Eyes on the future, Ears to the ground: Ofacken Onge Nufuk- Womens Program Coordinator Centre for Environmental Research & Development, Papua New Guinea The 11 th AWID International Forum on Womens Rights and Development November 14 – 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 Womens Foundation-Papua New Guinea

Mine-affected Women -Tolukuma Amidst the pain…..a smile just for a Photo.

MINING Mining stands at the centre of the divide Between the Rich and the Poor. From the South..to the North From the North… To the South Risks Glorious promises Contracts & Agreements

ONE VOICE ….for a temporary ban on new & up-coming mining projects….. The Madang Declaration

….Thank you….