Planning within the Department of Environment and Conservation must take account of key development trends and their likely impact during the next 10 years. The principal issues are:

Minerals and Energy

Exploration for and development of large mineral and petroleum resources, which have substantial local impacts on the physical and social environment, will continue to expand during the period. These enclave developments will require careful assessment of their physical and social impacts and there is a continual need for monitoring.

Agriculture

Increasing agricultural production is central to the Government’s development plans. Strategies will need to be pursued that ensure the harmful effects of agriculture on the environment are monitored and minimized.

Forestry

The continuation of logging and the implementation of new structures and legislation for the management and protection of forests as a renewable natural asset is a feature of recent times and will continue to be of importance in the future. New approaches to management require that careful consideration of environmental factors and extensive knowledge of the forest resource is given. The management of PNG’s forest requires greater effort to work with landowners to find alternative and less damaging forms of development and to see that important ecosystems are protected.

Fisheries and Marine Resources

Marine and fresh water products are important for subsistence and local trade. Small-scale commercial fisheries will continue to develop and a greater domestic processing of fish caught in PNG’s declared Fishing Zone is expected. Activities, which aid the sustainable management of fisheries and improve the welfare of communities which depend on these fisheries, will be pursued.

Urban Development and Population Growth

While the urban population of PNG is small compared with many developing countries, estimates are that it will continue to grow steadily through natural population increase and the movement of people from rural areas. Urban growth and the development of associated activities and services will require careful planning if the environment is to be protected.

Infrastructure

The Government is committed to the provision of infrastructure to facilitate transport and improve the overall welfare of PNG people. The expansion of the road network will be through difficult country where the impact on the environment must be considered.

Government economic development strategy will see the further development of large enclave projects such as mines. The Government recognizes the non- renewable nature of these activities and their limited contribution to local employment. Part of the Government’s long term strategy is to see that the non- renewable resources are used constructively for the sustainable development of renewable resources such as agricultural land, fisheries and forests.