Functions & Objectives

The Rainforest Habitat began operations in 1994 on a ten-hectare section of the University of Technology campus in Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. The Rainforest Habitat and its sister company the Insect Farming and Trading Agency are both operated by the University of Technology as community development initiatives. They are both self-funding.

The Rainforest Habitat is driven by several objectives these being, environmental education, biological research, tourism and community development, and training.

1. Environmental education.
A primary objective of the centre is to help Papua New Guinean's gain a better appreciation of their fauna and flora, and the benefits of caring for their environment. This education comes in the form of signage for visitors, tours and literature, formal teaching for University students in the subjects of entomology and an introduction to PNG fauna, and in the establishment of environmental education into the primary school system of PNG (including school visits and conducted tours). Our primary school environmental education project is supported by the New Zealand High Commission, BP PNG, and the Wildlife Conservation Society of New York.

2. Biological Research.
As well working with both PNG and overseas biologists on specific fauna related projects, the RFH also has focused on work involving endangered P.N.G animals such as the Lake Wanam Rainbowfish and Scott's Tree Kangaroo. This tree kangaroo is one of the world's most endangered animals with estimates of the current population as low as one hundred. A more in-depth look at the Scott's Tree Kangaroo dilemma can be found elsewhere in this website. RFH is also proud to be associated with the CBSG (Conservation Breeding Specialist Group) of the I.U.C.N. and its work within P.N.G.

3. Tourism (and eco-tourism) development.
Papua New Guinea remains as one of the last truly wild places on Earth and yet tourism is still relatively undeveloped. It's poor reputation for personal safety is largely undeserved, with tourist related incidents very low. The Rainforest Habitat is committed to developing tourism by not only building a tourist facility, but also by working with communities in the areas of eco-tourism. Bird watching, insect collecting and bush walking tours are already becoming popular, the spectacular rainforest scenery a fantastic venue for these activities.

4. Community development.
Over twenty years ago, Papua New Guinea's Wildlife Division pioneered some areas of fauna resource development, notably with crocodiles and insects. The Insect Farming and Trading Agency began operations in 1978, its primary function to develop the areas of insect farming and collecting so that it might provide a real income alternative for village people tempted to sell their forests to logging companies. Currently over one thousand five hundred people obtain an income derived through farming and collecting insects. These insects are marketed through the Insect Farming and Trading Agency (IFTA). For more information visit their website. RFH is also working on the development of other eco-friendly income deriving activities.

5. Training.
As the major zoological institution in Papua New Guinea, the Rainforest Habitat has taken the lead in trying to improve the standards for exhibiting animals within the country. Zoo biology and husbandry training for staff from organisations all over P.N.G. has been made available through the RFH with the help from overseas organisations such as the Smithsonian National Zoo and the Wildlife Conservation Society of New York. The development of general standards for exhibiting wildlife in PNG has been fostered through the RFH, ARAZPA (the Australasian Regional Association of Zoos, Parks and Aquaria), the National Museum and Art Gallery and the Office of Environment and Conservation. Membership to ARAZPA requires the acceptance of a code of ethics and a code of practise. The RFH also offers a training course called "An Introduction to P.N.G. Fauna", which is useful for NGO's, teachers, tertiary students, and resource company employees. A training facility on the RFH site offers accommodation for twelve and air-conditioned teaching facilities for up to twenty-five people. This facility is also available for hire.