Protecting Biodiversity by Supporting People

Looking down at cliffs covered in green foliage, a few thin waterfalls. — Kunua Research Area.

© Junior Pikacha

Biodiversity Assessment and Awareness Building in the Kunua and Mount Balbi Key Biodiversity Area of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

Grantee Name: University of Queensland

Hotspot: East Melanesian Islands
Location: Papua New Guinea
Amount: $106,684
Dates: Jun 2018 – Dec 2021
Keywords: Awareness, Conservation planning, Gender, Indigenous People, Research

Conduct baseline biological surveys, environmental education and community consultations in the poorly studied Kunua and Mt Balbi Key Biodiversity Area with the aim of building local awareness of local biodiversity values and threats, strengthening management of the site, and establishment of a local conservation organization. Outreach materials include a video and formal reports, with consultation to include local and national government authorities.

Strategic Direction : 1 Empower local communities to protect and manage globally significant biodiversity at priority Key Biodiversity Areas under-served by current conservation efforts