Preservation and Conservation of the Rainforest of Papua New Guinea as an Attempt to Reclaim the Commons

Abstract

The issue of deforestation and the shrinking of tropical rainforest areas has raised concerns about the preservation and protection of rainforests. This article explores concepts/themes related to rainforest conservation in Papua New Guinea and the concept of 'reclaiming the commons'. It analyzes the challenges posed by deforestation, land privatization and corporate exploitation while emphasizing the role of community-led initiatives, indigenous knowledge and global partnerships. By examining case studies such as the Yupno-Uruwa-Sam Rivers Conservation Area (YUS CA), FORCERT, and the AIM4Forests program, the article highlights strategies to protect Papua New Guinea's rainforests, and restore collective management in collaboration with local indigenous communities with their traditional ecological knowledge to sustainably conserve the natural resources within them.