Sepik Wetlands Management Initiative, Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The Sepik River is the longest river on the island of New Guinea. The majority of the river flows through the Papua New Guinea provinces of Sandaun and East Sepik, with a small section flowing through the Indonesian province of Papua. Sepik was identified in Papua New Guinea's 1993 Conservation Needs Assessment as "Very High Priority", the category of highest priority, due to its range of distinctive landforms, associated biota - in particular its extensive herbaceous wetlands - cultural diversity, and economic value.