GUARDIANS OF THE FOREST: A LANDOWNER’S FIGHT FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN MIDDLE RAMU

Picture Caption: Mr. Mukoi receiving certificate from Mr. Masato Okabayashi – Chief Advisor in Logging Code of Practice and PMCP Training at Madang Resort Hotel last year (2024).

BY Naomi TAKOMA

DEEP in the heart of Madang Province, where towering trees cradle vibrant ecosystems and the Ramu River winds through lush valleys, the people of Middle Ramu Block 3 live in harmony with the forest that has sustained them for generations.

But as climate change and logging cast shadows over their future, one man is stepping up to champion the preservation of their home.

For Robert Mukoi, Landowner Chairman of Middle Ramu Block 3, the forest is more than just a resource—it is life itself. “This forest has been here for centuries, providing for us, sheltering wildlife, and regulating the environment. But as I look ahead, I worry about what’s coming,” he says.

While the forest itself has not yet borne the full brunt of climate change, subtle signs are emerging. Occasional bushfires, triggered by kunai grassland fires, lick the forest edges.

Rivers, once predictable, are changing, and wildlife is migrating to cooler, untouched areas.

“We see animals and fish moving to places where there’s no gardening or logging. It’s a sign that something is shifting,” Mukoi observes.

These changes may seem small now, but Mukoi knows they are harbingers of bigger challenges. “Our people depend on this land for food, water, and livelihood. If the forest goes, so do we,” he says.

As the specter of logging looms over Middle Ramu Block 3, Mukoi and his community have developed a plan to protect their forest while ensuring economic benefits.

“When logging begins, we will use the Agriculture and Reforestation Levies to plant cocoa and balsa. These crops will replace some of the trees that are cut and help maintain the carbon balance,” Mukoi explains.

The community also seeks partnerships with overseas development organizations that value sustainability.

“We want partners who care about profit, yes, but also about ensuring the forest continues to thrive,” he emphasizes.

Mukoi is not leaving anything to chance. Determined to safeguard his people’s land, he recently sponsored himself to attend training programs by JICA and USAID.

The sessions covered the Revised PNG Logging Code of Practice and sustainable forest management techniques, equipping him with the knowledge to hold logging companies accountable.

“The training taught us about river crossings, protecting buffer zones, proper road construction, and debris removal. I now feel ready to ensure our forest is not exploited recklessly,” he says.

Mukoi plans to pass this knowledge to other landowner representatives, strengthening their collective ability to protect the forest.

Logging in nearby Ramu Block 1 has already left its mark.

Wildlife has become harder to find, and traditional hunting practices are fading.

“We’ve seen what logging can do—both good and bad. It’s a double-edged sword,” Mukoi reflects.

Yet, the logging road also brought temporary opportunities, allowing locals to sell cocoa and betel nut at markets. Those opportunities vanished when the road fell into disrepair seven years ago.

For Mukoi, the path forward is fraught with obstacles. The Forest Management Agreement (FMA), designed to ensure sustainable practices, often falls short in practice.

“On paper, the FMA is sound. But in reality, enforcement is weak. Government agencies like CEPA need to be present on the ground to ensure compliance,” he asserts.

Mukoi also stresses the importance of preserving 10% of the forest as conservation zones, a requirement under the FMA. These areas provide a refuge for wildlife and allow ecosystems to recover.

“The question is, will anyone ensure these zones are properly monitored? Or will it remain just words on paper?” he asks.

Mukoi knows he cannot do this alone. He calls on the government, development partners, and fellow landowners to work together to protect Papua New Guinea’s forests.

“This isn’t just about us in Middle Ramu. Our forests are part of the global effort to fight climate change. We must all play our part,” he says.