A conservation advocate in Papua New Guinea says the government must consult more with local landowners to protect the country's natural resources before it's too late.
Women in Lae, Papua New Guinea Photo: Supplied
Elizabeth Tongne is the founder and executive officer of the Wide Bay Conservation Association in East New Britain.
Ms Tongne is in New Zealand to speak at a Volunteer Service Abroad Congress.
She says the PNG government must consult more with local people before implementing its policies.
"In terms of actually doing proper negotiations with people who are on the land and also actually understanding what we want for people, how much we want for the people, and how much resources do we want to take out at this point in time - how much we will be keeping for future generations."
Elizabeth Tongne also wants the PNG government to compile an audit of the country's resources so they can be better managed.
