Madang lagoon in danger
COMMUNITY - based marine wildlife management organisations fear the proposed marine park in Vidar would destroy the beautiful lagoon along Madang’s north coast.
The multi-million kina park is being proposed by the National Government, but has received little input from the provincial government, villagers and environment watch groups who are active in the province.
Speaking out about his groups’ fears, Tabb Marine Wildlife Management (TMWM) director Tamlon Tabb said people in communities living along the coastline of Madang Lagoon were not aware of the project.
TMWM is one of the four community-based organisations (CBO) that areworking towards conserving and beautifying Madang lagoon which is located between Madang town and Vidar along the north coast.
Mr Tabb said their aim was to make the lagoon more attractive to local and international visitors to develop tourism in the area.
He said from past experiences, such development had destroyed the natural environment with its habitat and he was afraid the same thing might happen to the rich marine life if the marine park went ahead.
He added that the lagoon provides food and other necessities for the people and they protect the marine resources.
“A lot of wastes will be produced and I wonder where they will go,” he said.
Mr Tabb said more than 11 CBOs under the Madang lagoon association wanted the authorities to come down and talk to the people about the benefits of the marine industrial park.
Nation Stories