Go tell it to Waigani: Let our people be! Stop the Frieda River Mine Project!

Save Our Ecosystem - Save the Sepik River: A Call to Our Leaders to Be More Creative About Saving the National Economy 

The Sepik River, known locally as Avisat, is not just a river; it is the lifeblood of the communities that reside along its banks. It is a source of sustenance, culture, and a vital connection to our ancestors. The proposed Frieda River Mine Project threatens to disrupt this delicate balance, posing a significant risk to the environment and the people who depend on the Sepik River for their survival. This essay advocates against the Frieda River Mine Project, urging our leaders to seek more sustainable and creative solutions for economic development. 

      Save our ecosystem, Save our Sepik River! 

Go tell it in Waigani..(as in the song – Go tell it on the mountain) to let our people be! Stop the Frieda River Mine Project!

Avisat is our connection to our forefathers, Wolimbit standing on tall stilts that allow Mama Avisat to flow through whenever she visits - The Spirit House of Kanganamun Village in the Middle Sepik River Basin 

The Environmental Degradation Caused by Mining

Mining operations, particularly large-scale projects like the Frieda River Mine, have a well-documented history of causing severe environmental degradation. The extraction processes involve the use of toxic chemicals, which often find their way into nearby water bodies, leading to pollution that exterminates local flora and fauna. This disruption of ecosystems has far-reaching consequences, not only for the environment but also for the people who rely on these natural resources. The foreign correspondent from ABC in the YouTube video The Second Amazon: The Hidden Natural       Wonder Under Threat in PNG  has rightly stated that "PNG has a terrible history of environmental destruction from mining projects. Thus, our people have developed a general lack of trust in such over the years. Look at the pollution from the Panguna, Ok Tedi and Hidden Valley Gold mines. As a nation, let us take stock of the fact that sedimentation and toxic chemicals dumped into riverbeds have cost us environmental damage and civil conflict! 

The Sepik River is home to a diverse range of species, many of which are endemic to the region. The introduction of pollutants from mining activities would devastate these ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity that could never be restored. The river’s health is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the communities that depend on it. Any harm to the river is a direct threat to their way of life.

The Human Cost of Environmental Damage

The environmental damage caused by the Frieda River Mine would have a profound impact on the people living along the Sepik River. Thousands of individuals rely on the river for their daily needs, including drinking water, fishing, and agriculture. The contamination of the river would render these activities impossible, leading to widespread starvation and displacement.

Given the current state of our economy, the government is ill-equipped to provide the necessary support to the affected communities. The financial burden of feeding and sheltering the displaced populations would be immense, and it is unlikely that the government could sustain such efforts in the long term. Therefore, it is commonsense to disregard the Frieda River Mine proposal to prevent such a humanitarian crisis.

The Illusion of Economic Benefit

Proponents of the Frieda River Mine argue that the project will bring economic benefits to the region and the country as a whole. However, the reality is that the money earned from this mine is unlikely to make a significant difference in the lives of the local people. Corruption is rampant, and there is little assurance that the profits from the mine will be used to improve the living conditions of the affected communities.

Instead, the focus should be on sustainable economic drivers that can provide long-term benefits without compromising the environment. Large-scale agriculture production and mechanized farming systems have been touted as solutions, but these too come with their own set of challenges and environmental impacts. Our leaders must demonstrate their commitment to national development policies by allocating sufficient resources to more sustainable and innovative economic strategies.

Sustainable Economic Drivers for Papua New Guinea

There are several sustainable economic drivers that Papua New Guinea can explore to boost its economy without causing environmental harm. These include:

1. Eco-Tourism: Papua New Guinea is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. By promoting eco-tourism, we can attract visitors from around the world, generating revenue while preserving our environment. Eco-tourism initiatives can create jobs and support local communities, providing a sustainable source of income.
2. Sustainable Agriculture: Instead of large-scale, mechanized farming, we should focus on sustainable agricultural practices that protect the environment and support local farmers. Agroforestry, organic farming, and permaculture are examples of sustainable practices that can enhance food security and provide economic benefits.
3. Renewable Energy: Investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create new economic opportunities. Renewable energy projects can provide clean, reliable power to remote communities, improving their quality of life.
4. Fisheries Management: Sustainable fisheries management can ensure that our marine resources are used responsibly, providing a steady source of income for coastal communities. By implementing strict regulations and promoting sustainable fishing practices, we can protect our marine ecosystems and support local livelihoods.

5. Handicrafts and Cultural Products: Promoting traditional handicrafts and cultural products can provide economic opportunities for local artisans. These products can be marketed to tourists and exported, generating income while preserving our cultural heritage.

A Call to Action

The Frieda River Mine Project represents a short-sighted approach to economic development that prioritizes immediate financial gain over long-term sustainability. The environmental degradation and human suffering that would result from this project are unacceptable. Our leaders must recognize the value of the Sepik River and the communities that depend on it.

We call on our national leaders to reject the Frieda River Mine proposal and instead invest in sustainable economic drivers that protect our environment and support our people. By doing so, we can ensure a prosperous future for Papua New Guinea that does not come at the expense of our natural heritage.

Save our ecosystem. Save the Sepik. Go tell it in Waigani..(as in the song – Go tell it on the mountain) to let our people be! Stop the Frieda River Mine Project!

 

                         

A film by Duncan Gabi 2021 tells this story so well. Borrowed from Bikpela Bagarap Lon Sepik Wara (youtube.com)

       This video is borrowed from ABC New In-depth. The Second Amazon: The Hidden Natural       Wonder Under Threat in PNG | Foreign Correspondent - YouTube

            Please note that all photos and the videos used herein were taken from sources on the internet for the sole purpose of raising awareness on the plight of the Sepik River People AGAINST the operation of the proposed Frieda River Mine in Papua New Guinea.