Proposed Karimui Conservation Area Project

The Proposed Mt. Karimui Conservation Area Project was a community initiative, established in 2006 and 2007 with the support from another national NGO called Conservation Melanesians Inc. (CM). however, CM did not continue due to financial constraints so locals from the area approached PWM with their strategic plan and sought assistance to support the conservation objective. Hence, work in the proposed Mt. Karimui Conservation Area Project began with the signing of tri-partite memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2011, between the local communities, the local level government, the Simbu Provincial Government, and Partners With Melanesians Inc.

Ideally located between the borders of Simbu, Eastern Highlands, Southern highlands, Gild, Jiwaka and Western Highlands Provinces, the 160,000 hectares of fertile land is geographically isolated, yet rich in biodiversity, boasting some exotic species of flora and fauna.

Amidst the challenges of a growing population, the locals are determined in addressing these social issues while sustainably managing and utilizing their environment and natural resources. As the area around them is developing, the need for increased energy using the main Waghi river that runs through Tua river, within the conservation area and passes Karimui Station on the northern side flowing down to Kikori through Wabo emptying in to the Gulf of Papua. Additionally, as part of the National Government’s V2050 Plans and the Economic Corridor Plans, it is planning to link up Karimui with the surrounding provinces through the construction of a national highway to link with the existing Sir Okuk Highway, and that will expose the conservation area.

Whilst these are unavoidable development plans, PWM and the local communities through its local Community Based Organization called Karimui Conservation and Resource Management Programme Inc. (KCRMPI) are seriously taking into consideration these developments do not disturb the conservation effort by working closely with the Government to ensure things are done in the most appropriate and environmentally friendly manner.

Nevertheless, PWM is continuing its efforts in raising awareness on biodiversity conservation and cross-cutting issues like population, water and sanitation, gender empowerment etc. while encouraging the consensus building processes in decision making on the utilization of resources within the conservation area. PWM is also assisting with building the capacity of the Karimui Conservation and Resource Management Programme Inc. (KCRMPI), to enable sound management of the conservation area, as well as linking the area with external markets especially on organic coffee and other income generating food crops like peanuts and spices.

2018 and beyond, PWM will be concentrating its conservation efforts in preparing the area for the conservation area status with the establishment of a conservation area management plan and committee, and ranger trainings, while at the same time, ensuring that all external boundaries are mapped and a rapid biodiversity assessment carried out to measure against the baseline, with the aim of establishing a research station for studies on the exotic flora and fauna in the conservation area.