Papua House

Lorentz National Park

mambruk — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:17:54 +0000

Lorentz National Park (2.35 million ha) is the largest protected area in South-East Asia. It is the only protected area in the world to incorporate a continuous, intact transect from snow cap to tropical marine environment, including extensive lowland wetlands. Located at the meeting-point of two colliding continental plates, the area has a complex geology with ongoing mountain formation as well as major sculpting by glaciation. The area also contains fossil sites which provide evidence of the evolution of life on New Guinea, a high level of endemism and the highest level of biodiversity in the region.

Indonesia
Province of Papua (formerly Irian Jaya)
S4 45 0 E137 49 59.988
Date of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (viii)(ix)(x)
Property : 2,350,000 ha
Ref: 955

The park stretches for over 150 km, from Irian Jaya’s central cordillera mountains in the north to the Arafura Sea in the south. The park can be divided into two very distinct zones: the swampy lowlands and the high mountain area of the central cordillera. The central cordillera itself can be subdivided in the eastern part and the western part on the basis of geology and vegetation types.

The central mountain ranges are the southern portion of two colliding continental plates, which are causing the mountain range to rise. The lowering and rising of the sea level during the glacial and interglacial periods of the Pleistocene epoch, along with continuous activity in the mobile belt which characterizes the contact zone of the two colliding lithospheric plates, has continued to promote the great biodiversity of the island of New Guinea in general, and in the Lorentz area in particular. Large tracts of the mountain range and especially the area formed by the traditional lands of the Amungme (or Amung) are rich in mineral deposits, especially gold and copper. The Carstenz/Puncak Jaya section of the Jayawijaya mountain range still retains small ice caps. It is one of only three equatorial of sufficiently high altitude to retain permanent ice. The main snowfields comprise five separate areas of ice on the outer margins of Mount Puncak Jaya. These include two small fields which feed the Meren and Carstenz glaciers and a small hanging glacier on the Carstenz Pyramid.

Based on physiographic types, five altitudinal vegetation zones have been identified within Lorentz National Park: lowland zone, montane zone, subalpine zone, alpine zone and nival zone; some of the zones are further divided into subzones.

The lowland zone comprises the beach subzone covered by vegetation ranging from pioneer herbaceous communities on the first beach ridge to tall mixed forest inland. The tidal swamp subzone comprises one land system, the Kajapah, consisting of intertidal swamps of mangrove and nipah palm. The montane altitudinal zone comprises the Kemum land system, steep-sided deeply dissected mountain ridges. This altitudinal zone is subdivided into lower montane subzone, mid-montane subzone and upper montane subzone. The subalpine zone occurs from 3,200 m to 4,170 m. All alpine zones are located above 4,170 m and consist of alpine peaks with bare rocks and residual ice caps. The lower subalpine forest is floristically poor. The alpine zone lies between 4,170 m and 4,585 m. The alpine vegetation includes all communities growing above the tall shrub limits. These are grassland, heath and tundra.

In the highlands of Lorentz National Park, six species are endemic to the Snow Mountains; 26 species are endemic to the central Papuan ranges Endemic Bird Area while three species are endemic to the south Papuan lowlands EBA. Globally threatened animal species were found in the lowlands. Vulnerable and threatened birds of the mountains include Salvadori’s teal, the snow mountain robin, and Macgregor’s bird of paradise. Mammals include two of the world’s three monotremes; the short-beaked echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus, a species shared with Australia, and the long-beaked echidna Zaglossus bruijinii, a New Guinea endemic. Mammals also include a range of marsupials including at least four species of cuscus, several species of tree kangaroo and one species of Dasyuridae, often referred to as the ‘tiger cat’.

The indigenous human population comprises eight (and possibly nine) tribal groups. The region has been inhabited for over 24,000 years and has evolved some of the most distinctive and long isolated cultures in the world.

Ethnobotany of the Yali of West Papua

mambruk — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:49:54 +0000

Today I find this amazing academic article about Yali people from the perspective of Ethnobotany.

William Milliken (Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh)

Fire making by Yali people

Abstract:

A general ethnobotanical study of the Yali people was conducted in the Sibi valley in the highlands of West Papua (Jayawijaya, Irian Jaya). The communities were living in a state of relative isolation and relying almost entirely on traditional technology, with substantial use of forest products. Data were collected on the uses and/or properties of 250 wild and cultivated plant species, and over 400 species and cultivar names were recorded in the Yali language. The data are discussed in the context of Yali culture and way of life, and are compared with ethnobotanical records from other New Guinea indigenous peoples. In general it was found that the plant species used by the Yali and the way in which they were employed bore strong similarities to those of most highland peoples of New Guinea.

My comment:

Reading the article is like having my own adventures started from inhaling the fresh air at the mysterious snow mountains, blending my understanding with the culture and tradition of friendly Yali people, then fulfilling my curiosity of the richness of magical list of plant taxonomy.

Please read the complete article from Royal Botanic Garden

West Papua

mambruk — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:46:31 +0000

by Roger | June 10th, 2009

Located on the western end of the island of Papua and the furthest eastern province of Indonesia, West Papua is often referred to as the last bastion of adventure travel in the archipelago. Don’t let that deter you from travelling there because as a province it has so much to offer tourists with all manner of tastes in travel. Stunning beaches with warm ocean waters lapping the shores and mountain ranges seemingly rising to the heavens, intriguing nature reserves, stunning jungles and some of the most ancient, primal tribes on the planet can be found on this amazing section of Indonesia. The province covers the Bird’s Head Peninsula and surrounding islands and with a population of approximately 800,000, it makes it one of the least populous of all Indonesian provinces. The capital of West Papua is in Manokwari and is a fabulous place in itself. There are all types of accommodation available in the cities and surrounding villages and a stay with some of the locals will prove to be one experience you will never forget but only treasure.

Even though West Papua might seem rather ‘wild’ to a lot of travellers, there are some amazing and fascinating places to visit and awe in the spectacle of nature.

Places of Interest:

Pasir Putih Beach:

A soft white sandy beach with clear water with beautiful scenery, gentle breezes makes it a good place for recreation and swimming. Only 2 kilometres from Manokwari town, this beach can be reached by motorcycle, car, or public transport.

Amban Beach:

Facing the Pacific Ocean, having a wave altitude of 2 meters most of the time, this beach is perfect for water skiing and wind surfing. Located five kilometres from Manokwari town, this beach is easily accessible by all manner of transport.

Lake Kabori:

Stretching out with a beautiful panorama, it is a wonderful place for fresh water fishing; like goldfish, mujair (a kind of fresh water fish), and fresh water cat fish. Situated 20 kilometres from Manokwari town, this lake is easily reached.

Rumah Kaki Seribu (Traditional House):

This house is uniquely built by the Arfak ethnic group. Rare and unique in design, this type of house has many poles to support it. It is for this reason that the house is called Rumah Kaki Seribu (House with one thousand feet). Its walls are made of tree barks and its roof is made of coarse grass. These houses can still be found in remote places like Kebar and Anggi.

Meja Mountain and the Japanese Monument:

This mountain, looking like a table in the distance, is a preserved and protected area. Still a virgin forest, having enchanting and beautiful panorama, this area is good for hiking, and other similar sporting activities. A monument, called Monumen Jepang, has been erected on this mountain to commemorate the first arrival of the Japanese Army. Only two kilometres from Manokwari town, this place can accessed by motorcycle or on foot.

Maredred Waterfall:

Located in Pasir Putih village with a beautiful natural panorama, this waterfall has various types of flora and fauna. It is a wonderful bathing place. It can be reached within ten minutes by boat from Fak-Fak town and by walking within two and a half hours following the river bank.

Tubir Seram Island:

Located in front of Fak-Fak town, this island has amazing and beautiful natural scenery. It has a garden full of numerous colourful flowers and many types of plants. A monument, called Perjuangan Merah Putih was erected there. A mini museum was also built there to keep artifacts of historical values. It is accessible within five minutes from Fak-Fak town by boat.

Mermaid Catchment:

This unique fish is traditionally raised in Webra village. This place can be assessed by various types of vehicles.

Pre-historical Hand Palm Paintings:

Ancient reddish pictures of hand palm, weapon, and animals on the cliffs of the islands at an average altitude of 10-30 meters from sea level in front of Kokas town.

Sorong:

This is the coastal city and regency in Papua and has some beautiful islands.

Cape Of Cassowary:

It is a beautiful long and clean beach where there are plenty of exotic corals. It is also suitable for diving. The distance from Sorong town is 3 km and can be reached by vehicles.

Crocodile Island:

An island with slightly sloping beach, soft sand and pure water is very suitable for swimming and fishing. It is located about a half kilometre across Sorong town and accessible by speed boat.

Kafiau Island:

An island located in the middle of Dampir Waigeo Straits. Apart from its scenic nature, it has also an interesting and enchanting sea bottom that is very suitable for diving. It is about 1.5 hours to reach by motor boat from Sorong town.

Matan Island:

An island with various kinds of trees, soft sands and pure water is a place for bathing and fishing. It is accessible approximately 20 minutes from Sorong town by speed boat.

Klaijili Hot Spring:

This hot spring is found in Makbon District and is used to cure skin diseases. It is situated 60 km from Sorong town and reachable by vehicles.

Pepera Monument:

Erected in 1969, and located in the centre of the town, this monument commemorates Indonesia’s struggle to have West Papua (the former name of Papua) back.

World War II Monument:

World War II Monument. Built by the Dutch in 1948 in the center of the town, this monument commemorates the assassination of police officers and other government workers by Japanese Army.

Japanese Army Fortress:

Built in 1944/1945 and located at the centre of Kokas town, this fortress was used as a defence and hiding place for the Japanese Army during the Second World War. It can be reached within four hours by boat from Fak-Fak town.

Research Forest:

This forest has many types of plants and is used by the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry of Cenderawasih University for research purposes. Situated seven kilometres from Manokwari town, it is accessible by motorcycle, car, or public transport.

The Raja Ampat Islands:

The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the north-western tip of the province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world. Four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands area known as the Bird’s Head functional seascape, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia. Raja Ampat are the richest in the world. The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease – threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection. Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species (a remarkable 96% of all scleratinia recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands), and 699 mollusks species, the variety of marine life is staggering. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs. In Mansuar, it’s highly likely you’ll encounter large groups of manta rays and turtles. From the boat and often close to shore you may get the chance to don your snorkelling gear for some unforgettable interaction with resident pods of dolphins or even some passing whales.

Further Reading: www.papuatrekking.com and Indonesialogue

Photo Credits:
westpapuatrekking.com
www.deepscape.com
syadera.wordpress.com

Papua House

mambruk — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:35:41 +0000

The Papua House supports peace and conflict transformation processes in Papua Indonesia through inclusive, multi-track and multi-sector approaches designed to achieve agreed, fair and just outcomes. The Papua House works independently sharing ideas, supporting similar ideas and disseminating those ideas online.

Peace Education

mambruk — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 15:43:10 +0000

The media plays a critical role in how parties in conflict view one another, understand their respective situations, and ultimately work to either further the goals of peace or inflame conflict. We can learn from the Appeal Foundation which have a long history of promoting media as a tool for conflict resolution, beginning with the work of the Media Peace Centre in South Africa throughout the 1990′s, and continuing to this day in the design and production of online and broadcast content, as well as educational curricula for young people around the globe.