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Papua New Guinea (PNG) is an independent state occupying the eastern half of New Guinea, the world’s largest and highest tropical island. In recognition of its extensive remaining forest cover, spectacular biological diversity and low human population density, New Guinea has been recognised as one of the world’s five High Biodiversity Wilderness Areas (Mittermeier et al. 2003). In addition to extensive low- and mid-elevation tropical forests, New Guinea has extensive high-montane environments, particularly along the central mountainous spine of the island.

This report presents the results of a rapid field assessment of Milne Bay Province, which encompasses the extreme southeastern tip of mainland Papua New Guinea and an extensive offshore area immediately eastward. It covers approximately 265,000 square kilometres, mostly situated in the Solomon Sea, an area heavily dotted with islands and shoals separating PNG from the neighboring Solomon Islands.

Biologically, New Ireland has remained one of the least studied regions of Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the mountainous southern zone has been considered both a high priority for biodiversity conservation and a major “scientific unknown” (Beehler 1993). For these reasons, and because of the information needs of the now terminated conservation and development project established there by the United Nations Development Program (funded by the Global Environment Facility), Conservation International agreed to organize a rapid assessment (RAP) of the forests and wildlife of southern New Ireland.

The 2023 Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement aims to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. However, separating fisheries from broader conservation frameworks has led to fragmented governance. This paper examines how spatial, technological, institutional, and philosophical tensions complicated efforts to integrate fisheries within the BBNJ framework. A qualitative methodology was used to analyse general perceptions of fisheries within marine biodiversity in the context of BBNJ Agreement and negotiations.

Biodiversity loss and rising noncommunicable disease incidences are among the greatest global challenges we face. These crises are deeply interconnected and shaped by varied food system dynamics, including the prioritization of large-scale, inexpensive food production, at the cost of externalized environmental and human health impacts. Climate change is expected to further exacerbate these challenges. Agroecological systems are increasingly promoted as a viable solution toward more resilient, nutritious, sustainable, and climate-adaptive food systems.

This assessment identifies the capacity-building needs and priorities of local and national public authorities and institutions, representatives from civil societies and communities, and NGOs from the 19 Kiwa-eligible PICTs to: 1. Better develop, implement and monitor rights-based, gender-sensitive and socially inclusive NbS projects for CCA and biodiversity conservation. 2. Mainstream these NbS approaches in CCA and other relevant sectoral policies and strategic frameworks.

Context. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) is lost due to the increase of urbanisation, and the lack of transfer of this knowledge to younger generations. Aims. The aim of this study was to examine the TEK of the Koiari Indigenous People of Central Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG) concerning the Vanate (Paradisaea raggiana), which is the national bird of PNG. Methods. We used the mixed methods research methodology, specifically the convergent parallel mixed method design with a questionnaire.

Papua New Guinea is a Member of the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF), and in order to support the marine biodiversity goals of the CTI Regional and National Plans of Action, one action they have prioritised, is the need to strengthen marine governance. As a result, technical assistance and support for the development of a national Marine Protected Area (MPA) policy has been offered to the Department of Environment and Conservation by the Australian Government as part of their CTI support activities.

In the early 1980s Spring’s report on marine turtle species distribution indicated there were 6 species of turtles that could be found in PNG water including the green, hawksbill, leatherback, loggerhead, olive ridley and the flatback turtles. Over 30 years later, there is growing doubt if the other two species, the olive ridley and the flatback turtles do actually occur in PNG waters as well. This need to be confirmed.

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There are 102 species of reptiles and 25 species of frogs known from the Trans-fly region. 29 of the reptiles and one of the frogs are of special conservation concern. Seven of these species are of high conservation concern: 2 turtles, a monitor lizard, three snakes, and one frog. More field survey work is needed to determine the status of these and other species in order to guide and inform natural resource management action in the Trans-Fly region.