Ant Rewcastle – Eco-Forestry Adviser in Papua New Guinea
“Even in a supposedly 'undeveloped' country many sectors recognise the value pristine native forests have to local communities and the long-term impacts of logging, in the face of huge profits made by international companies.”
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What Ant is doing in PNG
Ant is helping his partner organisation develop long-term management plans for the Sulei Wildlife Management Area. He has been reviewing existing research and developing a management plan for the area.
He has also prepared a newsletter to sponsors and explored opportunities for eco-tourism, forest walks and village stays as well as re-establishing previous projects, such as copra, coconut oil and soap production.
Making a positive impact
Ant has been working closely with the community to understand the current practices of land management and help link these better to the community’s future aspirations for the wildlife area and their role in managing it.
Ant’s highlights so far
“Interacting with the entire village (of approximately 50 to 100 people) is an integral part of my assignment. It’s been great to be around such friendly people and the stunning, untamed natural environment.”
“I love it that the village boys are always peering through the window to check if I'm OK, and collecting fruit for me to eat.”
What PNG has taught Ant
“Living a more simple, less complicated, life gives you a chance to appreciate the beauty and value in simple things, like family, friends, food, and water, and allows your soul and mind to develop.”
“I’ve learnt how to cut lawns with a bush knife (and how to treat blisters); build a garden banis (fence), haus kuk (kitchen building), haus boi (traditional building where the single men and boys sleep and meet - exclusively) with locally sourced, sustainable materials.”
Stories
My experiences in a small village in PNG
Published on 29th March 2011
I'm in Toimtop Village, PNG . Everyone has been very welcoming, making sure I'm well fed and don't work too hard but at the same time teaching me skills that most of the two year olds know. Read More
Clarence's calendar
Published on 12th April 2011
One of the boys from my village (Toimtop) where I live and work, drew a calendar for me for 2011. His name is Clarence Vomne and he is 11. Here are his great pictures. Read More
Just a game of cricket
Published on 9th May 2011
My photo entry shows Raymond having happily played a cut shot to gully (the muddy area under the orange tree) and Noa with a great sprint from the non-strikers end, whilst Clarence (sitting), Robert, and Mude wait at the stumps for the younger fielders to return the ball (a young... Read More
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