ACTNOW's blog

Saving the Sepik from the Frieda mine

Submitted by ACTNOW on Wed, 11/12/2019 - 08:42

By ROSA KOIAN. Source - PNG Attitude

A photo posted on Facebook showing dried freshwater fish at Wewak market has sparked a discussion on the future of the Sepik River.

In the river’s headwaters, the Frieda copper and gold mine is pushing ahead with its development plans.

The Sepik is 1,100km long and empties into the Bismarck Sea. The river system’s 430,000 people use the river for food, education, transport, health and culture.

What they want is a truly holistic economic approach to development.

MILDA commemorates 10 years of Melanesian solidarity

Submitted by ACTNOW on Tue, 03/12/2019 - 10:18

Source: Joey Tau - PANG

A celebration of Melanesian people and our land took place last week in Takara village, Vanuatu to commemorate a decade of resistance and protection of Melanesian values and ways.

The Melanesian Indigenous Land Defence Alliance (MILDA) was formed in 2009 by a collective of individuals who shared a vision and commitment to working together to protect customary land systems and Melanesian values.

Will the Sepik be Our Next World Class Environmental Disaster?

Submitted by ACTNOW on Mon, 25/11/2019 - 11:36

The Sepik River, one of the last great pristine areas left on earth, is under threat from mining.

The government and Chinese mining company say the river will be safe.

Just like they said the Ok Tedi mine would be safe.

They said the Panguna mine would be safe.

They said Porgera and the Ramu mine would be safe.

Do you believe them this time?

Bougainville Commentary

Submitted by ACTNOW on Tue, 19/11/2019 - 06:13

From a local commentator

The sidelining of Bougainville Chief Secretary Joseph Nobetau, for what can only be deemed political reasons, should be seen as an alarming concern on the eve of the independence referendum. At a time when the world is watching and waiting to see just how Bougainville and the rest of PNG will respond to the referendum vote, it is unfortunate that what they will see is a Government intent on self-interest and power over the rule of law.

Corruption costing billions and destroying the economy

Submitted by ACTNOW on Sun, 13/10/2019 - 08:17

International research shows corruption is costing Papua New Guinea billions of Kina every year and it is ruining our economy and impoverishing the nation.

The best way for us to increase economic growth and boost the size of the economy is for the government to implement a comprehensive plan to tackle corruption.

To help the government and policy makers ACT NOW! has published an analysis of the economic costs of corruption and the measures needed to ensure we have an open and transparent government.

Rotten state of forest management in PNG exposed

Submitted by ACTNOW on Wed, 09/10/2019 - 13:13

Prof Colin Filer from the Australian National University has exposed how Forest Clearance Authorities have taken over the forest resource allocation process in Papua New Guinea.

According to Filer, these FCAs are now being issued without any accompanying Special Agriculture Lease since that scheme was itself exposed as a scam.

The Plight Of PNG's Oil Palm Workers

Submitted by ACTNOW on Mon, 09/09/2019 - 09:27

Source: Sarawak Report - 8 September 2019

Lands Minister must publish full SABL list

Submitted by ACTNOW on Thu, 29/08/2019 - 10:59

ACT NOW! has published an updated version of its sucessful short video 'SABL Scandal Buried and Forgotten' to mark the six year anniversary of the SABL COI findings.

The stain of the SABL land grab is hanging over the head of the new Marape government says Community Advocacy group ACT NOW!

“It is now six years since the Commission of Inquiry reports were presented in Parliament revealing that over 5 million hectares of land had been stolen from the local communities”, says Campaign Manager Eddie Tanago.