Clans sign conservation deed to protect over 2,260 hectares of land.
News Highlights September 20, 2023
On 2nd August 2023, two clans from Sumgilbar Local Level Government area in the Sumkar District of Madang Province signed a Conservation Deed (CD) to protect their land and natural resources. The Ameng and Munuiguwin clans from Simbukanam village agreed to put aside their differences and unite to work together to protect their land and natural resources. Over the years, initial support had been provided by the Bismark Ramu Group (BRG) through conservation awareness that had resulted in the development and signing of an initial conservation deed. However, this had lapsed, and it was not renewed until recently. Through engagement with the Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the support provided through the USAID PNG Lukautim Graun Program (LGP) the CD was revised and renewed as part of the Community-based Natural Resource Management (CbNRM) Plan that LGP helped the community to develop through its participatory land-use management planning process. The Conservation Deed covers a total of 2,260 hectares of customary land which is now part of an active and ongoing environment protection management area. The CD signing event was witnessed by representatives from USAID LGP, the Madang Provincial Government, the Sumkar District officers from Madang Governor’s office, Village Court representatives, the Divisions of Commerce, Fisheries and Civil Registration as well as Mi- Bank and the Madang Police. USAID PNG LGP, Chief of Party, Tom Pringel, although unable to attend the event, provided a formal statement on behalf of LGP acknowledging the great work and commitment of the community in achieving this key milestone. He acknowledged that although Papua New Guinea is a land of rich biodiversity, with multiple languages and cultures, it is also living through a time of great environmental degradation resulting in increased biodiversity loss. With the increase in human population and demand for more resources there is now a greater need to promote biodiversity conservation and environmental protection in PNG. Mr. Pringel stated,
“We are proud to be part of the milestone achievement of the Ameng and Munuiguwin clans who have taken the initiative to sign this Conservation Deed. Congratulations to the two clans, TNC, Gildipasi Civil Society Organization and everyone who has been a part of the journey in creating the Conservation Area.”
The Chairman of the Gildipasi CSO, Laurence Micah, also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the CD communities. “Thank you TNC for being here in our community from the beginning to ensure we achieved this milestone activity, and thank you to USAID PNG LGP, for supporting TNC in making it possible. I know this is the beginning of more conservation work and livelihood opportunities for our community.”
