Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea

DOE Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea

Under the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security, Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Bismarck Sea has been identified as a priority geography, with high global biodiversity and cultural values, and great development potential. However, large scale investments (e.g. oil palm, deep sea mining, tourism) are being planned which, if executed without consideration for future uncertainty and alternative options, could negatively impact communities’ wellbeing, and regional biodiversity. This project is building the capacity of decision-makers to anticipate the potential benefits and costs of future development in terms of the Sustainable Development Goals. Using social learning processes, values mapping, climate and population projections, the project is show-casing a ‘seascapes’ planning approach which can potentially be applied throughout PNG and the Coral Triangle region. The project is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Environment and Energy Efficiency, and CSIRO.

Contact: James Butler