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CULTURAL MAPPING PILOT PROJECT IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Culture is the very essence of our existence—it reflects our history, our language, our tradition and our beliefs. However, with the wind of globalization and change, our cultures and traditions do not remain static, but evolve overtime. Papua New Guinea (PNG), being one of the most culturally rich and diverse countries in the world, wherein about ninety percent of its approximate six million people speak over 850 distinct languages and live in their respective social structures in their cultural communities, generally rely on their environment to ensure their livelihood. Papua New Guineans’ daily relationship among each other coupled with the evolving environment depicts a high appreciation of their unique cultures and traditions. On the contrary, it is on the verge of disappearing.
Hale Lahui Research Officer, PNG National Cultural Commission
2010