On July 20 and 21, seventy Local Level Government, Ward and Youth Representatives from the six districts of the Madang Province met to discuss and promote a wider understanding of the difference between economic growth and community development. 

Their meeting was arranged by ACT NOW! and was hosted by the Tropical Gem community network under the theme  "Rise Up! Return to Your Roots".

On the second afternoon the leaders summed up the outcomes of the meeting in a simple statement which they named the Astrolabe Bay Declaration 

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Astrolabe Bay Declaration 2016

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In response to the Government’s huge focus on large scale resource extraction projects like land based and experimental seabed mining, large-scale logging, and mono-culture plantations, that boost economic growth but do not help ordinary people, resulting instead in loss of customary land, environmental destruction and lack of respect for Papua New Guinean Ways.

The Inaugural Grassroots Leaders Forum calls for a new model of development and economic activities that respect PNG Ways and support local communities. We re-assert that our customary land, which includes the sea and local cultural practices are our social safety net and more stringent protection of customary land, sea and environment is needed in order to protect our spiritual connection, which is our identity.

We assert that economic growth that does not take care of our social needs and respect the environment is not development.

We confirm that Government policies are not improving the lives of ordinary people.

We therefore declare:

• There is too much focus on large-scale resource extraction projects likes mining and logging that actually damage communities and our environment.
• We oppose any new foreign investment and assert that we can control and sustainably develop our own land and resources, while respecting our spiritual connection to nature!
• We demand more stringent and effective monitoring of existing extractive projects, be undertaken to ensure there is no harm to our people and environment.
• We must refocus on PNG Ways and return to our roots to support small-scale activities and provide decent health and education services at a local level.
• District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funds are meant to develop Districts and should be taken away from politicians and distributed independently through accountable governance mechanisms.
• Customary Land, which includes our seas and waterways, is a vital resource that people depend on for their livelihoods and food security, it must be protected.
• All Special Agriculture Business Leases covering customary land found to have been illegally issued by the 2012 SABL Commission of Inquiry must be cancelled and land returned to the people!
• The Government must clean up corruption in the Lands Department and effectively implement the provisions of the Land Act, 1991.
• Too many decisions and too much spending are concentrated in Waigani where there is no accountability. Power and authority needs to be devolved down through the Provinces to the District and local levels for greater accountability.
• ALL white collar criminals must be given the same treatment as petty criminals.
• We demand quality health and education services in our rural communities.