Papua New Guinea (“PNG”) is an island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean with total area of about 462,840 km2, approximately 1.2 times the size of Japan. It is the home of the world’s 3rd largest rainforest, following the Amazon and Congo, and also the largest in the Asia-Pacific region. Achieved its independence on the day of 16th September 1975, PNG is the 3rd largest island country in the world, with an estimated population of 10 million as of year 2022, according to the World Bank.
The rainforests not only serve the conservation of biodiversity, but also the sustainability of the indigenous communities. However, land has been annexed by timber and palm oil companies, backed by different commercial entities and financial groups, leaving grave results for local people and the climate.
PNG is rich in natural resources, while covering just 1% of world’s land, the country accounts for about 7% of the world’s total biodiversity. Despite its richness in natural resources, almost 40% of PNG’s population still lives in poverty, according to the World Report 2022 published by Human Rights Watch.
PNG’s economy relies heavily on agricultural, forestry, fishing, export of minerals (eg. gold, silver, and copper), and energy. Agricultural production accounts for about 1/3 of the country’s gross domestic product despite arable lands in the country account for less than 13% of the country’s territory. Agriculture creates the greatest amount of job opportunities for the country up to 85% of total working population.
Papua New Guinea (“PNG”) is an island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean with total area of about 462,840 km2, approximately 1.2 times the size of Japan. It is the home of the world’s 3rd largest rainforest, following the Amazon and Congo, and also the largest in the Asia-Pacific region. Achieved its independence on the day of 16th September 1975, PNG is the 3rd largest island country in the world, with an estimated population of 10 million as of year 2022, according to the World Bank.
The rainforests not only serve the conservation of biodiversity, but also the sustainability of the indigenous communities. However, land has been annexed by timber and palm oil companies, backed by different commercial entities and financial groups, leaving grave results for local people and the climate.
PNG is rich in natural resources, while covering just 1% of world’s land, the country accounts for about 7% of the world’s total biodiversity. Despite its richness in natural resources, almost 40% of PNG’s population still lives in poverty, according to the World Report 2022 published by Human Rights Watch.
PNG’s economy relies heavily on agricultural, forestry, fishing, export of minerals (eg. gold, silver, and copper), and energy. Agricultural production accounts for about 1/3 of the country’s gross domestic product despite arable lands in the country account for less than 13% of the country’s territory. Agriculture is also the largest employer in the country, providing jobs to about 85% of the working population.