Mahonia Na Dari
Research and Conservation Centre
Kimbe Bay, West New Britain, Papua New Guinea
PO Box 697
KIMBE PNG
West New Britain
West New Britain is one of the 20 Provinces of Papua New Guinea. This half of the Island of New Britain is home to numerous volcanoes of which at least two, Mt Pago and Mt Ulawun, are still active. Associated geothermal activity produces hot springs and geysers. The centre of the Province is dominated by a steep mountain range (Whiteman Range) covered with very dense forest.
Talasea, on the Willaumez Peninsula, is a centre for the manufacture of shell money. It was in this area that obsidian, volcanic glass used in the manufacture of knives, spears and arrows used for trade from about 3,000BC until recent times, was found. For more information about the geography and history of the Province, visit Tourism West New Britain.
Until the 1960s most of the population lived a subsistence lifestyle. The gardening, hunting and animal-rearing essential to this lifestyle continue to play important roles within the population. However, commercial agriculture, forestry and fishing industries have since influenced the development of the province, leading to large scale changes of land-use, and, for some, lifestyle.
Mahonia's activities include educating local communities about the marine environment and promoting community conservation. In addition, Mahonia hosts research some of which looks at the impacts of changing patterns of human interaction with the land and sea. For example, researchers from James Cook University, Townsville, have been evaluating the impact of "no-take" restrictions on some of the reefs over many years.
West New Britain offers great scope for researchers given its geography, biodiversity, and extended period of human habitation. For more information about Mahonia's research facilities, click here.