PNG declares new MPAs tripling the countries covering

Papua New Guinea (PNG) declared two new marine protected areas (MPAs) covering over 16,000 sq km, tripling the country's marine area under protection. Led by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the six-year effort involved consultations with more than 9,000 people in over 100 Indigenous communities. While hailed as a community-led MPA win, concerns arise about foreign-led conservation in a region facing poverty and minimal government support. The MPAs aim to curb threatened species' harvest and restore fisheries health, but success hinges on financing for enforcement. Some locals doubt the effectiveness of top-down initiatives without adequate community involvement and resources. (Mongabay)