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Working to Improve the Standard of Living through Sustainable Development Projects in Papua New Guinea
This article was originally the UMCOR Advance Story of the Month for March 2001. The photographs on this page were taken in Papua New Guinea by Peter Kuglo, Mindima Water Supply project coordinator. See also: UMCOR's Papua New Guinea Photo Library
Papua New Guinea (PNG) occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, just north of Australia, and many outlying islands. About one-tenth larger than California, its mountainous interior has only recently been explored. PNG is richly endowed with natural resources, but the rugged terrain and the high cost of developing infrastructure has made accessing and utilizing these resources difficult.
Villagers in the highlands of Simbu Province, PNG are taking an active role in improving their standard of living and moving towards sustainable development. The majority of the residents are local subsistence farmers. There is very little economic opportunity and few government services. A rapid increase in population has put pressure on land use. Land that was once left fallow to regain its nutrients is now in constant use, and virgin forests are being logged or cleared for cultivation. This has led to the erosion of top soil and the destruction of watersheds. Medicinal plants are being over harvested or destroyed as the forests are cleared.
UMCOR has been supporting development efforts in Simbu Province since 1998, beginning with the approval of funding for the Mindima Water Supply project. With $40,000 given by UMCOR over the course of two years, several villages with a total population of 8,000 constructed a dam in a mountain stream, dug ditches, laid pipes between the villages, and installed standpipes. Technicians from the local Department of Works supervised volunteers who constructed the water supply system. Villagers are responsible for maintaining the system. The benefits are many: clean water for drinking, cooking, and washing; a decrease in water-borne diseases; the elimination of a 1-2 kilometer walk to collect water; and the ability to garden during the dry season. With just a two-year grant through the UMCOR Advance, the Mindima community was able to complete a water system that will improve their health and living standards.
In the 2001-2004 quadrennium, UMCOR has approved two more projects in Simbu Province for Advance funding: Assistance for Women and Children, and Guiye/Waiye Environmental and Conservation Project. The goal of the women and children’s project is to teach mothers how to solve the health and nutrition problems faced by the women and children in the Kerowagi District. Activities include a public awareness campaign on children’s health, training for mothers, counseling for sick children and their mothers, and the distribution of printed materials. Improving the status of health and nutrition for women and children will enhance the overall health and strength of the community.
The Guiye/Waiye Environment and Conservation Group is working to create awareness among local residents of the importance of conservation. The project will train and educate villagers on environmental issues such as soil degradation and conservation, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. There are four different tribes, numbering 40,000 people who will benefit from the project. Activities include: a community awareness campaign; establishing tree nurseries; planting trees; collecting local seeds; distributing printed awareness materials; and researching and conserving medicinal plants. Through this project, villagers will become involved in land and forest conservation. They will learn about the long-term benefits of conserving the forests and animals. They will work to promote eco-tourism and the research of medicinal plants which will bring long-term benefits to the villagers, the forest and its inhabitants. The overall goal is to achieve sustainable development at the community level.
To join in these development projects, give to the following Advance ministries:
- Assistance for Women and Children, Papua New Guinea, Advance #234163
- Guiye/Waiye Environmental and Conservation Project, Papua New Guinea, Advance #234315
More Information
- Photo Library
Larger versions of each picture on this page in either web or high resolution format plus more photographs of the project.