Archaeology and World Heritage in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

A decade ago, Herman Mandui asked ‘who will take responsibility for management of the Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage?’ At a time when the nation is contemplating additions to its World Heritage portfolio, Herman’s question remains as urgent as ever. PNG currently has a single World Heritage property, the Kuk archaeological site near Mount Hagen. The nation is struggling to protect Kuk’s World Heritage values. Possible additions to PNG’s World Heritage portfolio that are being strongly supported by international players may face similar problems when foreign support dries up.