
Community Conservation Action of Sawfish and Rhino rays in the Kikori Delta, Papua New Guinea
Published: March 24, 2025
Author: Yolarnie Amepou
The Piku Biodiversity Network (PBN) is intensifying its efforts to protect sawfish and rhino rays in Papua New Guinea's Kikori River Delta, collaborating closely with local fishers and conservation partners. These species, once abundant in the region's waterways, now face critical endangerment due to habitat loss and fishing pressures. By engaging communities in active conservation, PBN aims to balance sustainable livelihoods with biodiversity preservation.

50 Years of Independence – Honoring Papua New Guinea’s National Goals
Published: March 24, 2025
Author: Yolarnie Amepou
In 1975, when Papua New Guinea gained independence, our founding leaders envisioned a nation built on unity, self-reliance, and sustainability. This vision was enshrined in our 5 National Goals and Directive Principles, forming the foundation of our National Constitution. As we celebrate 50 years of independence, it is a moment to reflect on these guiding principles and how they continue to shape our country today.

The Ripple Effect: Responsibility for Impact in Papua New Guinea.
Published: April 19, 2024
Author: Yolarnie Amepou
Engaging with another person or community carries an inherent responsibility – the responsibility of impact. Every interaction, every word spoken, has the potential to ripple outwards, shaping the experiences of others. This responsibility becomes especially crucial when engaging with communities still grappling with the mental trauma of colonization and the introduction and unavoidable influence of outside contact, as is the case in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Stewards of the Sea: Tradition Meets Sustainability in Papua New Guinea's Waters
Published: April 15, 2024
Author: Yolarnie Amepou
Imagine a place where ancient traditions guide the way people interact with the ocean. This isn't some mythical utopia; it's the reality for many coastal communities in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Here, customary law and coastal tenure (CMT) work hand-in-hand to ensure the health of marine resources for generations to come.

Piku Biodiversity Network Sounds the Alarm: Unsustainable Fish Maw Trade Threatens Kikori River Delta
Published: March 20, 2024
Author: Yolarnie Amepou
Here at the Piku Biodiversity Network, we’ve dedicated ourselves to protecting the rich biodiversity of the Kikori River Delta. But our recent research, published in Conservation Letters, reveals a hidden threat lurking beneath the surface – the devastating impact of the unregulated fish maw trade.
Fish maw, the dried swim bladder of certain fish species, is a prized delicacy in Chinese cuisine, fetching high prices on the international market. This demand has fueled the rise of unregulated fisheries in Papua New Guinea, targeting these very fish populations right here in our Delta.

A Threatened Paradise: Climate Change in the Kikori Delta
Published: March 14, 2024
Author: Yolarnie Amepou
The Kikori Delta, a tapestry of rivers, swamps, and islands in Papua New Guinea’s Gulf Province, is a place of breathtaking beauty and resilient communities. Yet, climate change casts a long shadow over this paradise. Rising sea levels and intensifying storm surges threaten the delicate balance of the delta, displacing communities and jeopardizing their traditional way of life.