The Great Central Forest of Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, is a biodiversity hotspot and the lifeblood of the Charmon and Wulei clans. For generations, these communities have relied on traditional systems like the tambu to sustain their way of life. But since the 1950s, mining explorations have scarred the land — leaving polluted rivers, abandoned pits, and unfulfilled promises. Today, industrial logging and mining continue to threaten their forests, with 1.57 million hectares of PNG’s forests lost since 2001, including 132 hectares on Manus Island in 2023 alone. Amid this crisis, the Kiwa Initiative’s WISH+ project has emerged as a vital ally, empowering clans to defend their land through legal support, capacity-building, and the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC).
Raphael Kuwe: the resolute protector & Charles Sileh: the wise steward
Raphael Kuwe, leader of the Charmon Clan, rejects the empty vows of loggers: “They come with big promises, roads, schools, jobs. What do we get? A few kinas in royalties, a road that washes out in the first rain, and a forest that’s gone forever.” His clan’s 7-year conservation deed is a bold stand: “We could have taken the money. But what’s the point of cash if your children have no forest left to hunt in, no clean water to drink?”
Charles Sileh, leader of the Wulei Clan, blends tradition with modernity. When loggers offered quick cash, his clan chose protection: “Some called us fools. But we knew the forest would provide if we let it.” Under his leadership, customary laws and modern conservation frameworks ensure their rights are upheld by both tradition and national law.
Empowered by Kiwa: Evidence, voice, and hope
Before Kiwa WISH+, the clans stood alone against powerful logging companies. Now, with Kiwa’s support, they have the tools to monitor their forests, document illegal activities, and demand real consultations. "Our traditions already protected the forest, but modern threats required modern solutions. Kiwa helped us blend tambu with legal deeds, ensuring our land stays ours — no matter what governments or companies do," says Charles. Raphael adds, “We now have evidence. One of the project’s most significant contributions was its guidance on free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), which ensures that Indigenous communities give their consent, based on full knowledge of the matter, before any intervention takes place on their lands. And evidence is power.”
The conservation deeds have revitalized traditional practices like the tambu, ensuring the forest remains a source of food, clean water, and cultural identity. The return of the Admiralty cuscus and thriving wild boar populations — vital sources of protein — demonstrates their success. "The tides come higher every year," Charles reflects, gesturing toward the coast. "Our villages are moving inland. The forest is our last defense, in a place where hunger is real, it feeds us.”
A fight for dignity and the future
Despite progress, 9 deeds protecting 6,000 hectares have been signed already, but logging companies persist, exploiting loopholes. In 2017, a permit was issued to a Malaysian company, despite local opposition. “They think we don’t know the law,” Raphael warns. “But we do. And we’re not afraid to fight.” Charles remains steadfast: “We will talk. We will negotiate. But we will not give in.”
For Raphael Kuwe and Charles Sileh, this fight is about more than land; it’s about dignity and securing a sustainable future for Manus Island.
