Large corporations see customary land in Papua New Guinea as a huge resource that they want to acquire and profit from. They are trying to address the ‘omissions’ of the colonial era and take control of customary land in PNG as part of an ideological war that relies on international finance groups, corporate think-tanks, aid programs and local elites.
Corruption is a huge problem in PNG. It is estimated up to half the government’s annual development budget is stolen and there are many examples of corrupt and unlawful land deals. The worst example was the SABL land grab in which fraudulent agriculture leases were used to unlawfully acquire rights to more than 50,000 square kilometres of customary land - more than 12% of the whole country.
Corruption plays two important roles in the land debate in Papua New Guinea.
The value of customary land when left in local hands and the issue of compensation for the SABL land grab have both been highlighted in a seminar organised by ACT NOW!
The seminar featured Sydney University academic Dr Tim Anderson. Dr Anderson presented his report on assessing compensation for the wrongful loss of customary land.
The event was featured by all the TV networks in their evening news programs - their coverage can be viewed below.
The SABL land grab has once again raised the issue of compensation for rural communities when outsiders unlawfully occupy or cause damage on their land. How do you assess the losses when there are no market values for customary land in Papua New Guinea?
Corporations fill the media with talk about large-scale industries, resource extraction and export earnings. However, Papua New Guinea’s real, rural based, mainstream economy is far bigger and deserves much greater attention.
Effrey Dademo and Tim Anderson
Most land in Papua New Guinea is occupied and controlled by clans or communities. They have extensive rights over how the land is used and who has access. These rights are recognized in our Constitution and Land laws. This ‘customary’ land has provided the basis for our very existence for generations. Without our land, we cannot survive.
West Sepik is one of the most heavily logged Provinces in Papua New Guinea, but after decades of logging, local people are asking where has all the money gone and whatever happened to all the promised development?
Jamal S Kimes
Today some 72 ILG Chairmen from Amanab FMA Blocks 1-4 meet in a secluded Village Resort in Vanimo again to discuss important matters affecting them as a result of the logging operations in their area.
