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Source: Indo-Pacific Conservation News, Vol. 2 (1), January 2002
IPCA is set to carry out full scale rapid biological assessment of the new British Petroleum (BP) natural gas project areas in Tangguh, Papua, Indonesia. The Tangguh project, with an estimated cost of at least $2 billion, will be one of BP's global flagship projects.
Our survey, which is set to begin in early February 2002, will be a joint effort between IPCA, BP, and P.T. Hatfindo Prima, an affiliate of Hatfield Associates, a Canadian consulting firm. When fully operational in 2006, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities of Tangguh will produce approximately 7 million tons of LNG per year. BP indicates that among its top priorities is to improve health and education services for nearby villages and 7,000 people directly affected by the project, as well as to have as small a "footprint" on local rainforest and mangrove habitat as possible.
This survey follows a site visit to Tangguh by Burke Burnett, IPCA Executive Director, in March 2001. His report to BP highlighted the urgent need for this
survey, in order to better understand the biodiversity of Tangguh and how it will be affected by changing land uses both on-site and in adjacent areas that have been converted to oil palm plantations by companies unrelated to BP. The Bomberai Peninsula where Tangguh is located is, like much of Papua, poorly understood and under-documented scientifically. Our survey will address BP's need to document the flora and fauna of Tangguh, while also providing critical data that conservation science requires to plan and manage sustainable development and conservation initiatives in Papua. IPCA believes that this sort of project illustrates how "win-win" solutions can result when scientists and
conservation organizations work in partnership with responsible corporations.
Our research teams are composed of expert international and Indonesian scientists. Participating biologists include Dr. Wayne Takeuchi (PNG Forest
Research Institute), R. Maturbongs (University of Papua), Dr. Vojtech Novotny (Smithsonian), M. Amir (LIPI - Indonesian Institute of Sciences), Dr. Scott Miller (Smithsonian), Dr. Gerald Allen (West Australian Museum), Mr. Samuel Renyaan (Cenderawasih University), Dr. Allen Allison (Bishop Museum), Dr.
Helen Kurniati (LIPI), Dr. Bas van Balen (Wageningen University), Dr. James Menzies (University of Adelaide), and others. The combined local and international experience encourages two-way transfer of scientific and local knowledge between local and international scientists.
The survey will also support the broader endeavor of documenting Papua's flora and fauna for purposes of conservation biology and natural resource management
in the province.
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CONTENTS
Deal signed for "Radio Asmat" Conservation success in Asmat IPCA set to begin biological survey with BP in Papua Destructive fishing stopped in Asmat IPCA seeks conservation microenterprises for Asmat Barito clear-cut logging operation ousted by Asmat IPCA MOU with UNCEN, plans same with LIPI, Bishop and Smithsonian Introducing Nev Kemp Wall Strret Journal cites IPCA on invasive species story About our partners and work in Asmat CI marine survey in Papua uncovers amazing richness
The Indo-Pacific Conservation Alliance (IPCA) is a non-profit scientific and educational organization dedicated to the study and conservation of the native ecosystems of the tropical Indo-Pacific region and support for traditional peoples in their stewardship of these globally significant natural resources.
To subscribe to the IPCA newsletter or for more information please contact:
Indo-Pacific Conservation Alliance
1620-D Belmont Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tel. 202-939-9773
Fax 202-265-1169
Email: info@indopacific.org or burnett@indopacific.org
In Indonesia
Tel: 021-780-0050
Email: ipcaindo@rad.net.id
WWW: http://www.indopacific.org
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Hi
Just found this in the Feb 24th INCL emailing. Perhaps friends with contacts in the American, Australian, PNG and Indonesian universities participating in this
survey would like to contact the researchers involved. We should also write to the US-based conservation rganisation leading this survey to enlighten them about their 'pact with the devil' anddisabuse them of their belief that a wildlife survey ensures a 'win-win' situation for the local communities.
best wishes
Liz |
