Indigenous Knowledge for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is exposed to a variety of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, droughts, landslides, and floods. Occurrence and intensity of many of these hazards are exacerbated by environmental degradation processes such as deforestation, desertification, biodiversity loss, pollution and soil erosion. In combination with social factors such as poverty, conflict and inequality, these events and processes result in frequent disasters.

It is therefore not surprising that various forms of local and indigenous knowledge were identified in the three provinces selected for this study. Such knowledge is key to the security and well-being of communities before, during and after disasters.