including the conservation and benefit đ
Assisting communities to develop local sharing agreement; initiative to increase their livelihoods in a PNG Policy on Protected Areas sustainable manner; and đ
Develop or provide input into management plans, including the design of đ
Training community members in practical zoning plans to cater for their needs as well aspects of Protected Area management PAGE 46 as for conservation ; and monitoring. đ
Manage Protected Areas both on a đ
Promoting integrated approaches to strategic and a day-to-day level; and conservation. The village and clan-based nature of PNG communities, in conjunction đ
Engage with visitors and be fully involved with their isolation and remoteness, has with the research of the biodiversity and limited the extent of collaboration between climate change. and among customary landowners and communities in the past. New approaches are required that facilitate support for “I want the environment my Babu Protected Areas and conservation across had when they were pikinini”: landscapes. More integrated landscape approaches to conservation will facilitate Some aspirations of customary inter-generational equity and ensure that landowners at consultation customary landowners will have more meeting for this Policy, 2014 sustainable futures. 2 .4 CO M M U NI T Y AWA RE NE S S AND SUPPORT 2.4.1 Education systems and environmental education To consider and negotiate Protected Areas on their lands, customary landowners and The establishment and management of communities need to understand the diverse the PNG Protected Area Network will potential benefits as well as responsibilities, provide a strong foundation for formal costs and challenges. Providing information and informal education, research, and and raising awareness in communities is a incorporation of traditional knowledge. responsibility of all levels of government, non-government organisations and industry Collaboration between government agencies partners. In addition, it is important that (e.g. CEPA and Education Department) will be these organisations listen to the customary improved to ensure that all levels of primary and secondary school curricula incorporate customary landowners and other stakeholders, environmental education and awareness including visitors to the Protected Areas. raising including the values of Protected Areas. Government, non-government and industry sectors are encouraged to partner with the university sector to 2.5 CONFLICT RESOLUTION develop and expand degree and course offerings in Protected Area management. Due to the many different stakeholders, with sometimes conflicting perspectives and interests, who are involved in the establishment and management of Protected Areas, conflict The government and other stakeholders may arise in relation to: landowner rights will develop and implement communication to land and sea resources; benefit-sharing strategies and awareness raising initiatives arrangements; land uses within the Protected (e.g. sponsored advertising) targeted at Area; financial issues; human interactions; diverse sectors including decision makers and lack of transparency and accountability at all levels, government staff at all levels in management. However, conflict will be (e.g. through continuing professional minimised through the use of transparent development), industry and customary criteria and a process of broad consultation. landowners. This will require the use of a range of suitable communication media, which In order to achieve the vision and may include radio, television, newspaper, objectives of this policy the Government, in internet, film and billboards, and well- collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, considered strategic long-term approaches. will identify and implement conflict resolution procedures that avoid or minimise conflicts PNG Policy on Protected Areas between and among stakeholders.

2.4.2 Research Local level governments have an important role to play in establishing local level laws that foster PAGE 47 The conservation of terrestrial and marine sustainable community based resource use ecosystems will provide a basis for scientific and management. The institutional framework research to better understand PNG’s within the Organic Law on Provincial and Local biodiversity and to ensure its effective Level Governments 1998 (the Organic Law) management. We recognise the importance provides a strong basis for communal and of developing and implementing collaborative locally-based management. The Organic Law research programs involving government, is the foundation for a system of bottom-up non-government organisations, industry, provincial planning mechanisms that seek educational sectors and customary landowners. to improve the delivery of rural services, In addition, it is essential to develop cost- increase participation in government at the effective and culturally sensitive mechanisms community and local levels, and decentralise for sharing and publishing information power and responsibility to local level among stakeholders and partners. government. Management and planning of Protected Areas must work in concert with the Organic Law and seek to enable and support local government processes. These laws

2.4.3 Traditional Ecological Knowledge should incorporate a range of infringement penalties (e.g. monetary and traditional) to We recognise the importance of improved minimise conflict in relation to resource use. understanding of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and sustainable cultural uses and practices and the incorporation of this knowledge into Protected Area planning and management. This depends on the willingness of the customary landowners to share their knowledge. Collaboration among stakeholders is required to ensure that the environmental values of Protected Areas are interpreted to the - [D] P I L L A R Protected Area workforce, and the development - THREE: EFFECTIVE AND ADAPTIVE BIODIVERSIT Y MANAGEMENT and implementation of an adaptive management and research systems with practical management planning and evaluation.

3.1 THE PNG PROTECTED Desired outcome: AREA NETWORK WORKFORCE Effective and adaptive management A workforce to manage Protected Areas supports the network and ensures that in PNG will consist of people from diverse the values of the Protected Areas are organisations – including government maintained to the highest possible extent. agencies, NGOs, industry and local community groups - as well as individual customary landowners. However, over time, this Policy The success of Vision 2050 is encourages and supports the development contingent upon the competencies of a nation-wide Protected Area Workforce of the country’s workforce. A well community, where this diverse group has some educated, healthy, appropriately common training, standards and access to a skilled, and honest work force common support network of information and that is committed, proactive and resources such as internet-based systems. innovative is the kind of workforce required to implement Vision 2050. PNG Policy on Protected Areas Objectives: PAGE 48 đ
Develop and apply policies for biodiversity management planning, monitoring and reporting, natural and cultural resource management, and law enforcement of the Protected Area. đ
Effectively manage activities on Protected Areas including compatible development, recreation, research and traditional use. đ
Evaluate biodiversity management effectiveness every three years to demonstrate the successes and challenges for each Protected Area in PNG. đ
Ensure Protected Area management is well resourced, efficient and effective, with capable, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. Improving the effectiveness of biodiversity management across the Protected Area Network is a critical commitment of this Policy. While there are now examples and models This workforce now and in its future of excellence, much improvement is needed development is a critically important to reach good levels throughout the country, resource for effective management and as reported in the rapid assessment of PNG’s presentation of Protected Areas. The Protected Areas in 2005 (Duguman 2006). success of the Protected Area Network depends on the skills and commitment of Important aspects that will be improved include land and sea managers, and on the support the development of a diverse yet cooperative they are given to perform their tasks. Their knowledge, skills and dedication 3.2 ESTABLISHING ADAPTIVE ensure that conservation work is carried MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS out well. Their actions and achievements are underpinned by working with customary In PNG, where there is such a diverse range landowners and all levels of government. of governance, it is both essential and challenging to share information and some The PNG Protected Area common standards. National government and Network Workforce will: other partners need to support on-ground managers by providing information, standards, đ
Be transparent and accountable in policies, training and assistance for many management by implementing sound aspects of Protected Area management. decision making processes and systems; On the ground customary landowners đ
Respond to the needs of the customary and other Protected Area managers landowners in building and managing the must be flexible and able to respond Protected Area Network; quickly to new circumstances. đ
Develop and encourage all its members Adaptive management on Protected Areas with the necessary skills, resources and capability to implement the Protected Area follows the broad adaptive management Policy; cycle illustrated by the Conservation Measures Partnership, which is used by many đ
Build leadership and management governments and NGOs across the world capability; and (Figure 4). This cycle attempts to clearly link planning and actions with a process of đ
Safeguard workplace health and safety. reflection and learning, so that management PNG Policy on Protected Areas builds on its past successes, learns from its mistakes and can adapt to new circumstances, while still following a clear strategic direction. Figure 5: Adaptive management cycle. Source: (Conservation Measures Partnership 2013) PAGE 49 1. Conceptualize đ
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A practical management planning process will be adopted to ensure useful is important to consider the effects of climate plans with appropriate details are available change and other potential future impacts. to guide management of Protected Areas. Thus a critical element of adaptive management đ
Clear standards and policies for is a robust information base for decision- management of Protected Areas will be making. Information can be derived from developed to guide and integrate the traditional ecological knowledge, academic diverse system of Protected Areas across studies, records from monitoring or other the country. activities, and the wealth of experience, knowledge and information from experts and community members. This information needs to be effectively collected, stored and shared. 3.3 MANAGEMENT PLANNING This information is used for management planning, for evaluation and to guide day-to- Adaptive management provides a day activities. The values-based approach to platform for using both scientific planning, evaluation and management focuses and local or traditional information PNG Policy on Protected Areas on positive aspects, and is open to dealing with in management actions. It is a new threats and opportunities as they arise. structured way to periodically consider feedback and revise these actions. To establish the adaptive management system This gives the best possible chance PAGE 50 the following activities will be undertaken: of delivering successful outcomes. đ
An adaptive and integrated management and evaluation system will be the core Protected Area management plans of Protected Area operations: this will are considered across the world as key be developed cooperatively and made indicators of successful management and available to all Protected Area partners. are a legal requisite in many Protected This system will include clear connections Area systems. However, producing useful between management planning, business planning, resource allocation, on-ground and applicable management plans for all implementation, evaluation and adaptation. Protected Areas that are approved at high level and make a difference on the ground đ
The knowledge and experience of all is a challenge that few Protected Area Protected Area partners will be used agencies have overcome successfully. to inform and implement an adaptive, evidence-based and flexible approach to Successful management planning in PNG protected area management. Innovation, requires cooperation of many partners and learning and continual improvement leadership or full participation of customary in protected area management will be landowners. The rewards of undertaking a encouraged. good process are considerable: apart from producing good guidelines for future actions, đ
A National Protected Areas and Proposals the planning process provides a structured database and reporting system will be opportunity for capacity building and established and shared to ensure that dialogue among all the partners involved. quality information, including spatial information, is easily available to support One of the keys is for planning to be seen as management decisions. a positive process of adaptive management and an opportunity for building a shared đ
Management effectiveness of Protected understanding, rather than a legal requirement Areas will be regularly evaluated on a to be fulfilled as quickly as possible. Good national basis, and improvements will be examples of this positive planning in the context of community-based protected 
;0 /*/ ( areas can be seen in Australian Indigenous Protected Areas (Hill, Walsh et al. 2011), the Within and across all reserve types, Tenkile Conservation Alliance Annual Report management zones can be declared in any (2012) and in the YUS Landscape Plan (Tree of three ways: by legislation (regulation) on Kangaroo Conservation Program 2012). gazettal or following approval of a management plan – these become statutory zones; Management planning plays an important role in PNG Protected Areas as part of đ
In a management plan signed by an adaptive management system and for customary landowners, communities and building capacity and consensus among government (non-statutory zones); or customary landowners and other stakeholders or managers. The emphasis will be on đ
By agreement signed between the a good, inclusive and dynamic planning customary landowners, communities, process rather than on lengthy plans. the government and if appropriate other stakeholders (non-statutory zones). đ
A requirement for planning will be built into legislation for Protected Areas, with All zones can be permanent, temporary (for example, to allow for recovery after a đ
A Management Advisory Group to disaster) or seasonal (for example, seasonal oversee the planning process closures of fishing on some reefs). đ
Consensus among all stakeholders will In each case, the zones can only be changed be given a high priority and an appropriate by the same mechanism that created facilitation and conflict resolutions process them. Statutory zones will be specified in supported where necessary. national legislation and will only apply in PNG Policy on Protected Areas national marine sanctuaries. The names đ
All stakeholders, including women, and types of non-statutory zones will be having a voice in the planning process. specified in the Management Planning PAGE 51 Guidelines, but additional zones can be đ
For National Protected Areas, a defined as needed in local situations. requirement for CEPA and Ministerial consideration of the draft management An example of a zoning plan developed plan within three months of submission. in a management plan by customary landowners with external assistance đ
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Plan. Source: Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (2012). ;POF Application and Meaning The purpose of the Conservation Area is to protect and conserve the natural ecosystems and wildlife there. This includes both forest and reef. These areas are Conservation Area therefore off limits to any kind of hunting, clearing, and gardening, or any kind of activity that might destroy or reduce the health and size of the ecosystems. The zone acts as a buffer between the CA and the village and livelihoods areas. The purpose of this zone Forest for Use Zone is to reduce the exposure of the edges of the CA to damaging human impacts from fire, forest clearing, invasive species, and animal hunting and trapping. The purpose of the Reforestation Zone is the designation of Reforestation Zone land for the explicit purpose of planting and growing trees for use. The purpose of the Grassland Zone is to provide a sustainable source of kunai and pit pit and land for burning and hunting Grassland Zone (of, for example wild pigs) for local collection and use. Importantly all activities, except for village-based services and construction, are allowed in the Grassland Zone. PNG Policy on Protected Areas The purpose of the Livelihoods and Agroforestry Livelihoods and Zone is to provide space for current and the Agroforestry Zone expansion of gardening, animal husbandry, or any other livelihoods or processing activities. PAGE 52 The Village Zone is principally the place for houses, stores, schools, churches, and airstrips and any other village Village Zone service or construction. The key activities not permitted in this zone are lighting kunai and setting traps. The Marine Zone is the open water outside of reefs. All activities are permitted in this Zone. The purpose of this Zone Marine Zone is to ensure that customary landowners have access to marine resources, passage and transport. The Reef Zone is the area of reefs along the YUS Landscape scope. These reefs are used to sustain local needs and Reef Zone sustenance, and are a place where people can fish and collect marine resources. These are sensitive ecosystems and therefore no large ships or boats can pass over this zone. In most cases, categories are associated 3.5 MANAGING with whole protected areas, though different NATURAL INTEGRIT Y ON management zones within them may have PROTECTED AREAS different permitted activities. However, it is also possible for IUCN categories to be assigned Healthy natural ecological processes will be to zones within a Protected Area, provided maintained in the face of threatening processes that the mechanism for creating zones is such as invasive species, population growth and equivalent to the way that the Protected climate change. Maintaining natural integrity, Area is created. For example, national cultural values and natural landscapes and marine sanctuaries will be category VI, but seascapes across time is the highest priority regulatory zones within them will include of Protected Area management, along with no-take zones recognised as category II delivering sustainable benefits to customary and customary use zones (category V). landowners. Different Protected Area types and zones will be managed on land and sea according to the management principles, values and conservation agreements for that area. Training, guidelines and the requirements for proper equipment will be developed by CEPA in achieving these standards. Protected Area management at all levels, but especially through National and Provincial Governments, will actively engage with other government institutions and industry to ensure that policy, legislation and development approvals are compatible with protection of natural integrity on Protected Areas. The importance of connectivity across the entire landscape and seascape will be recognised when establishing and managing Protected Areas.

3.6 ADEQUATE AND WELL MAINTAINED INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT In many countries across the world, lack of PNG Policy on Protected Areas adequate and appropriate infrastructure and equipment, and a lack of adequate maintenance, is a major factor hampering Protected Area management. Acquiring PAGE 53 and managing these assets are even more challenging when there is a diversity of management structures and partners. Often external funding and grants provide equipment or infrastructure for Protected Areas, but this funding may not continue over the life of the asset. Important issues Protected Area management will aim to: include safety of all partners, and the need to pro-actively fund regular inspections, đ
Maintain the full range of natural repair and replacement of all assets so their biological diversity across the Protected value and usefulness is maintained. Training Area Network; and enforced policies may be needed. đ
Maintain natural ecological processes Sustainable financing is needed to regularly in the landscape and seascape such as maintain, repair or replace all equipment nutrient cycling and water flows; and infrastructure, so its value and usefulness are maintained. Peoples’ safety is the highest đ
Maintain the dynamic nature of priority, and unsafe equipment or practices landscapes and seascapes; and will not be allowed. An asset management system will assist with auditing and maintaining đ
Anticipate potential impacts of climate Protected Area facilities and equipment. change and boost resilience of all Protected Areas where possible. A high standard will be set by Protected Area managers by following best practical processes and by avoiding or minimising environmental impacts of all protected area operations, including fire management, pest management, and resource use. w ~ [D] P I L L A R 4.1 INTRODUCTION - FOUR: MANAGING THE PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK Desired outcome: The National Protected Area Network will consist of existing and new protected areas brought together under new legislation. The aim is for a protected area network that is Relevant and CARR đ
Relevant to all PNG people, The PNG Protected Area Network is relevant to the PNG people, protects the diversity of life, đ
Comprehensive and representative of the landscapes and seascapes, and forms a well- diversity of life, landscapes and seascapes; connected, adequate and resilient system. and Objectives: đ
Adequate, resilient and viable into the future to withstand and recover from đ
Establish a PNG Protected Area Network stresses including climate change. according to the guiding principles and the range of reserve types outlined in this The CARR network is based on the CAR Policy. (comprehensive, adequate and representative) Protected Area system concept developed in đ
Establish a relevant, comprehensive, Australia, but with an increased emphasis on the adequate, representative and resilient PNG relevance to the community and on developing Protected area Network according to the resilience to climate change. Guidelines range of reserve types and network design for the development of the CARR Protected principles established in this Policy. Area network in PNG area are outlined PNG Policy on Protected Areas đ
Ensure a smooth transition from the below (see Figure 6). It should be noted 2014 Protected Area types to the updated that guidelines and priorities will be applied Network, with no loss of values. with different emphasis to different types of PAGE 54 Protected Area: for example National Parks (NP) and Special Management Areas (SMA) will be selected with priority for biodiversity conservation, but Community Conservation Areas will have an emphasis on relevance to customary landowners and communities. Figure 7: Summary of the CARR system for building the Protected Area Network Relevant to all PNG people Comprehensive and Adequate, resilient and representative of the viable into the future đ
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4.2 GUIDELINES FOR THE BUILDING OF THE CARR Most Protected Areas in PNG will continue PROTECTED AREA NETWORK to supply customary landowners and other community members with their basic needs Protected Areas selection will be for food, water, building materials and other relevant to the community resources. This continued supply will be necessary to allow continued occupation and 1. Support and involvement of customary management of the land and sea. Protected landowners is essential. People are an integral area types, management plans, zonings part of the PNG landscape and seascape, and and management regimes will respect nature is the basis of culture. Thus Protected the needs of customary landowners. PNG Policy on Protected Areas Areas must be seen to be relevant and acceptable to customary landowners, other 5. Potential social and economic benefits will stakeholders and the nation as a whole. Local be sought
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level, District and Provincial Governments (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation PAGE 55 also play an important role in decision- and Degradation) and emerging markets making relating to new Protected Areas. for Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) such as Carbon, Biodiversity and Water a) Protected Areas will be designed Credits create opportunities for payments and established with the agreement to landowners who protect and manage and full involvement of local customary their customary lands. In addition to these, landowners, with consideration for conservation compatible business enterprises their local needs and resource uses. can be considered. Potential employment opportunities through research assistance and b) Where possible, boundaries of Protected Area management will be maximised. Protected Areas will take into account language and cultural groupings. The Protected Area Network will include the diversity of life, c) Where customary landowners take landscapes and seascapes the initiative to propose new Protected Areas or to strengthen existing Protected 6. The Protected Area Network will be Areas, the area should be assessed comprehensive in conserving the range of and their efforts supported even where ecosystems. The Protected Area Network the area is not a national priority for will to be developed with the primary focus reservation for its biodiversity values. of including as much of PNG’s landscape and biological diversity as possible. 2. Cultural values and places will be protected. Protected Areas will be selected where a) Comprehensiveness will be achieved possible to be culturally relevant and to first through conserving examples of the provide protection to places of cultural and full range of natural terrestrial, freshwater historic importance, including tambu areas and marine habitats and ecosystems, of significance to customary landowners. based on a consistent national approach to bioregional and ecosystem classification. 3. Benefits from ecosystem services will be This classification will include representative maximised. Protected Areas will be selected geophysical settings that are the basis for regional biodiversity regardless of climate. Protected Areas and the Network as This will help PNG maintain the capacity to a whole will be viable into the future support a diversity of life in the future, even if habitats are altered by climate change. 8. Individual Protected Areas and the Network as a whole will be adequate in b) Until such time as a more thorough area and design to be sustained in the long classification of terrestrial ecosystems is term. Adequacy in the Protected Area available, the Conservation Priority Areas Network will be ensured at two levels: identified through the analysis of land systems, forest inventory management a) Across the whole network and within units and restricted range endemic bioregions, adequate areas of each species with consideration of climate ecosystem will be conserved to allow change refugia (Lipsett-Moore, Game et for the survival and plants and animals al. 2010) will be used to guide priorities for which depend on these habitats. The establishing terrestrial Protected Areas. Protected Area Network will be well connected and will maximise the natural c) In the marine environment, the connections used by plants and animals marine representative system should be used as a basis for setting priorities. b) Individual Protected Areas will be adequate in size and be designed d) Rare and restricted habitats and using good design principles wherever ecosystems should be included in the possible, as summarised in Table 7. Protected Area network wherever possible. 9. The Protected Area Network as a whole, 7. The Protected Area Network will be as well as individual Protected Areas, PNG Policy on Protected Areas representative. Representativeness is the will be designed to maximise resilience sampling of the full range of biodiversity at a to climate change impacts and other finer scale than comprehensiveness, within threats, by recognising new threats to the units of classification and including more the system, by increasing connectivity PAGE 56 specific elements of natural systems. at both local and broad scales, and by identifying and protecting refugia areas. a) Within broad habitats and bioregions, the protected area system will include a) Potential wildlife refugia against the greatest possible diversity of plants climate change. Climate change can be and animals, especially where they on a large scale, such as high mountain occur across climatic gradients. ranges, or a small scale, such as a small caverns and rocky slopes. Protected b) Special consideration will be given to Areas should where possible include: endemic, rare and threatened species, and efforts will be made to prevent đ
Ecological refugia, such as where extinctions of populations and species. it is higher, cooler or wetter than Priority will be given to places where surrounding lands, or where species can concentrations of threatened and shelter in rocks, caves or deeper water endemic species occur, to centres of endemism and to important places for đ
Evolutionary refugia, where many migratory species including flyways. endemic species continue to survive as the surrounding landscape and c) The Protected Area system will, as far seascape changes as practical, include representation of the đ
Human-induced refugia, areas of variety of geological features, freshwater natural habitat where surrounding areas ecosystems and wetlands. In addition to have been cleared or altered ecosystems and species, the Protected Area system will include examples of đ
“Trigger points”, habitats from which landscapes including geological features climate-adapted species may spread in (such as cliffs, sand-dunes, caves, peaks, the future. rock formations and fossils) and of freshwater and wetland systems (such as rivers, lakes, freshwater and saline wetlands, ephemeral swamps and springs). Table 7: Design guidelines for Protected Areas General guidelines for protected area design Less desirable Application in PNG – More desirable No lower size limit will be set, but in general larger areas have better 1 Larger Smaller conservation potential. Balance with other considerations including costs and logical boundaries. Much of catchment Including the catchments of in areas outside waterways means that managers 2 Includes whole catchment PA management have more control over water quality control or influence and also over invasive species. Natural boundaries are easier to Boundaries coincide with Boundary is in a place manage and save money in boundary 3 natural boundaries eg that is difficult to mark marking. Balance with guideline rivers, mountain ranges or recognised below. PA includes a large In PNG the boundaries of number of different Boundaries coincide customary owner groups or customary land owner 4 with cultural and larger clan groups may be logical groups, especially administrative boundaries PA boundaries enabling easier where relationships negotiations and management are not cooperative PNG Policy on Protected Areas The boundary to area ratio should Shape is long and be as low as possible to reduce Shape is closer to 5 thin or with a very ‘edge effects’ of invasive plants round than linear PAGE 57 convoluted boundary. and animals. However, this is balanced with principles 3 and 4. In PNG many Pas will include villages and local roads, and local communities aspire to better Roads and other Natural areas are access and communications. Some infrastructure are outside highly fragmented access tracks are also desirable for 6 PA, so there is minimal by internal roads and management. However, major roads internal fragmentation communication facilities can cause high rates of road kill, prevent natural wildlife movement, and allow invasion of weeds, and are not desirable within protected areas. Ratings according to standard Most of the area is in Most of the area is in terminology. Exceptions where poor or fair condition, 7 good to very good rehabilitation is desirable or where requiring major condition some area used for community rehabilitation works gardens or hunting areas. Isolated from other High level of connectivity natural areas; no ability Includes flyways as well as terrestrial, 8 to other natural areas for wildlife to move in freshwater and marine environments. natural patterns b) Restricted Range Endemic species - those about 15% of the country would be needed to species with limited geographic and climatic reach the 10% representation, the area needed ranges most vulnerable to climate change will be approximately 22% of the country – will be given special consideration. for the 10% coverage, and 33% for the 20% coverage. These figures will be higher when c) The Protected Area Network will the needs of the community and administrative strive to maintain where possible boundaries are taken into account. continuous connectivity along natural gradients across climatic zones, While these aspirational targets are important montane slopes, river basins, and from for biodiversity conservation, it will be very offshore to onshore and tidal areas. challenging for PNG to reach them in the timeframe, and this Policy does not support d) Protected Areas with similar habitats and the reservation of areas solely to meet the wildlife will be duplicated where possible target, without proper consideration of their to reduce the risk of species extinctions values and of the wishes of the customary at a single site and to provide ‘insurance’ landowners. Aspirational targets for the against natural and manmade disasters. Protected Area Network are listed in Table 8. 10. Protected Areas and the network will be manageable and available. Preference will be given to selecting Protected Areas where 4.4 ME T H O D O LO G Y A ND management can be practical, culturally ECO- REGIONS FOR appropriate and affordable. Where possible, SELECTING, ASSESSING a clear capacity for future management AND PRIORITISING has been negotiated between customary PROTECTED AREAS PNG Policy on Protected Areas landowners, governments and other partners such as NGOs and donors. The declaration A detailed methodology for the selection of the Protected Area must be able to be and assessment of new Protected Areas, negotiated with customary landowners, and evaluation of existing Protected PAGE 58 communities and with other sectors such as Areas, will be developed based on the mining, forestry and plantation industries. the principles in section 4.2. The bases of terrestrial reserve planning in PNG are discussed in detail in Lipsett-

4.3 TARGETS FOR THE Moore et al (2010). In this document the PROTECTED AREA NETWORK primary division of biodiversity elements is comprised of nine eco-regions (Table 9). PNG is a signatory to the CBD, and the Program of Work for Protected Areas. Target 11 of the CBD In 2010 a gap analysis conducted by DEC Strategic Plan states that “By 2020, at least 17 per and TNC defined the level of protection of cent of terrestrial and in land water areas and 10 PNG’s terrestrial ecosystems and restricted per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially range endemic species as shown in table areas of particular importance for biodiversity 12. This process also defined the critical and ecosystem services, are conserved marine and terrestrial areas for conservation, through effectively and equitably managed, as shown in the report to the CBD ecologically representative and well-connected (Government of Papua New Guinea 2010). systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and At this stage three marine bioregions have integrated into the wider landscape and been defined as part of the Coral Triangle seascape” (CBD COP 10 Decision X/2 2010). (1 to 3), with a further two unclassified regions (4 and 5) in PNG (Table 11). The Terrestrial Programs of Works on Protected Area (PoWPA) (Lipsett-Moore, Game et al. 2010) In addition, areas of outstanding marine worked with targets of 10% of ecosystems for values have been recognised (Figure 4) biological representation and 20% to add better regionalisation that includes five eco-regions climate change resilience. When software and 21 shallow water bioregions, where the solutions were used to plot this representation outer boundaries of the external eco-regions across all vegetation types and land systems are concurrent with the outer boundary of and to include the restricted range species, PNG’s Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ). Table 8: Targets for Protected Areas in PNG Target Notes Other forms of protection such as CBD targets as above are supported noting that restrictions on clearing primary forests 1 they include areas under effective management (e.g. under the Forestry Act) and ensuring not necessarily within formal Protected Areas. sustainable fishing will complement the formal Protected Area Network. 10% of territorial waters and the coastline within a variety of marine protected Much of catchment in areas outside 2 areas by 2025 (CBD targets). Minimum PA management control or influence of one million ha (2050 vision) 25% of target 2 (ie 2.5% of territorial waters) Needs of local community fishing to be under a combination of no-take zones and 3 taken into account, but to be protected zones which allow fishing only by customary from outside exploitation of resources. landowners for subsistence use by 2025 To be managed in cooperation 10% of offshore areas outside territorial PNG Policy on Protected Areas with neighbouring countries 4 waters but within the EEC will be included to maximise conservation of in national marine sanctuaries by 2025. turtles and other marine life. Any priority identified terrestrial and PAGE 59 To maintain connectivity and increase wetland areas that are not subject to their value, establishment of Community resource use by customary landowners 5 Conservation Areas (CCA) adjacent to become National Parks (NP) by 2020, to these National Parks (NP) may along with other high montane areas be of particularly important. considered of value to the CARR system. At least one major, well-managed NP in each of the nine terrestrial eco-regions by 2025. Depending on the resource use and These should be adequate in size and should aspirations of the customary landowners, include some of the most valuable areas of NPs may not be an appropriate Protected 6 endemism and biodiversity in the country. Area type in all bioregions, and SMAS Priority identified areas to be given preference. and CCAs with some high protection zones will be an acceptable alternative. Twenty national reserves, wilderness areas and national parks (2050 vision) A variable level of protection is 80% of all identified vegetation types and acceptable as small (rare) ecosystems landforms to be included in Protected Areas to will require a higher proportion within 7 at least a 5% level by 2020 and a 10% level by Protected Areas. This related to the 2025. CBD target of protected areas being ecologically representative. All rare and threatened and restricted range 8 vertebrate species have at least 30% of their habitat in some form of Protected Area by 2025. Table 9: Terrestrial ecoregions of PNG Ecoregions Size (Ha) % of land Source WWF Ecoregion 1 Manus Island 208,505 0.5 132. Admiralty Islands 111. New Britain/New Ireland Lowlands 2 North-eastern Islands 4,699,775 10.2 112. New Britain/New Ireland Uplands 3 Bougainville Island 939,137 2.0 119. Bougainville Island 107. Huon Range 4 Northern New Guinea 9,482,056 20.5 115. North New Guinea Lowlands 116. North New Guinea Uplands 5 Central Range 11,821,294 25.5 105. Central Range 6 Southeast Peninsula 7,457,004 16.1 120. Southeast Peninsula 7 Trobriand Island 432,689 0.9 125. Trobriand Island Louisiade (Southeastern PNG Policy on Protected Areas 8 181,395 0.4 110. Louisiade Archipelago Island) 121. Southern Wetlands PAGE 60 9 Southern New Guinea 11,053,974 23.9 122. Southern Plains 708. Trans-fly TOTAL 46,275,829 100% Table 10: Gap analysis of terrestrial Protected Area system. Source: Government of Papua New Guinea (2010) Total Number meeting Measure Protection criteria Number threshold Land System Types 59 >10% in PAs 10 Vegetation Types 57 >10% in PAs 6 Restricted range endemic reptiles >10% of their defined 123 17 and amphibians habitat in PAs >10% of their defined Restricted range endemic mammals 37 7 habitat in PAs Table 11: Marine bioregions of the PNG Including the island of Manus, New Britain, New 1 Bismarck Sea Ireland and north coast of the Momase region. Including the areas Lae to Milne Bay Province 2 Milne Bay Area excluding the south east of the province Including the southeast coast line from Port Moresby to the 3 Southeast PNG further east to Sudest Island in the Milne Bay Province. 4 Bougainville Island In the Solomon Seas Far west of Port Moresby including the Gulf 5 Southwest PNG of Papua and the Torres Strait area. Figure 8: Areas of outstanding Informed judgment with existing data is marine values “priority seascapes” adequate to achieve representation of many in PNG. Source: CEPA (2010). ecosystems, habitats and communities that are currently without formal protection. The methodology will combine ‘bottom-up’ proposals based on customary landowner priorities with ‘top-down’ proposals PNG Policy on Protected Areas based on scientific reserve planning methodology, as shown in Figure 8. While the top-down planning and proposals PAGE 61 emphasise complementarity of proposals and seek to conserve samples of all marine and terrestrial eco-regions, the bottom-up process is driven by customary landowner wishes, and may include areas, which have not been identified as top priority by scientists. A Protected Areas Proposal database of potential priority sites will be developed, including both spatial and non-spatial components (i.e. a database linked to a spatial layer). As a first step, the database Any Marine Protected Area which is recognised will include priority conservation areas within PNG will be considered also as part of the identified in the previous assessments Coral Triangle System of MPAs (CTMPAS), with and other historical proposals. four levels of recognition depending on the importance of the area and the management From this database, spatial analyses can effectiveness achieved (Coral Triangle generate some further information and a Initiative on Coral Reefs 2013, Walton, White list of national priorities will be generated et al. 2014). These are outlined in Table 12. for addition to the network over a five year period. This list will be reviewed annually or In early 2000, the Minister for Environment & as more information becomes available. Conservation declared the PNG EEZ as a whale sanctuary. Scientific researches confirms that The potential priority sites will be further the Bismarck Sea is migratory and breeding investigated (through on-ground research) to ground for arctic whales passing through ensure the mapped values are present and PNG waters, in particular the sperm whale. the land is in suitable ecological condition, This Policy will provide the basis to gazette and most importantly to ascertain whether protection for threatened marine species. landowners are willing to negotiate. PNG Policy on Protected Areas Table 12: Levels of sites accepted in the Coral Triangle regional protected area system. Source: (Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs 2013) PAGE 62 CTMPA level Description These include large, already effectively managed sites that have Flagship Sites regional ecological, governance or socioeconomic importance. These are sites of regional ecological, governance or socioeconomic importance that are not yet effectively managed and thus need additional assistance to achieve their full potential, Priority Development Sites or new high priority sites that are added to the CTMPAS as recommended by the regional gap analysis because they make a specific contribution to the regional system as a whole. Effectively Managed These sites meet the agreed minimum criteria for design and Regional Sites management effectiveness specified in the CTMPAS Framework These are sites that meet the minimum data Recognized CTMPAS Sites requirements and are included in the CT Atlas New Protected Areas may be initiated in existing Protected Area which does not yet several ways, as shown in Figure 8 have formal national protection. đ
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Private industry offers to support the by approaching other partners (Universities, establishment of a new Protected Srea NGOs or private industry) to support as an offset to a planned or existing assessment, negotiations and management development: this would then require arrangements in identified sites of high them to support partners in the negotiation priority. process and to offer sustainable benefits to the customary landowners. đ
Customary landowners, local level government, NGOs or other stakeholders Progress could be made quickly in some approach CEPA with a proposal to establish remote areas where priority habitats and a new Protected Area, or to formalise an ecosystems can be protected with insignificant impact on existing users and on any relevant proposals are submitted to CEPA by Provincial obligations. For example, a number of Proposed or Local Level Governments, NGOs, academic Priority Conservation Areas are located in areas organisations and other stakeholders. with very little habitation or use by customary landowners, though there are still strong links Within two months of receipt of a completed between the people and their land and sea. proposal, a National Protected Area Round Table (NPART) rates and evaluates it according to the principles outlined in this Policy. Additional advice and information can be

4.5 PREPARATION sought as necessary. As discussed above, a OF PROPOSALS concept-stage proposal may be evaluated before a full proposal is prepared. The NPART A standard Protected Area proposal will be either supports the proposal as a National completed for each proposed new Protected Protected Area, requests further information Area, regardless of whether it is proposed by and evidence, or recommends that Provincial CEPA, NGO, customary landowners or another and Local Level Governments evaluate it as a body. As this will take considerable resources potential Regional Protected Area. Reasons to prepare, the process shown in Figure 8 for each decision are clearly documented. may in practice be broken into two phases: CEPA then seeks support for proposal from đ
an outline proposal or concept may be other relevant government sectoral agencies, presented and discussed at the relevant recognising the implications for future resource Protected Area Round Table development. Negotiations with other sectors can be undertaken at any stage. Where such đ
the more detailed proposal is developed. support is not given, the proposal should still PNG Policy on Protected Areas proceed to a final decision at NEC level. This will be particularly relevant when customary landowners and communities seeks Both approved and rejected proposals support to develop a proposal and do not have are then presented to the NCC, with PAGE 63 the resources to compile the information. full information about consultation and While the proposal phase is important, it should recommendation. The NCC reviews proposals not be prohibitively expensive or difficult and on a quarterly basis and may where customary landowners and communities should necessary request additional information. not be discouraged from submitting proposals. For example, information about known species Where a proposal has been rejected for a should be included, but exhaustive fauna National-level Protected Area, the proponent surveys are not required. Maps of approximate and the relevant Provincial Government is boundaries are essential, but formally surveyed informed. The proposal can then be considered boundaries are not necessary as surveys are for further evaluation as a potential regional- too costly and take too long to complete. level proposal. The proponent of the proposal has the right to appeal and resubmit a revised The proforma for the proposal developed proposal directly to the NCC at any stage. by CEPA will include topics shown in Appendix One. Where endorsed by the NCC, the proposal and Conservation and Benefit Sharing Agreement Assessment of proposals are finalised, signed by the customary landowners and communities, and prepared for While all Protected Areas in this Policy are sign-off by the NEC and gazettal. Upon gazettal, part of the PNG Protected Area Network, not all parties including customary landowners, all require national-level approval for their community representatives and provincial gazettal. Therefore the assessment paths for and local level governments are notified the two groups differ, though both require the immediately. The area will then be entered same proposal proforma to be completed. into the National Register of Protected Areas. Assessment of proposals for National Protected Areas (National Parks (NP), National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS), Special Management Areas (SMA) and National Heritage Areas (NHA)) are conducted at National level. CEPA staff will prepare some of these proposals. Other Figure 9: Process for preparting and evaluating Protected Area proposals Conservation planning Interim conservation priority assessments areas defined through Community priority areas conservation planning require the CEPA lead –may be NGO Customary landowners or same proposal or partnership Provincial/ local level govt or NGO partnership Natural and cultural Social mapping Negotiations with values assessment customary landowners Proposal developed and refined Protected Area proposal proforma to be completed Proposal proceeds only if ➔ supported by customary Preliminary proposal may landowners be submitted for initial Type of Protected Area consideration before full proposal is prepared ➔ National-level PAGE 64 Regional-level Protected Areas Protected Areas National Park (NP) Community Conservation National Marine Sanctuary Area (CCA) Locally (NMS) National Heritage PNG Policy on Protected Areas Managed Marine Area (NHA) Special Area(LMMA) Management Area (SMA) Proposal rejected Evaluated by NPART at Evaluated by RPART National level at LLG and Provincial Government level All proposals Proposal Recommendation supported endorsed by NCC Endorsement by Provincial and Local Level Governments Approved by NEC Proposal supported Gazettal under national Gazettal under Provincial legislation and LLG legislation National Register of PAs Provincial and Local Level 4.6 CONVERSION OF EXISTING AREAS: THE Regional Protected Areas are approved TRANSITION PERIOD and gazetted through Provincial legislation. As it is not possible to replicate capacity The PNG Protected Area Network Register to assess Protected Area proposals in and Database will be established immediately, each of the 22 provinces, the four regions and all existing Protected Areas in PNG will commonly recognised in PNG will be be registered. Upon implementation of the established as hubs for this purpose. new legislation and the new PNG Protected Area Classification System, transitional Proposals are prepared and submitted to the arrangements will come into place for a Regional Protected Area Round Table (RPART) period of five years. During this period: by customary landowners, NGOs, academic organisations and other stakeholders. Within đ
Former National Parks (NP) will become two months of receipt of the completed NPs under the new legislation; proposal, the RPART rates and evaluates it according to the principles outlined in this đ
Existing WMAs will be placed in a Policy in conjunction with relevant Provincial, transitional class of Protected Area under District and Local Level Governments. the new legislation (also called WMA) Additional advice and information can be with provisions holding over from the sought as necessary. The RPART either existing legislation but with greater powers supports the proposal as a Protected of enforcement. No new WMAs will be created; Area, recommends that the proposal be resubmitted, or rejects the proposal. Reasons đ
Existing Conservation Areas will become for each decision are clearly documented. Community Conservation Areas; PNG Policy on Protected Areas The Provincial and Local Level Governments đ
Locally Managed Marine Areas under any with the assistance of CEPA where necessary existing legislation or arrangement will be seek support for proposal from other PAGE 65 listed and recognized as LMMAs. relevant government sectoral agencies, recognising the implications for future Within five years, in full consultation with resource development. Negotiations with other relevant stakeholders, CEPA will review sectors can be undertaken at any stage. the customary landowners’ wishes and the values of the existing Protected Areas, using Where endorsed by the RPART, the proposal an abbreviated process of the Protected and conservation and benefit sharing Area proposal evaluation, and will either: agreement are finalised, signed by the customary landowners and community đ
Confirm the Protected Area in the representatives, and prepared for sign-off Protected Area type to which it was and gazettal by the Provincial and Local originally transferred (will not apply to Level Governments. Where necessary, WMAs); or additional regulations are passed at Provincial and Local Level to enable đ
Transfer existing Protected Areas to a management of the new Protected Area. suitable categories in the new classification system; or Upon gazettal, all parties including customary landowners, Provincial and Local Level đ
Recommend degazettal as Protected Governments and CEPA are notified Area. immediately, and the area is entered into Existing boundaries may be altered as the National Register of Protected Areas. appropriate during this process. Figure 10: Transitional arrangements for existing protected areas NEW PA LEGISLATION 2014 TRANSITIONAL NEW PA LEGISLATION ARRANGEMENT LEGISLATION National Park Assessments, evaluation and negotiations with customary landowners National Park National Park Managed under national legislation National Parks Act 1982 (NPA) Marine Protected Area National National Fisheries Management Marine Marine Act (2004) Memorial Park National Heritage Area National Heritage Area (NPA) Provincial Park (NPA) Special Management Area Conservation Area Community Conservation Areas Act 1978 Conservation Area Community Managed under PNG Policy on Protected Areas Conservation Area Wildlife Management Area provincial and Fauna (Protection and Wildlife Management Area LLG legislation Locally Managed PAGE 66 Control) Act 1966 Marine Area Locally Managed Locally Managed Not suitable or Marine Area Provincial and LLG legislation Marine Area not supported Degazettal as Protected Area as PA

4.7 SET TING PRIORITIES FOR be supported, provided they are within the NEW PROTECTED AREAS broad framework of the future protected area network. Table 13 indicates priorities CEPA will first address the backlog of for support and investment in protected Protected Area proposals to add these to area establishment and for subsequent the Protected Area Proposal Database and management by CEPA and by partners such to determine which proposals correspond to as NGOs and other levels of government. Conservation Priority Areas and have supportive customary landowners. This will allow CEPA to take immediate steps to strengthen the establishment of the Protected Area Network. 
%&(";&5 5"- Where existing industry proposals for resource In exceptional cases national or community extraction or development coincide with priorities may warrant the use of a Protected and conflict with Conservation Priority Areas, Area or part thereof in a manner that is negotiations will be needed. If the area is inconsistent with this Policy. Permanent or developed, biodiversity offsets will be required temporary de-reservation of any Protected in similar ecosystem or habitat types. In Area or part thereof, will require approval the case of new industry proposals, careful from NEC and national stakeholders , consideration will be required and approval with transparent criteria and a process given only where no net harm can be ensured. of broad consultation. This process will include the establishment of compensation While national priorities for the most critical and/or restoration requirements. Protected Areas will be established, the values of initiatives from the ground up PNG Policy on Protected Areas are also recognised. Such initiatives will PAGE 67 Table 13: Priorities for investment Customary landowner priorities and interest in protected area Area has very CEPA scientific Initiative shown CLOs are potentially CLOs are not little habitation priorities by CLOs interested in a PA supportive of a PA or use by CLOs Negotiations to discuss options Highest priority Highest priority – conducted by for reservation Other conservation for reservation CEPA or NGO Critical as national options discussed as national and/ Negotiations to protected (NGO or CEPA) or regional discuss options area (CEPA) – conducted by CEPA or NGO Very high priority Very high priority Negotiations to for reservation for reservation Other conservation discuss options Very high as national as national and/ options discussed – conducted by protected or regional (NGO or CEPA) CEPA or NGO area (CEPA) NGO ptiority Possibility for Support reservation Options may be Other conservation declaration High as national discussed as a lower options discussed as regional protected areas priority (NGO or CEPA) protected area (CEPA) Approve Medium declaration to low as regional protected area

4.9 PAPUA NEW GUINEA 4.10 PROPOSED PROTECTED TENTATIVE WORLD AREA: TORRICELLI HERITAGE SITES MOUNTAIN RANGE Seven properties have been on the World The Torricelli Mountain Range (TMR) within Heritage Tentative list since 2006, and this Sandaun and East Sepik Provinces, is an area policy will support the Government of Papua of high endemism and biodiversity significance. New Guinea to proceed with the nomination The TMR is the last refuge for four critically of these sites in conjunction with stakeholders, endangered mammals (IUCN red list). They are: especially the customary landowners. The site descriptions can be seen on the World Heritage đ
Tenkile Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus scottae) (UNESCO) website http://whc.unesco.org/ en/tentativelists/state=pg. The properties on đ
Weimang Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus pulcherrimus) the PNG tentative list are shown in Table 14. đ
Northern Glider (Petaurus abidi) đ
Black-spotted Cuscus (Spilocuscus rufoniger) Table 14: World Heritage Sites Tentative List Site name Province Upper Sepik River Basin East and West Sepik TransFly Complex (grasslands and savannahs) Western Province PNG Policy on Protected Areas Kikori River Basin / Great Papuan Plateau Gulf, Western and Southern Highlands PAGE 68 Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges Central and Oro Milne Bay Seascape (Pacific Jewels of Milne Bay Marine Biodiversity) Samarai Island Huon Terraces - Stairway to the Past Morobe New Britain, Western, Southern Highlands-Enga- The sublime Karst of Papua New Guinea Sepik Border An example of proposed NHA: This area, greater than 200,000 hectares of TransFly grasslands and Savannas, lowland and mid-montane tropical rainforest is Western Province, PNG being protected by the traditional landowners and communities in partnership with the The property is a mixed cultural and natural NGO Tenkile Conservation Alliance (TCA). A site straddling the international border bottom up approach has provided education, of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. training, employment and community development in conjunction with establishing TransFly cultures retain land use practices and a conservation area. Local villages have traditions with an ancient lineage. These are established conservation area management experiencing dramatic change, particularly committees who are responsible for enforcing in areas close the border. A World Heritage the protected area rules and penalties. listing will assist to document, revitalise and promote a pride in these traditions. Natural This program consists of 50 villages comprising systems remain in remarkable good condition of approximately 12,000 people. The TMR with only a few limited areas of human stretches across two provinces, three habitation and impacts such as invasive species districts and five local level governments. or mine waste affecting only limited areas. PNG Policy on Protected Areas PAGE 69 The TCA, through successful grants and other TCA has after 12 years become an funding sources has successfully provided internationally renowned and award winning rural service delivery to various stakeholders conservation and development program. including the establishment of 350 water TCA are working with the PNG Government tanks, alternative protein sources, family to establish the TMR as a Protected Area. planning, education programs and staff capacity building to ensure the long-term sustainability and management of TCA’s programs. w ~ [D] P I L L A R and their management, incorporating - FIVE: SUSTAINABLE AND E Q U I TA BL E F IN A N C IN G FOR PROTECTED AREAS innovative and effective mechanisms for funding biodiversity conservation, such as market-based instruments. A detailed financing strategy to support Protected Areas will be developed within 12 months following the approval of this Policy. Desired outcome: The development of a clear Protected Area Policy with prioritisation of areas for Sustainable and equitable financing conservation as outlined in Pillar 1 will supports the Protected Area Network optimize the use of funding, and enable and established Protected Areas funding bodies including international donors to include these priorities in their Objectives: investment planning and strategy processes. đ
Develop and implement a Biodiversity A detailed financing strategy to support Trust Fund to support the Protected Area protected areas will be developed within 12 Network and established Protected Areas months following the approval of this Policy. through mechanisms such as biodiversity and ecosystem services offsets, green contributions such as levies and taxes, and

5.2 FINANCING OPTIONS donations and philanthropic contributions. International sources of funding for Protected đ
Develop small grant programs to Areas include multilateral banks, bilateral deliver funding directly to support local development cooperation agencies, PNG Policy on Protected Areas communities in the establishment and foundations, International NGOs, Carbon Offset management of Protected Areas programs, Global levies (e.g. air travel levies, Global Environmental Facility and cultural funds) and philanthropic contributions. PAGE 70 5.1 INTRODUCTION National level mechanism include green AND BACKGROUND taxes, levies, surcharges and tax incentives, tax deduction schemes, private foundation Adequate and reliable financial resources grants, national environmental funds, debt will be provided for effective management swaps, national and provincial lotteries, of Protected Areas in PNG. Each Protected and public-good service payments. Area requires an annual budget for development and implementation of Site level mechanisms include user management plans (including capital and fees, cause-related marketing, adoption recurrent expenditure), and to support the programs, corporate donations, individual customary landowners and local communities donations, planned giving, site memberships in their management of Protected Areas. and ‘friends’ schemes. This contributes to payment of ecosystem services. Through a diversified mix of conventional funding sources (e.g. budgetary allocations, The range of alternative funding sources overseas development assistance) and continues to grow and extends from innovative innovative funding sources (e.g. payments fiscal measures taken nationally to self- for offsets and ecosystem services, trust generated revenue from conservation sites. funds and green taxes) PNG can achieve In addition, there is funding from the Global stable and sufficient long term financial Environmental Facility (GEF), as well as domestic resources to support the Protected Area and international donors. Network and established Protected Areas. Work on an offsets policy and sustainable financing through a Biodiversity Trust Fund is being progressed and will complement and operationalise this policy. A coordinated and long-term investment strategy will support Protected Areas A Biodiversity Trust Fund will be established 5.4 P R OT E C T E D A RE A to provide an accountable and transparent GRANTS PROGRAM mechanism to support the PNG Protected Area Network. The Trust Fund will incorporate The Protected Area Grants Program a range of approaches to funding, including: will work with communities, NGOs, Provincial and local level governments đ
Endowment Trust Funds; to assist with the establishment and management of Protected Areas in PNG. đ
Payment for Ecosystem Services; Applications for either a full grant or a đ
Local Economic Development; planning grant can come from community- based organisations and customary đ
Conservation Incentive Agreements; and landholder groups with or without partners đ
Small Grants Programs. such as NGOs or academic institutions. Funds will be available to assist in the development of proposals for all Protected

5.3 PRINCIPLES FOR A Areas, for example funding for social mapping SUSTAINABLE FINANCING to identify customary landowners, work to OF PROTECTED AREAS assess the natural and cultural values of the proposed area, identification and negotiation To ensure the development of mechanisms of workable boundaries and zones, workshops for the sustainable financing of Protected to develop the management principles Area management, the Government, in for the Protected Area, and development collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, will: of benefit sharing arrangements. PNG Policy on Protected Areas đ
Ensure harmonisation of incentives for Funds will also be available once an area Protected Area management with other has been gazetted as a Protected Area fiscal policies (e.g. taxation and subsidy to assist with planning, implementation PAGE 71 schemes); of the management plan, undertaking reporting, and capacity building to enable đ
Provide adequate annual budgetary local management of the area. allocations to the CEPA; Allocation of funds will be dependent on đ
Take advantage of opportunities offered the area proposed for Protected Area status by new global environmental markets being recognised as a priority area at either (e.g. carbon trading), whenever they are the National or provincial level. Templates relevant and potentially beneficial to PNG; and guidelines will be developed by CEPA to assist organisations in applying for the grants. đ
ake advantage of multilateral and bilateral donor grant funding, whenever they are relevant and potentially beneficial to the development and management and sustainability of Protected Areas in PNG.

5.5 CONSERVATION Donors will be aware of and understand the AND BENEFIT SHARING Protected Area Policy, particularly in regard AGREEMENTS to building the Protected Area Network, and the role on customary landowners and Funding from the Biodiversity Trust Fund will local communities. be made directly to the legally recognized customary landowners, communities, NGOs and CBOs to achieve outcomes for Protected Areas Provincial Governments will consider this under the terms identified in the Conservation Policy when developing their five-year plans, and Benefit Sharing Agreements. In addition to and include appropriate allocations to support funding for the establishment and management customary landowners and communities in the of the Protected Areas, facilities and services implementation of the Protected Area Policy. relating to health, education, conservation and community services will be prioritised. REFERENCES Singadan, J. Sabi, G. Kula and R. Gwaibo (2010). Interim National Terrestrial Conservation Assessment for Papua New Guinea: Protecting Borrini-Feyerabend, G., Dudley, T. Jaeger, Biodiversity in a Changing Climate. Pacific B. Lassen, N. Pathak, A. Broome, A. Phillips Island Countries Report No. 1/2010., Papua and T. Sandwith (2013). Governance of New Guinea Department of Environment and Protected Areas: From understanding Conservation, The Nature Conservancy, UNDP. to action. Gland, Switzerland, IUCN. Tenkile Conservation Alliance (2012) CBD COP 10 Decision X/2 (2010). Annual Report www.tenkile.com Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011- 2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (2012). Convention on Biological Diversity. YUS Landscape Plan 2013-2015. Lae, Papua New Guinea, Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program. Conservation Measures Partnership (2013). Open Standards for the Practice Walton, A., A. T. White, S. Tighe, P. M. Aliño, of Conservation, Version 3.0,, CMP. L. Laroya, A. Dermawan, A. Kasasiah, S. A. Hamid, A. Vave-Karamui, V. Genia, L. Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, F. a. F. De Jesus Martins and A. L. Green (2014). S. C.-C. (2013). Coral Triangle Marine Protected “Establishing a Functional Region-Wide Coral Area System (CTMPAS) Framework and Action Triangle Marine Protected Area System.” Plan. Cebu City, Philippines, United States Coastal Management 42(2): 107-127. Agency for International Development Coral Triangle Support Partnership and US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: 75. PNG Policy on Protected Areas Day, J., N. Dudley, H. M., G. Holmes, D. Laffoley, S. Stolton and S. Wells (2012). Guidelines for applying the IUCN Protected PAGE 72 Area Management Categories to Marine Protected Areas. Gland, Switzerland, IUCN. Duguman, J. (2006). Papua New Guineau: Management Effectiveness Assessment of Papua New Guineau’s protected areas using WWF’s RAPPAM Methodology WWF and partners. Government of Papua New Guinea (2007). Papua New Guinea National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Government of Papua New Guinea (2010). Papua New Guinea’s Fourth National Report to the Convention in Biological Diversity. Government of Papua New Guinea Photo credits: Jean Thomas, Matt West, Michael Shelton, (2010). PNG Marine Program on Coral Jim Thomas, Steve Hamilton, Thomas Schmid and Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security 2010 Dreamstime stock photography. – 2013, Coral Triangle Initiative. Hill, R., F. Walsh, J. Davies and M. Sandford (2011). Our Country Our Way: Guidelines for Australian Indigenous Protected Area Management Plans. Cairns, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences and Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Water, Environment, Population and Communities. Lipsett-Moore, G., E. Game, N. Peterson, E. Saxon, S. Sheppard, A. Allison, J. Michael, R.

APPENDIX 1: Importance to biodiversity conservation and the CARR system PROTECTED AREA PROPOSAL OUTLINE đ
A brief description of the land, freshwater and marine systems, habitats and Introductory material ecosystem types, including geological features. Maps of features are useful, đ
Type of Protected Area being including maps by customary landowners proposed and evidence of support by of features traditionally known as customary landowners and community significant. representatives. Evidence that the identified villagers are entitled to speak on behalf of đ
An assessment of the area’s significance the land or sea will be required before a as an addition to the CARR Protected Area proposal is finalised. Network, including its complementarity to other areas and its irreplaceability or đ
Details of consultation and support (or unique character. otherwise) by other resource users and key stakeholders. Negotiations with resource đ
Lists of known priority species and their sectors and other government departments significance, and an estimation of other are not necessary at the proposal stage. species likely to occur in the area. đ
Maps of the proposed area and đ
Discussion of its contribution to climate descriptions of the approximate change resilience. boundaries, overlain with the Conservation Priority Areas and habitat classification Viability into the future schemes where possible. Note that final đ
Assessment of the connectivity of the PNG Policy on Protected Areas boundary agreements will be needed before gazettal but are not necessary at the proposed Protected Area with other natural initial proposal stage. or semi-natural areas. PAGE 73 đ
Draft conservation and benefit sharing đ
Extent to which the proposed area meets agreement with indicative acceptance design principles or will be physically by customary landowners. This may be manageable in the long term. developed after the initial proposal has been endorsed. đ
Assessment of current condition and threats to the area, including maps where đ
Information about existing and potential necessary. competing interests such as mining interests, plantations or commercial đ
Proposed governance and management fisheries. Negotiations with resource sectors arrangements including proposed structure and other government departments are and membership of board and advisory not necessary at the proposal stage. committee, and the responsibility for day- to-day management. Relevance to the community đ
Need for capacity building and other đ
Social and cultural assessment of the support from external sources. customary landowners and their willingness to negotiate a Protected Area on their land. đ
Proposed long-term sustainable financing and benefit sharing arrangements. đ
Assessment of the likely costs and benefits to the customary landowners and đ
Potential for recreation and research resource users from the Protected Area, opportunities, where appropriate. including research, employment, carbon trading, fisheries benefits. The lead role of NGOs and Universities in assisting customary landowners preparing đ
Assessment of ecosystem services to these proposals will be welcomed. be delivered by the area, such as water delivery and tsunami and flood mitigation (and the possible implications if alternative development is supported). đ
Cultural and historic values of the proposed Protected Area.

APPENDIX 2: The level of protection provided by WMAs is low, primarily because the Fauna (Protection EXISTING PROTECTED and Control) Act provides no effective powers AREAS IN PNG for the Government to enforce appropriate management of these areas, or even to prevent There is no distinction between terrestrial them being used for exploitative purposes and marine – managed areas. However, such as mining or commercial forestry. WMAs covers both terrestrial and marine. In the past, there has been no legislation WMAs have been declared over both land governing Marine Protected Areas. and sea. Approximately 4% of PNG’s terrestrial area Conservation Areas and about 6% of the global total coral reefs found in the country are under protection The Conservation Areas Act 1978 is to provide and management and has at least 57 areas for the preservation of the environment and that covers 2.3 million hectares (Table 15). of the national cultural inheritance by: (i) the conservation of sites and areas having Wildlife Management Areas particular biological, topographical , geological, historic, scientific or social importance; and (ii) The Fauna (Protection and Control) Act the management of those sites and areas. 1966 allows for the protection, control, harvesting and destruction of fauna. Fauna There is one gazetted Conservation are protected primarily through the Area, YUS in Morobe Province. declaration of Wildlife Management Areas. PNG Policy on Protected Areas Table 15: Terrestrial and Marine Protected Areas in PNG. Source: CEPA Database 2014 PAGE 74 Reserve designation Number Area (ha) Locally Managed Marine Area 12 159,259 National Park 8 28,013 Protected Area 2 20,245 Conservation Area 3 75,000 Protected Seascape 3 39,609 Provincial Park 2 210 Ramsar Site, Wetland of International Importance 2 594,924 Reserve 2 126 Sanctuary 4 36.006 Wildlife Management Area 32 1,348,357 TOTAL 72 2,441,689 There is a proposed Conservation Area, the conservation of sites and areas having TMR in Sandaun and East Sepik Provinces. particular biological, topographical, geological, historical, scientific or social importance, The Conservation Areas Act provides for more and (ii) the management of those sites and effective protection of biodiversity through areas, in accordance with the fourth goal of the powers provided to the Minister for the National Goals and Directive Principles. Environment and Conservation under the Act. For the Minister to utilise these powers it is likely The Act provides for the establishment of that the Government would need to develop an area that has been reserved for: (a) the some form of conservation and benefit sharing recreation and amusement of the public; (b) agreement with landowners so they directly a national park; (c) a botanical or zoological benefit through allowing the Government to garden and (d) a reserve or sanctuary influence the use of their customary lands. for the protection of flora or fauna. National Parks 1 There are currently eight national parks in PNG, comprising one percent of the land area. The National Parks Act 1982 provides for the preservation of the environment and 1 National Parks Act has been repealed. of the national cultural inheritance by (i) PNG Policy on Protected Areas PAGE 75

APPENDIX 3: all levels of government for all Protected Area categories. ROLES OF CEPA đ
Establish and implement sustainable Policy and Oversight financing arrangements and guidelines to support the management of đ
Implement this Policy in conjunction with Protected Areas. customary landowners and communities, Provincial and Local Level Government and đ
Facilitate and lead the development other partners. of Protected Area proposals for National Protected Areas. đ
Develop an implementation plan for this Policy including consideration of đ
Ensure the proposed management institutional arrangements and financial plans for National Protected Areas needs for effective implementation. meet standards đ
Set standards for the Protected đ
Chair the National Protected Area Round Areas Network, including standards for Table (NPART) management and management plans for all Protected Areas. Consultation and partnerships đ
Establish and maintain a Protected Areas đ
Develop partnerships with stakeholders and Proposals Database and Register, which for the implementation of this Policy. includes details of the values, management plans, and conservation and benefit sharing đ
Negotiate agreement for the declaration agreements for all Protected Areas. of National Protected Areas with other PNG Policy on Protected Areas government agencies at all levels of đ
Develop templates for conservation government. and benefit sharing agreements and management plans that can be used by đ
Ensure the effective and efficient co- PAGE 76 ordination with other government agencies the needs and of where custodial to minimise conflicts through multiple landowner groups were willing to demands on land use. enter into negotiations, or requesting research organisations to undertake đ
Consult with external stakeholders specific monitoring programs; including industry and NGOs before recommendations concerning national ~ Conducting a basic vetting where protected areas are made to the NCC. potential partners wish to establish an on-ground presence in PNG; Reporting and Monitoring ~ Where needed, providing đ
Develop an adaptive and integrated introduction and facilitation services management and evaluation system to be to help establish partnerships; used at the national and regional scale to assess management effectiveness across ~ Recording information about PNG investors and partners for đ
Ensure compliance of the management entry on the Protected Area plans of National Protected Areas through a and Partnerships database; comprehensive monitoring and evaluation process. ~ Keeping a register of negotiations and agreements; and đ
Undertake a five yearly assessment of the compliance of management plans for ~ Providing and promoting models Regional Protected Areas and examples of successful agreements and processes. PNG Policy on Protected Areas đ
Report regularly to the NCC and NEC on progress towards achieving the đ
Periodic auditing of financial and policy’s vision. other arrangements PAGE 77 5.1 FACILITATING AND Overseeing yearly audits of finances, OVERSEEING PARTNERSHIPS equipment and maintenance, staff welfare and administrative Facilitating, overseeing and coordinating systems related to the management partnerships in Protected Area establishment of the Protected Area and management is an important role, and requires a dedicated capacity with expertise đ
Assessing management effectiveness in administration and accounting, database management, facilitation and community Reviewing management work. This role will be undertaken at national effectiveness and monitoring reports level by a specialist group established submitted every three years within CEPA in conjunction with the PPART, and at regional level by the RPART. The roles of partnership coordination at national level will include: đ
Facilitating establishment of partnerships and investments ~ Keeping a register of investment opportunities, partnership needs, and of potential partners and investors; ~ Establishing national priorities for assistance; ~ Helping to match opportunities with partners – for example by advising NGOs, private enterprise, industry and funding bodies of PNG Policy on Protected Areas PAGE 78 NOTES: PNG Policy on Protected Areas PAGE 79 PAPUA NEW GUINEA POLICY ON PROTECTED AREAS ©2014 Government of Papua New Guinea Graphic Design by Studio 8. www.studio8design.com Community-based Forest and Coastal Conservation and Resource Management in With support from IJIII Papua New Guinea lllil ~ . 8filt/t11/ nariaru,