Model of Development

Election chaos

On 06 Jul, 2017 By ACTNOW

SOURCE: Charles Richardson / CRIKEY

Papua New Guinea, Australia’s former colony and nearest neighbour, has been going to the polls in a parliamentary election that concludes tomorrow. As is common in countries with major logistical challenges, voting has been staggered over a two-week period.

Value of customary land highlighted

On 23 May, 2017 By ACTNOW

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.

Assessing compensation for the wrongful loss of customary land

On 22 May, 2017 By ACTNOW

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?

Framework for Assessing Compensation for the Wrongful Loss of Customary Land

Papua New Guinea's real economy

On 19 May, 2017 By ACTNOW

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

Custodians, not “Landowners”

On 15 May, 2017 By ACTNOW

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.

India: Asian Development Bank’s 50 years greeted with protests

On 07 May, 2017 By ACTNOW

Press Release: May 5, 2017

The myth of large-scale logging and community development exposed

On 03 Apr, 2017 By ACTNOW

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.

Pomio communities slam SABL support by 'company puppets'

On 30 Mar, 2017 By ACTNOW

People living in the Pomio district say the three local men who have been vocal in a logging company owned newspaper, supporting SABL leases and the operations of Rimbunan Hijau, do not represent the majority.

The local people say it is completely wrong to claim the Sigite Mukus Integrated Rural Development Project is an SABL success story, as claimed by Mathew Lila, James lelrea lutkal and Bruno Tevolman.