Papua New Guinea - An Ancient Prehistoric Place!

Story by ANDERSON KOPONO

Is Papua New Guinea an Ancient place?

Thus is the question raised after various documented and prehistoric sites with its unique species of animals and plants found in Papua New Guinea.

“World Heritage listed pre-historic Kuk Agricultural Site dated back some 7000 years and Yuku Rock Shelter in Baiyer River where first humans are believed to have set foot on the Island of New Guinea from the migration routes from the mainland Asian Continent through South-East Asia. At Yuku, evidence of prehistoric plants pollen microfossils have been discovered and documented.  Both these Sites are located in the Western Highlands Province. Therefore, Papua New Guinea is arguably an Ancient country!”

Yuku Rock Shelter in Baiyer River (WHP) where first humans are believed to have set foot on the Island of New Guinea from the migration routes from the mainland Asian Continent through South-East Asia some 14 thousand years ago. The remnants of the first settlers can be seen pictured around the ancient place. Image Credit: Howarig Traders (Tourism E-marketing Agent).

Claimed by Eco-Tourism Promoters, Peter Kinjap and Philip Ukuni from Niugini Exotic Tours.                                                                                       

To further substantiate their claim there is also a sacrificial system being practiced by the Hela people and parts of Southern highlands notably in, Erave at the foot of Mt Murray Mt. Sumale)

They slaughter animals as sacrifice to please the Gods, a practice similar to the Jewish sacrificial system for atonement which is prehistoric. On the same note, the” Jewish Harp”, a traditional Musical instrument  mouthed to make a sound by vibrating a rope with one hand practiced during traditional “ Courting Ceremonies” to attract the bride, particularly in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.

They also reiterated that eco-tourism had the potential to boost PNG economy to a whole new level given its various unique species of plants and animals.

Papua New Guinea is regarded as the world's third pristine rainforest area accommodating some thousand species of flora and fauna. Some of which have not been recorded and documented by biologists. For instance a recent discovery of a rare Wasp (Giant Bee) on Papua New Guinea and the Pacific regions highest mountain, Mt. Wilhelm located in Chimbu Province in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Mt. Giluwe, the second highest mountain in Papua New Guinea and the highest Volcanic Summit in the Oceania region including Australian continent (Mt. Giluwe is listed as one of the 7 Volcanic Summits in the World), also located in Western Highlands Province. The New Guinea Singing Dog (NGSD) that is believed to be found at the peak of Mt. Giluwe. Researchers are yet to discover this site. 

The last Frontiers of Southern Highlands, Mt Sumale in Remote Erave District. The very place where sacrificial system is practiced by the ancestors of the custodians of the mountain (The Pelitous /YalaTribe).the sacrificial system is also practiced in some parts of Hela Province. The mountain is situated close to the borders of Gulf and southern Highlands, its climate that can cater for any plants and species found both in the highlands and coastal. A potential tourist destination in the future given the new Gulf SHP highway that will link rest of Southern Highlands with Gulf Province.

 The once world renowned Baiyer River Bird Sanctuary in the Western highlands Province is currently undergoing rehabilitation, to revive its former glory days in the 1960s. The rehabilitation process is currently being spearheaded by the local Member of Parliament (MP), Honorable Koi Trappe in consultation with the Department o Environment and Conservation. This was made possible by an Australian team of Biologists and Botanists who toured the area late last year and carried out a feasibility study to assess the viability of reviving the Baiyer River Bird Sanctuary. The recommendations of this feasibility were forwarded to the Government of Papua New Guinea for implementation. The basic perimeter fencing and the animals and birds cages are currently taking shape.

The Mt. Bosavi untapped Wildlife and pristine biodiversity is also located in the neighboring Southern Highlands Province. The area is known for frequent visits by some of the World's best scientists and researchers. A recent discovery of a Giant Rat at Mt. Bosavi by a crew from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and some scientists is a case in point.

“A worrisome fact is that these potential tourism investment opportunities, especially in the highlands are not promoted and marketed widely” said Philip Ukuni of the Empirical Business Consultants and Advisors, an SME which provides Business Consultancy & Advisory services to Niugini Exotic Tours also an SME in the tourism sector.

Despite the worrisome fact, the   five Annual Cultural Festivals in the region, namely Mt. Hagen Cultural and Agricultural Show, Goroka Cultural Show, Jiwaka Cultural Show, Enga Cultural Show and Hela Cultural Show are a complementary attractions to first time or regular visitors because you will never be satisfied!. They are evenly scheduled throughout the year as to avoid clashes in dates.

Kuk Historical site at Mt Hagen WHP. World Heritage listed pre-historic Kuk Agricultural Site dated back some 7000 years.