Watersheds need urgent attention

PAPUA New Guinea is blessed with abundant natural resources and biodiversity.
It is home to some of the most pristine and crucial watersheds in the world.
These watersheds, which encompass rivers, streams and lakes play a vital role in sustaining the health of ecosystems, providing clean drinking water, supporting agriculture and fostering biodiversity. However, the rapid degradation and destruction of these critical ecosystems are threatening the well-being of both the environment and communities that depend on them.
Watersheds are essential components of the hydrological cycle, acting as natural filters that regulate the flow of water, absorb pollutants and recharge groundwater sources.
They also play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, reducing the risk of floods and landslides, and maintaining the quality of water bodies such as rivers, lakes and oceans.
The health of watersheds is directly linked to the health of ecosystems, wildlife and human communities that rely on them for various purposes.
In PNG, watersheds are particularly important for supporting agriculture, the main livelihood for a majority of the population.
Many rural communities depend on rivers and streams for irrigation, fishing and transportation, as well as for domestic and industrial water supply.
Watersheds also provide critical habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species, including endemic and endangered species that are unique to the region.
Despite the invaluable services that watersheds provide, they are facing significant threats from deforestation, mining activities, pollution and climate change.
The clearing of forests for agriculture, logging and mining results in the loss of vegetation cover, soil degradation and increased sedimentation in water bodies, impacting water quality and quantity.
Pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff further degrades water sources, affecting aquatic life and human health.
Climate change is exacerbating these threats by altering precipitation patterns, increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and disrupting the natural balance of watersheds.
Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and more frequent floods pose challenges for water availability, agricultural productivity and overall ecosystem health in PNG.
Preserving and protecting PNG’s watersheds is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country’s natural resources, biodiversity and communities.
The Government, along with civil society organisations, local communities and the private sector must collaborate to develop and implement strategies for watershed conservation and management. This includes promoting sustainable land-use practices, enforcing environmental regulations and investing in watershed restoration and rehabilitation initiatives.
Community-based approaches, such as watershed management committees, conservation agreements and sustainable agricultural practices can help empower local communities to take ownership of their natural resources and participate in decision-making processes. Building awareness about the importance of watersheds, engaging stakeholders in dialogue and integrating traditional knowledge with modern science are also crucial for successful watershed conservation efforts.
Furthermore, investing in research, monitoring and capacity-building programmes can enhance our understanding of watershed dynamics, identify key threats and vulnerabilities and inform evidence-based decision-making for sustainable land and water management.
The importance of preserving PNG’s watersheds cannot be overstated. These vital ecosystems are the lifeblood of the nation, sustaining ecosystems, communities and livelihoods.
Let us commit to preserving these precious resources and ensuring a sustainable future for our country and planet.

Romel Kuman