Locally managed environment protected area the Sepik Wetlands Management Area (SWMA) is currently faced with limited resources and funding.
SWMA was formed in 1998 as a community-based organisation (CBO) in Ambunti, East Sepik Province and registered with the Investment Promotion Authority.
It is the only conservation CBO that is involved in the protection of the pristine mighty Sepik River, the wetland resources and population of over 500,000 people living along the Sepik River.
SWMA officer Jerry Wana revealed at the a consultative workshop on Protected Areas underway this week in Port Moresby that they’re faced with limited funding to undertake some of SWMI’s work.
There’s also limited resources like office facilities, field equipment and transport.
Wana said there’s also lack of training for SWMI staff, crocodile farmers and nest owners however, SWMI has provided number of important trainings in the past.
He reported that there’s lack of government presence on the field to education, awareness and enforcement and partner NGOs to support the work of SWMI in the Sepik.
Wana said they’re also faced with issues of an increase in the invasive species stealing of wildlife and illegal trade.
They’re now requesting for community based crocodile/wetlands management practices to be incorporated into national policies.
Wana said they request for conservation experiences and lessons learnt from the Sepik to be replicated in other areas in PNG.
They are calling on the Conservation Environment Protection Authority to formalises wetland area management committee to ranchers fully funded and supported by CEPA.
Pictures courtesy Jerry Wana