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Showing posts with label Sepik River. Show all posts

Flying Drones in Sepik River, Papua New Guinea

 


Exploring the Hidden Beauty of Sepik River through Drone Photography in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, a country known for its diverse culture and rich natural resources, has been attracting tourists from all over the world. One of the country’s most treasured attractions is the Sepik River, which stretches over 1,100 kilometers, making it one of the longest rivers in the Asia-Pacific region. The river is not only a vital source of water for the people living in its vicinity but also a hub of biodiversity, supporting various species of flora and fauna. In recent years, drone photography has emerged as a popular means to explore and document the hidden beauty of this magnificent river.

The Sepik River flows through a remote and largely unexplored region of Papua New Guinea, with its banks adorned by dense rainforests, swamps, and grasslands. The river is home to a plethora of wildlife, including crocodiles, birds, and fish, as well as numerous indigenous tribes that rely on the river for their livelihood. These tribes have a deep-rooted connection with the river, and their unique customs and traditions have been passed down through generations. With the advent of drone technology, photographers and explorers have been able to capture stunning aerial shots of the river and its surroundings, providing a fresh perspective on this enchanting landscape.

Flying drones in the Sepik River region allows photographers to access areas that were previously difficult or impossible to reach. This has led to the discovery of previously unknown tribes, as well as the documentation of their way of life. Drone photography has also enabled researchers to study the river’s ecosystem and monitor the impact of climate change on the region. The aerial images captured by drones have revealed the extent of deforestation and other environmental issues affecting the Sepik River and its inhabitants.

In addition to its environmental benefits, drone photography has also played a significant role in promoting tourism in the Sepik River region. The breathtaking images captured by drones have piqued the interest of travelers from around the world, who are keen to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of the area. Tour operators have started offering guided tours along the river, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous tribes and observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits the region.

However, the use of drones in the Sepik River region is not without its challenges. The remote location and lack of infrastructure make it difficult for drone operators to access the area and navigate the complex terrain. Moreover, the unpredictable weather conditions and the presence of wildlife, such as birds and crocodiles, pose a risk to the safe operation of drones. It is crucial for drone operators to be aware of these challenges and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both their equipment and the environment.

Despite these challenges, drone photography has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we perceive and explore the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea. The stunning aerial images captured by drones have not only shed light on the hidden beauty of the river but also raised awareness about the environmental and cultural significance of the region. As drone technology continues to advance, it is expected that even more remarkable discoveries will be made in the Sepik River region, further cementing its status as one of the most captivating destinations in the world.

Source: https://ts2.space/en/flying-drones-in-sepik-river-papua-new-guinea/

SEPIK RIVER MINE OPPOSED


By Solomon Aplas 

Papua New Guinea’s Sepik River communities file human rights complaint against Australian company PanAust over its proposed Gold-Copper mine 

Today, 2,638 people from 64 villages along the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea have filed a complaint with the Australian Government against Brisbane-based PanAust Limited, for failing to obtain their consent to the proposed Frieda River Mine. If built, the mine would be the largest ever in Papua New Guinea and among the largest mines in the world.  

The complaint, filed with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Australian National Contact Point, argues that the proposed mine poses a serious risk for communities living on the Sepik River.   

The mine, proposed to be built in the headwaters of the Sepik River, includes a tailings dam estimated to be twice the size of Sydney Harbour, to be built in one of the most seismically active regions in the world. A failure of the tailings dam would cause environmental destruction and chemical contamination of the river, food and water sources and sacred sites, and result in loss of human life. 

The complaint asserts that PanAust and its subsidiary, Frieda River Limited, failed to get consent from the Sepik River communities for the mine, despite its potential to cause them catastrophic harm. This violates their right as Indigenous peoples to give their Free, Prior and Informed Consent to developments that affect them. 
The complaint also argues that PanAust has failed to properly assess the environmental impacts of the project. Expert reviews of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement in 2020 found it did not adequately assess the impact of the project on water catchments, and that it is missing vitally important information about the impact of a dam break on downstream communities.   

The complaint was lodged on behalf of the affected community members by local organisation Project Sepik Inc and Australian NGO Jubilee Australia Research Centre.  
The complaint asks PanAust and its subsidiaries to pause all further mine development as all affected communities do not currently consent to the mine. It asks the company to undertake independently monitored consultation with all potentially affected communities and commit to discontinuing its plans for the mine if all affected communities do not give their Free, Prior and Informed Consent.  

Emmanuel Peni, Coordinator of Project Sepik Inc, said: “The communities have been resisting ever since plans were made to build a mine. The Melanesian governance of the land and water through the Supreme Sukundimi Declaration declared a total ban on the mine. United Nations Special Rapporteurs are also asking questions. PanAust must listen to and respect the views of the Sepik River communities.” 

Dr Luke Fletcher, Executive Director of Jubilee Australia Research Centre said: “We are bringing this complaint to the Australian National Contact Point because the communities along the Sepik River have not had the chance to exercise their right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent. Those communities have the right to have their voices heard and to decide what happens on their land. The Sepik River communities have clearly voiced their concerns about this mine, but so far, those concerns have fallen on deaf ears.”  

The development of the complaint included a consultation with 51 Haus Tambarans (‘spirit houses’) along the River – which are important centers of spiritual, cultural and administrative governance – in April-May 2021.  

In October 2021, Project Sepik teams travelled from village to village along the Sepik River, gathering signatures from members of the communities after explaining the role of the OECD National Contact Point and sharing the proposed content of the complaint. 
“The attendance of the people was exceptional, the support was great. I was excited to work with the Chiefs of the Haus Tambarans to inform the people and collect their signatures for the complaint letter to OECD National Contact Point” reported Florence Tangit, leader of the team that travelled to the Upper Sepik River. 
You can read the complaint here. 

http://Savethesepik.org/sepik-human-rights-complaint