Protection of traditional way of life on the agenda

The 26th Torres Strait Joint Advisory Council (JAC) meeting between PNG and Australia in Port Moresby this week will discuss issues to further safeguard and protect the traditional way of life and livelihood of traditional inhabitants.
These include fishing and free movement along the borders of the two countries.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Torres Strait was an important treaty that encompassed the borders. It is governed by the Torres Strait Treaty that was signed in 1978 by former prime ministers Sir Michael Somare (PNG) and Australia’s Malcolm Frazer.
The annual meetings acknowledge and discuss issues to safeguard and protect the traditional way of life and livelihood of the traditional inhabitants, including fishing and free movement along the borders of Papua New Guinea and Australia.
“The functions of JAC is tasked to seek solutions to problems out of the local level and to consider and make recommendations to the parties on any developments or proposals which might affect the protection of the traditional way and livelihood of the traditional activities and exercise of traditional customary rights, protection and preservation of the marine environment, and fauna and flora in and around the vicinity of the protected zone,” a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
“JAC will be preceded by technical meetings, including the traditional inhabitants meeting (TIM), fisheries bilateral meeting, the environment management committee (EMC) and health.
JAC reports will be passed on to the foreign ministers of PNG and Australia.