Model of Development

Land grabbing

Both the SABL land grab and the growing number of violent urban evictions in Papua New Guines are the symptoms of a misguided and destructive model of development.

Campaigns:

Over the last forty-years there has been an emphasis on large-scale mineral resource extraction - mining - in Papua New Guinea. There are currently six large-scale mines operating. The arguments made to support these projects have been the need to sustain economic growth, provide government revenues and skilled employment.

Campaigns:

Model of Development

Illegal and unsustainable logging

Illegal and unsustainable logging by foreign companies is widespread in PNG.

The logging displaces village communities, causes widespread environmental damage and social problems, creates confict and destroys sustainable livelihoods.

Campaigns:

Model of Development

Joint Media Release: NGOs condemn actions in Danu village

On 27 Aug, 2013 By Effrey

August 27, 2013

Villagers in Danu on the West Coast of New Ireland are protesting that they have been forced to sign agreements to move off their land by Canadian mining company Nautilus Minerals.

Nautilus is hoping to operate the world's first experimental seabed mine off the coast of New Ireland in an area known as Solwara 1.

"The people in Danu are confused and angry", says Rosa Koian of the Bismarck Ramu Group (BRG), which has recently visited the area.

PNG Government rushing new mines without fully knowing the costs and benefits

On 13 Aug, 2013 By Effrey

13 August 2013

The government is rushing major new mines without properly understanding the costs and benefits of an export led economy or the possible alternatives.

Community advocacy group ACT NOW! wants the PNG government to commission a proper study of the full costs and benefits of existing mines and other natural resource industries before committing to continue along the same development path.

Joint Media Release: Young Leaders right to demonstrate must be respected

On 03 Aug, 2013 By Effrey

August 3, 2013

ACT NOW! and the Bismarck Ramu Group commend student leaders for organizing a peaceful march to protest against the government's asylum seeker deal with the Australia and condemned police action in blocking the students.

John Chitoa says it is encouraging to see students standing up and making their voices heard on important national issues.

ACT NOW! welcomes Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's announcement on ICAC

On 13 Aug, 2011 By Effrey

13 August 2011

Community advocacy group, ACT NOW! has welcomed the announcement by Papua New Guinea’s new Prime Minister that his government will establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption”.

"ACT NOW! is very pleased the Prime Minister has pledged to establish an ICAC and has recognized the crippling effects of corruption in PNG”, says Effrey Dademo, Program Manager for ACT NOW!

ACT NOW! says sale of Falcon Jet a smart and timely move.

On 11 Aug, 2011 By Effrey

11 August 2011

Community advocacy group, ACT NOW! says the announcement by new Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, that his government will sell the controversial Falcon jet is a smart move.

"The Falcon jet was an expensive mistake that epitomized the greed and corruption of the previous government, it is a smart move by the new PM to get rid of what was effectively a ‘private PMV’ for the Somares and their supporters”, says Effrey Dademo, Program Manager for ACT NOW!

IFC operating under a cloak of secrecy on SEZ laws for PNG

On 09 Jun, 2011 By Effrey

9 June, 2011

Operating under a cloak of secrecy, the International Finance Corporation has been busy developing laws to allow Special Economic Zone laws in Papua New Guinea, while failing to answer questions from civil society about the project.

This secrecy contradicts IFC claims that it is committed to transparency, accountability and sharing information 'to strengthen public trust'.

ACT NOW! calls on Opposition MPs to state their position on SABL

On 11 May, 2011 By Effrey

11 May 2011

Community advocacy group, ACT NOW! is calling on all opposition MPs to publicly state their position on the Commission of Inquiry into Special Agriculture and Business Leases.

"We have heard from the leader of the Opposition, Belden Namah, that he opposes the inquiry'," says ACT NOW! Program Manager, Effrey Dademo, "but do leading opposition MPs like Sam Basil, Mekere Morauta, Bart Philemon and Jamie Maxton-Grahem support that position?".