Parliament Launches Nationwide Inquiry into Customary Land Tenure Reform and Resource Governance

With UNDP's support, the Special Parliamentary Committee on Customary Land and Land Reform has launched a nationwide inquiry into customary land tenure reform and resource governance.

June 25, 2025

The inquiry is being held with the generous support of the Australia-funded 'Strengthening Papua New Guinea’s Parliament Project'.

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Irina Pruidze

This timely inquiry underscores Papua New Guinea’s recognition that the voices of its people must be central to shaping land and resource policy. With approximately 97% of land held under customary ownership, any discussion of economic development, environmental sustainability, social equity, or national identity is fundamentally a discussion about land.

The inquiry was officially opened on 25 June in Port Moresby with a Parliamentary Public Hearing that brought together representatives from national government institutions, customary leaders, civil society organisations, academia, and development partners. The hearings are designed to inform the development of a Customary Land Tenure Law (CLTL)—a proposed legal framework aimed at ensuring the recognition and protection of customary land rights through a system that is coherent, inclusive, and enforceable. The initiative is supported through the Strengthening Papua New Guinea’s Parliament Project, funded by the Australian Government and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In his remarks at the inquiry, the Chairperson of the Committee and Member for Hiri Koiari Open, Hon. Keith Iduhu, emphasized that the new law does not seek to replace indigenous concepts of ownership.

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Irina Pruidze

“This process is not about replacing custom with foreign concepts of ownership. It is about respecting and strengthening our customary systems while making them work in a rapidly changing world,” said Hon. Keith Iduhu, Chairperson of the Committee and Member for Hiri Koiari Open, in his opening remarks.

The proposed law will seek to:

•    Guarantee Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC);
•    Ensure equitable sharing of benefits derived from land-based development;
•    Clarify institutional mandates;
•    Strengthen the accountability and inclusivity of governance structures such as Incorporated Land Groups (ILGs); and
•    Safeguard the rights of customary landowners in the context of resource extraction and investment.

In addition to the hearings in Port Moresby, the committee will host inquiries in East New Britain and Morobe Province.

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Irina Pruidze

The inquiry will continue with a series of public hearings and stakeholder consultations in Kokopo (East New Britain), Lae (Morobe), and Port Moresby, leading to the drafting of the new legislation. The outcome aims to establish a modern, effective, and culturally grounded land governance system that reflects the needs and aspirations of Papua New Guineans.

UNDP remains committed to supporting the Government and people of Papua New Guinea in strengthening participatory governance, protecting Indigenous rights, and promoting sustainable development rooted in local values and priorities.