Experts and cultural leaders are raising alarm over the growing misuse and exploitation of Papua New Guinea’s traditional knowledge both locally and internationally.
This was a major concern addressed during a national workshop held this week by the National Cultural Commission (NCC), where the draft Pasin Ples Policy 2025 was reviewed and validated.
The policy aims to provide legal protections for cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge systems which have often been commercialized without appropriate consent or benefit to local communities.
NCC Board’s Chairman, Leo Marai stated that the Pasin Ples Policy is an active step taken to safeguard PNG’s traditional culture from exploitation.
“The National Protection of Pasin Ples Standard and Implementation Plan 2025–2035 has been created to oversee all intellectual property rights and conflicts concerning the illegal use of Papua New Guinea’s traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.”
“It establishes a vital framework for effective governance through administrative leadership and offers a route for sustainable partnerships, guaranteeing that all declared policy results contribute positively to everyone.”
Dr. Eric Kwa Secretary of the Department of Justice emphasized that the country’s cultural identity is in danger and unless necessary steps are taken, the younger generations may lose connection to their heritage.
“We must protect, promote, and preserve our Pasin Ples. Our Constitution and National Pledge define who we are.”
“Other forces are eroding our identity because we have not given enough prominence to our culture.”
Meanwhile Dr. Faiki Simeth, Dance Director at the Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies under NCC, noted that the 2000 Copyright Act offered some protection, however, it did not fully cover folklore and traditional knowledge, a gap which the new policy is building on, providing stronger protections for knowledge holders in rural communities.