As “Pole to pole” continues to gain momentum globally, conservation activist John Aini of Ailan Awareness helped establish a protected zone for cultural revitalization programs.
Aini who once brought in American actor, Will Smith to PNG for the filming of Pole to Pole has witnessed the launch of culture revitalization program at Namasalang in West Coast Nalik of New Ireland Province.
The restricted zone or the traditional tambu area is called “Labutna Kudulai.”
Labutna is the name of the place while Kudulai, are the customary traditional management protocols practiced in the past and handed down from generations to protect the coral reef and marine ecosystem.
Speaking during the event, Aini stressed on the importance of ownership and restrengthening the boi haus system.
According to Aini, Kudulai carries the same meaning as what they call in the Lovongai culture, “Vala” and “Mok” in the Namatanai culture which is no longer practiced.
“Our custom revitalization project aims at reviving these practices together with the rangama (haus boi) projects to enhance traditional importation of knowledge, customary rituals and traditional skills transfer to the younger generations,” said Aini.
Meanwhile, Kaminiel Pennie, Maimai of the Nangamuna clan says the main reason for this partnership was to restore the cultural values that have deteriorated over the years.
The launch covered wards 13- 16 of Tikana LLG and saw anthropologist, agriculture, and fisheries interns given prominence to unveil the sign board that coincided with the traditional launch of their boi haus.
