WCS PNG in partnership with the Centre for Environmental Law and Community Rights Inc. (CELCOR) conducted a community legal education (CLE) training for local law enforcers in the Mitnande Local Level Government (LLG) jurisdiction of Chimbu province, in the Highlands of PNG.
More than 40 participants - including six women and 10 youths – that collectively represent local conservation management committees (CMCs), land mediators, magistrates, community police, ward councillors, and wasman (local rangers) attended the weeklong training from 31 March to 4 April in Danbagl village.
Co-facilitated by CELCOR staff Vicky Amoko, Senior Litigation Lawyer and Marjorie Warisaiho, Community Legal Education and Awareness Raising (CLEAR) Coordinator, the CLE training was focused on educating participants on their constitutional rights regarding resource ownership, use, and decision-making powers, understanding the court and land mediation processes, and incorporating conservation and biodiversity laws into the LLG development plans.
Among the women participants, village court magistrate Rose Umba from the Inaugl tribe in Gembogl District shared her experiences on the roles and powers of the village court system during one of the training sessions.
"Mi amamas bikos insait lo wan wik mi kisim free training na kisim planti sawe lo kainkain law blo environment na legal terms weh ol lawyer save baim bikpla moni lo kisim displa save. Na tu, bipo mipla ol village court magistrate, court clerk, na peace officer save paul na mekim wok blo narapela go kam, tasol nau mipla klia stret lo wokmak blo wanwan officer".
(I am happy because in one week, I received free training and learned about the different environmental laws and legal terms that would have normally cost a lot money. Previously, for us village court magistrates, court clerks and peace officers, we were unsure about our roles and powers, but with this training we are now aware of our respective roles and responsibilities).
WCS PNG’s Community Engagement Officer, Michael Kigl says the communities across the Bismarck Forest Corridor (BFC) range share a common sentiment about their lack of understanding of the existence of Constitutional laws on customary rights to ownership, land use and management to protect their natural resources.
“Thus, a wider legal awareness is necessary to educate community residents to not only understand their constitutional rights and responsibilities but also empower them to participate in formulating environment and biodiversity laws and seek redress for the violation of the rules and laws and infringement on their rights.”
