June 2004
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PROTECTING PNG’S UNDERWATER PARADISEIMPAC associates The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have been working with marine conservation managers from Papua New Guinea to create a network of Marine Protected Areas in Kimbe Bay, West New Britain.
Kimbe Bay has one of the world’s richest and most diverse coral reef environments, with vibrant coral reefs and volcanic seamounts supporting a huge variety of reef fish, marine mammals and other sealife. However, this area faces a number of threats. Papua New Guinea (PNG) has one of the world’s fastest growing populations, and Kimbe Bay is experiencing increasing pressure from fishing and run-off from land-based activities. Some of the reefs in this area have also suffered serious damage from coral bleaching. Marine conservation managers from PNG came to Townsville for a three-day workshop, looking at ways to protect this unique area. “Australia is a leading country in the design of Marine Protected Areas,” according to Mr Paul Lokani, Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Melanesia Program. “We hope to absorb and benefit from the knowledge of scientists who have worked both in Kimbe Bay and on the Great Barrier Reef.” This was the first step toward developing the Marine Protected Area in Kimbe Bay. Managers are now working with local partners in PNG to design a Protected Area which has the support of local communities. Experts from Australian Institute of Marine Science, APEX Environmental, CRC Reef, Curtin University, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, James Cook University, Papua New Guinea’s National Fisheries Authority, The Nature Conservancy, University of Papua New Guinea, and The University of Queensland attended the workshop to advise on marine science and socioeconomic aspects of setting up a Marine Protected Area. For more information visit the Workshops and Training page on the IMPAC website or contact Dr Alsion Green, a.green@tnc.org
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