The Tuke Rainforest Conservancy
Current initiative
Published
"logging fires, Nakanai Mountains, New Britain" by slapcin is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
WildArk is working to protect the Tuke Rainforest Conservancy (TCR) in Papua New Guinea from illegal logging by supporting the Tuke Community to sustainably maintain their traditional lifestyle. In partnership with the Baia Sportsfishing Lodge and the CONNOISSEUR Rainforest Project, WildArk is providing education, medical, agricultural and other support so that the Tuke Community no longer need to sell their trees to illegal loggers.
Lead
Location
The TCR is located in the Nakanai Mountains in Papua New Guinea. The rainforest is home to many endemic species of plants and animals as well as the Tuke Community, who practice a traditional, hunter-gatherer way of life.
The poaching and wildlife trade problem
Species affected Timber Species
Products in tradeTropical hardwood for international markets.
Overview of the problem
The lowland forests of the Nakanai Mountains are being illegally logged and cleared for oil palm plantations, which threatens biodiversity and the traditional lifestyle of the Tuke Community. Local people are often exploited by illegal loggers who offer them money in return for tropical hardwood.
The anti-IWT initiative
Since 2018, WildArk has been working in partnership with Baia Sportsfishing Lodge to support the Tuke Community and protect the rainforest. Their activities include:
- Research to map biodiversity of the TRC
- Education and health services for the Tuke Community
- Supporting potential ecotourism activities
- Working with the Tuke Community to identify and train select members on how to monitor and report illegal logging
- Supporting more sustainable practices in agriculture and developing renewable energy sources
In addition, WildArk is partnering with the CONNOISSEUR Rainforest Project to support education services, to engage the Tuke Community and to ensure that they benefit from protecting the TCR. Specific activities include sponsoring secondary school children, funding school equipment and building education facilities.
Inclusion of gender, age and ethnic groups
Education has been identified as a priority by the Tuke Community and the CONNOISSEUR Rainforest Project responds to that by supporting school children.
The strategy
Strengthening disincentives for illegal behaviour
Increasing incentives for wildlife stewardship
Increasing livelihoods that are not related to wildlife
Improving education and awareness
Organisers, donors and partners
For further information contact (peoplenotpoaching@gmail.com).