Tenkile Villages
The land on which the Tenkile depends for its survival is owned by several landowners of many villages residing on the slopes of the western Torricelli Mountains in the Sandaun Province . The Tenkile Conservation Alliance relies on the understanding and interest of these landowners to conduct successful conservation work in the area. TCA is only able to undertake its field based conservation work with the endorsement of these landowners. The co-operation comes from understanding and respect between TCA and the landowners.
TCA works closely with the 18 villages of the Tenkile moratorium and has successfully negotiated with the villages to work in teams of two or three to conduct field research. TCA has arranged an annual landowner fee for establishing and using 7 research sites. At present, three meetings are held each year between TCA staff and representatives from each of the 18 villages. TCA now conduct meetings with the men and women These meetings are the main avenue for discussion and decision making for the Tenkile Villages. Additional meetings and discussions are constantly needed and these are conducted via TCA staff visiting villages or by village representatives coming to the TCA house in Lumi.
The 18 Tenkile villages belong to 4 different language groups. As well as their own language (Tok ples), the majority speak pidgin (orTok pisin) and some also speak English. All TCA meetings, discussions and newsletters are now in Tok pisin. This has meant better communication between us and the people of the area.
Most of the Torricelli Mountain villages can only be accessed on foot. There are four villages that can be accessed by road, however, even when the road is good it is still difficult to get there by vehicle. At present communication is very good despite the long walks required by both TCA and the villagers. Communication is improving with the development of the radio program on Radio Sandaun.
The 18 villages of the Tenkile moratorium are Wai'eli, Wuguble, Maiwetem, Soulete, Waunulu, Yongite, Rawete, Wilbeite, Miwaute, Wabute, Sarbote, Tolgeti, Wigote, Hapseim, Yomoum, Lilal, Mupun and Sikel.
Go to Tenkile Villages for a layout of these villages.
Weimang Villages
The Weimang, or Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo is only found in the eastern half of the Torricelli Mountain Range within Papua New Guinea . It too is classified as critically endangered.
In March 2006 TCA established a hunting moratorium with 12 villages that have Weimang on their land. There are another six villages that have Weimang and TCA will visit these villages in late 2006 to hopefully have them join the Weimang moratorium.
TCA aims to develop the same programs with these villages as it has done with the Tenkile Villages. That is: rabbit farming, water supplies, research, education etc. Two Weimang villages have begun rabbit farming. Presently TCA is sourcing funding for most components of the Weimang program.
The Weimang Villages belong to three different local languages but all speak Tok Pisin as well.
TCA will use Sibilanga as a base to conduct the majority of the work for the Weimang Program.
The 12 villages of the Weimang moratorium are Weigint, Nunsi, Auang, Winbe, Muku, Sumil, Yapunda, Weigi, Sibilanga, Asier, Barkop and Aluna
Go to Weimang Villages for a layout of these villages.
