PNG Wetlands under Threat from Global Warming
By Luanne Losi, WWF PNG
To commemorate World Wetlands Day (2nd February, 2007), WWF-PNG staff was joined by families, friends and volunteers to clean Ela Beach. The international theme of this event was 'Wetlands and Fisheries', in recognition of the interactions between wetlands and fisheries and their important role in global societies. The theme aimed to generate greater public awareness for wetland ecosystems and develop an appreciation for the challenges of sustainably managing this freshwater environment amidst the many, often conflicting, uses.
In a statement made by the WWF-PNG Freshwater Program manager, Mr. David Peter, says that the wetlands of PNG are under threat from global warming and people have been urged to be more cautious with their actions.
According to Mr. Peter, some of Asia Pacific's pristine and biologically significant wetlands sustain examples of unique species of freshwater and marine flora and fauna. WWF PNG currently has freshwater projects active around the catchments of Sepik (East Sepik), Kikori, Purari, Aramia-Turama (Gulf), Ramu (Madang) and Trans-Fly/Strictland (Western Province).
However, these catchments are coming under extreme pressure from anthropogenic threats such as unsustainable logging causing soil erosion, agricultural land extension, water contamination as a result of mining and exploration and over exploitation of animal and plants species for food or other purposes. To exacerbate matters, there is the serious threat from global warming which could threaten wetlands biodiversity and cause social issues such as overcrowding and food shortages as people move inland.
The PNG Department of Environment and Conservation has identified 7 major river catchments for immediate conservation action and has consequently developed a policy referred to as the Total Catchments Environment Management Policy.