Eyes on the future, Ears to the ground:

Ofacken Onge Nufuk- Women’s Program CoordinatorCentre for Environmental Research & Development,

Papua New GuineaEmail: mawf@cerd.org.pg

The 11th AWID International Forum on Women’s Rights and Development

November 14 – 17 2008

Cape Town, South Africa

The Power of Movements

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea in brief

Independent country (33 yrs) Ruled by a democratic system of governance Member of the Commonwealth Tropical (Wet/Dry seasons) 800 plus languages Population of over 6 million people

Mining in PNG

8 operating mines – Gold, Copper, Nickel, Over 6,000 small-scale mines

– mostly uncontrolled and/or monitored, 13 Potential Mining Projects

– Advanced Explorations stage About 200 exploration License

Centre for Environmental Research & Development (CERD )

a non-governmental, not-for-profit making organization, Environment and human rights advocate, Focus on Mining, (oil & gas) projects throughout Papua New Guinea, Founded in 2003 Vission – A PNG free of Irresponsible Mining, Mission – Uphold the rights of PNG citizens to minimize

environmental destructions in relation to mining activities.

Value – People & Environment (Health & Livelihood)

Key Goals

facilitate flow of information to partners, affected communities and interested citizens,

conduct policy research and impact assessment studies,

lobby and advocate for policy changes where seen necessary,

provide training to local communities, facilitate legal aid for mine affected communities

if deemed necessary.

Mine Affected Women

Women at mine site and in vicinity of mines– Voiceless and vulnerable,– Victims of decisions of others,– Living & struggling with the aftermath,– Thinking positively & being responsible for daily

needs,

Common issues raised in affected Communities

Environmental Degradation– Livelihood affected

Food security (scarcity, quality) Income generation at threat

– Health Risk Contaminated water sources Contaminated Food source

Social Problems, – migration & ethnic clashes, land shortage, alcohol & drug

abuse, increase in sexual transmitted diseases (HIV/AIDS), – Dying indigenous cultures/traditions, disrespect, etc,

Mine Affected Women’s Foundation-Papua New Guinea

Mine-affected Women -Tolukuma

Amidst the pain…..a smile just for a Photo.

‘ONE VOICE’

….for a temporary ban on new & up-coming mining projects…..

The Madang Declaration

….Thank you….