Abstract for presentation at Biodiversity Extinction Crisis Conference - A Pacific Response

WWF is an international conservation organization working in over 100 countries worldwide. There are four project sites in PNG including Madang, Kikori, Sepik River, and the TransFly. The organization looks at both marine and terrestrial natural resource conservation. WWF PNG has been working in the TransFly since 1997 with local communities to strengthen management of the Tonda Wildlife Management Area, the region's only protected area. WWF used ethno-ecological methods to identify community perceptions of landscapes and species to develop community visions for their land. From 2003-2005, WWF, with government and NGO partners, has been developing a biodiversity vision. Traditional landowners identified those lands that they wished to protect and decide on boundaries, rules and management structures, which are then approved by the PNG Department of Environment and Conservation and published in the national Gazette. Three new protected areas have been formed recently and will be launched soon. Community leaders from the various villages have invited WWF support in the establishment of the protected areas. WWF has worked with DEC and NGOs to develop a participatory process for the establishment of protected areas throughout PNG, and has provided management advice to local communities. Through the support of the EU and WWF-UK, WWF TransFly is now in the process of integrating conservation into community development. Poverty is a high priority threat to resource conservation in the area. Resource use/management plans have been developed through a participatory process. Ecotourism, fishing and ecoforestry are among the most viable enterprises identified. District and local level governments work with WWF on the process of development planning including the development of business opportunities and infrastructure in the district. WWF continues to collaborate with learning and research institutions to identify conservation targets and use the same information to improve their conservation work in the area.