Papua New Guinea Environment Monitor 2002

Abstract

Papua New Guinea has an extraordinary range of ecosystems, ranging from mountain glaciers to humid tropical forests, from swampy wetlands to pristine coral reefs. These ecosystems are relatively unspoiled, and some areas, particularly the larger areas of wetland, still have very low human population densities (two to four persons per spuare kilometer). However, the environment in general is coming under pressure. Terrestrial ecosystems, especially forests, are subject to increasing resource extraction and are being depleted through commercial forestry operations, or cleared to make way for mining and agriculture. Freshwater ecosystems in some parts of the country are being degraded through the disposal of mining, agricultural, and urban wastes. This degradation ultimately impacts marine systems, which are also being affected by additional pressures from fisheries and pollution.