Papua New Guinea conservation needs assessment : synopsis report

This report summarizes in three sections the results of a conservation needs assessment (CNA) conducted of Papua New Guinea in 1992 by USAID, NGO"s, the government, landowners, and scientists. An initial section assesses the present state of knowledge, conditions, trends, and environmental threats to Papua New Guinea"s natural resource base. A second section contains biodiversity maps which identify sites of particularly high endemism and species richness, as well as unusual ecosystems and habitats; rather than conclusive assessments, the maps are considered to be "works in progress" to be used as tools for further research. Finally, recommendations for future sustainable development made at a CNA workshop are presented -- each of these is reflective of the collaborative forum in which they were reached and centers on the urgent need for a more participatory approach toward sustainable development -- primarily through strengthened relationships between landowners and developers and policymakers.