Asia Pacific
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Growing giants: How yams shape identity, knowledge and power in PNG
“They will never live without yams.” In Papua New Guinea (PNG), yams are an ancient companion. The first humans to…
6 min read -
When yams speak of marriage: Ceremonies of exchange on the Managalas Plateau
“No one gets rich out of this: it is essentially a wealth redistribution process.” “Do you want to come and…
5 min read -
Regional policy shift gains ground on peatland management and haze solutions
Many parts of Southeast Asia have endured a “hazy start to the year”, with hundreds of school closures due to…
4 min read -
Butterfly effect: Can one insect help save the rainforest?
People have always been captivated by butterflies. Whether for the vibrant, glimmering colours and patterns on their wings, the seemingly…
7 min read -
Can we protect old trees by planting new ones?
Conservation isn’t just about avoiding cutting down trees. Successful long-term conservation—particularly in places where lots of people live in, around…
5 min read -
Tracing palm oil’s path: From plantation to product
You might not know it, but your supermarkets’ shelves are heaving with palm oil. It’s found in about half of…
5 min read -
When ‘the field’ is a forest: Nuances of data-gathering on Managalas Plateau
In Joive Village, on the eastern edge of Papua New Guinea (PNG)’s Managalas Plateau, a group of local youth gather…
6 min read -
Making Managalas: Consensus for conservation on PNG’s Managalas Plateau
What makes a place a place? When we give a name to a country, a bioregion, or a geographic feature,…
8 min read -
How viable is carbon trading for the mangrove business?
Indonesia is home to 3.39 million hectares of mangroves, storing an estimated 3.14 billion tons of carbon. This carbon stock presents…
5 min read -
Formulating the ideal mangrove business model in Indonesia
Mangrove-based projects are booming in Indonesia, home to 21% of the world’s mangroves. How can we ensure that the projects…
6 min read -
Cultivating change and resilience in tropical agroforestry
The lush equatorial regions of Indonesia and the Philippines are not just picturesque – they are also crucial battlegrounds for…
7 min read -
Sulawesi study finds local forest management units don’t impact deforestation— unless it’s a fire year
It’s almost a cliche to say that local communities must be engaged meaningfully in sustainable resource management efforts. Yet examples…
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In the path of a cyclone, mangroves’ protective power matters more than ever
When I prepare for field research, I brace myself for rough terrain, unpredictable weather and endless logistical challenges. Yet nothing…
5 min read -
Agroforestry policy dialogue in Timor-Leste
A policy dialogue on agroforestry-based forest landscape restoration was held in Dili, Timor-Leste’s capital, on 5 November 2024. The event…
5 min read -
Playing it out: Why theatre matters for conservation on the Managalas Plateau
It’s a sunny September afternoon on Papua New Guinea (PNG)’s Managalas Plateau and the residents of Joivi Village crowd the…
5 min read