You Are Here:
Boundary marking uses global positioning systems and maps to mark indigenous land borders. This forces governments to formally recognise indigenous ownership of the forest.
Enlarge imageIt
guarantees them the right to keep invaders off their land and use it as
they wish. It also confirms ownership of natural resources found on
their land.
Boundary marking is the first step towards gaining official recognition of the ownership of land under state law. Throughout the process of boundary marking at Lake Murray, PNG, in 2006, two worlds collided. Landowners called upon the stories of their ancestors to help them identify areas and features of their land. Land use 'maps' were made out of string and different types of leaves.
The landowners and volunteers, with guidance from highly skilled foresters from Foundation for People and Community Development (FPCD), walked the boundaries and placed demarcation ribbons at selected points along the way. The foresters collected GPS readings of these points, for later calibration.
The boundary marking was a precursor to the local people's dream of establishing their own ecoforestry businesses. Ecoforestry is the opposite of large-scale, destructive logging. Trees are harvested using portable equipment and milled on the spot, before the wood is carried or floated out of the forest. Ecoforestry causes minimal damage. The money made from just one tree can pay a child's school fees for a year.
Boundary marking is the first step towards gaining official recognition of the ownership of land under state law. Throughout the process of boundary marking at Lake Murray, PNG, in 2006, two worlds collided. Landowners called upon the stories of their ancestors to help them identify areas and features of their land. Land use 'maps' were made out of string and different types of leaves.
The landowners and volunteers, with guidance from highly skilled foresters from Foundation for People and Community Development (FPCD), walked the boundaries and placed demarcation ribbons at selected points along the way. The foresters collected GPS readings of these points, for later calibration.
The boundary marking was a precursor to the local people's dream of establishing their own ecoforestry businesses. Ecoforestry is the opposite of large-scale, destructive logging. Trees are harvested using portable equipment and milled on the spot, before the wood is carried or floated out of the forest. Ecoforestry causes minimal damage. The money made from just one tree can pay a child's school fees for a year.
