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K. McKenna and L. T. Yakam
PNG, it was found that a key influence of Christianity on Urapmin ecology is that it
has provided:
… a rationale for doing away with almost all of the taboos that formerly interdicted food
consumption and land use. The basis of the abrogation of these taboos is found in an Urapmin
cliché: “God,” they say, “made everything and He has left it for us to use.” This is a clear
statement of human dominion over the earth and its fruits, the familiar Christian idea of the
human domination of nature.” (Robbins 1995, p. 215)
A key point of interest in this literature appears to be the degree to which Christianity
might erode indigenous ecological frameworks, and/or give rise to hybrid forms. For
example, an ethnographic study on changing environmental values in Porgera found
that the introduction of Christianity “has not resulted in the demise of beliefs in
spirits, in general, although it has altered the beliefs in certain kinds of spirits and their
powers” (Jacka 2010, p. 40). Furthermore, and akin to the interview data discussed
in this paper, it was learned that many Porgerans understand environmental changes
(e.g. climatic extremes of drought/flood cycles) “as somehow linked to the impending
return of Jesus” (Jacka 2009, p. 205). These studies imply that conceptions of the
environment and environmental change in PNG are overlaid with Christian belief
systems, albeit to differing degrees, yet a strong emphasis appears to remain on the
spirituality-environment nexus. Similar research in other Pacific Island countries has
reached comparable conclusions (Nunn et al. 2016; Rudiak-Gould 2014).
Methods
Study Area
Madang Province (Momase Region) is located on the northern coast of the PNG
mainland. In 2011 (most recent census data), the population of Madang Province
comprised 493,906 people (6.8% of the PNG total population) (National Statistics Office 2011). Madang Province is environmentally diverse, extending from the
central mountain ranges on the island of New Guinea to the offshore islands of
Manam, Karkar, Bagabag, and Long Island (Bourke et al. 1994). Madang has a tropical climate. Temperatures are highest on average in May and most precipitation falls
in April (average 418 mm).
There are considerable variations in economic development across Madang
Province. Those located closest to the town centre have access to modern services and
cash income. Other communities are based in remote areas that are more dependent
on subsistence agriculture (Bourke et al. 2016). Madang is home to Divine Word
University; a number of hotels; a nearby Chinese operated nickel cobalt mine (MCC
Ramu Nico Ltd); and the Philippines-owned RD Tuna fishing company. Many people
travel to Madang from other provinces in search of small business and employment
opportunities and to access services (Sumb 2015).
K. McKenna and L. T. Yakam
PNG, it was found that a key influence of Christianity on Urapmin ecology is that it
has provided:
… a rationale for doing away with almost all of the taboos that formerly interdicted food
consumption and land use. The basis of the abrogation of these taboos is found in an Urapmin
cliché: “God,” they say, “made everything and He has left it for us to use.” This is a clear
statement of human dominion over the earth and its fruits, the familiar Christian idea of the
human domination of nature.” (Robbins 1995, p. 215)
A key point of interest in this literature appears to be the degree to which Christianity
might erode indigenous ecological frameworks, and/or give rise to hybrid forms. For
example, an ethnographic study on changing environmental values in Porgera found
that the introduction of Christianity “has not resulted in the demise of beliefs in
spirits, in general, although it has altered the beliefs in certain kinds of spirits and their
powers” (Jacka 2010, p. 40). Furthermore, and akin to the interview data discussed
in this paper, it was learned that many Porgerans understand environmental changes
(e.g. climatic extremes of drought/flood cycles) “as somehow linked to the impending
return of Jesus” (Jacka 2009, p. 205). These studies imply that conceptions of the
environment and environmental change in PNG are overlaid with Christian belief
systems, albeit to differing degrees, yet a strong emphasis appears to remain on the
spirituality-environment nexus. Similar research in other Pacific Island countries has
reached comparable conclusions (Nunn et al. 2016; Rudiak-Gould 2014).
Methods
Study Area
Madang Province (Momase Region) is located on the northern coast of the PNG
mainland. In 2011 (most recent census data), the population of Madang Province
comprised 493,906 people (6.8% of the PNG total population) (National Statistics Office 2011). Madang Province is environmentally diverse, extending from the
central mountain ranges on the island of New Guinea to the offshore islands of
Manam, Karkar, Bagabag, and Long Island (Bourke et al. 1994). Madang has a tropical climate. Temperatures are highest on average in May and most precipitation falls
in April (average 418 mm).
There are considerable variations in economic development across Madang
Province. Those located closest to the town centre have access to modern services and
cash income. Other communities are based in remote areas that are more dependent
on subsistence agriculture (Bourke et al. 2016). Madang is home to Divine Word
University; a number of hotels; a nearby Chinese operated nickel cobalt mine (MCC
Ramu Nico Ltd); and the Philippines-owned RD Tuna fishing company. Many people
travel to Madang from other provinces in search of small business and employment
opportunities and to access services (Sumb 2015).