Cultural Heritage

Papua New Guinea is a rich tapestry of history, traditions, and cultural identities woven by the communities who have lived on its lands for generations. Rivers, forests, mountains and caves often hold cultural meaning, shaped by centuries of oral history, spiritual beliefs and traditional practices. Protecting this cultural heritage is therefore an essential part of developing the Papua LNG project responsibly.

To manage these responsibilities, Papua LNG implements comprehensive Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs). These plans are designed to balance industrial development with the preservation of archaeological sites, sacred landscapes and living cultural traditions. Before construction activities begin, teams of archaeologists and community representatives conduct detailed surveys to identify areas of cultural significance. For example, one survey conducted for the LNG plant site documented more than 450 archaeological locations, including caves, settlement sites, and burial areas.

The project follows a clear hierarchy to protect these sites. Whenever possible, infrastructure is designed to avoid cultural heritage locations entirely. When avoidance is not possible, specialists carry out archaeological salvage work to document and preserve artifacts. A strict Chance Finds Protocol is also in place: if workers encounter unexpected artifacts or human remains during construction, work stops immediately and experts from the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery are consulted.

Cultural heritage protection also extends beyond physical sites. Many places hold spiritual significance for local clans, including sacred mountains, “spirit stones” or culturally important landscapes connected to origin stories. Community consultation plays a key role in identifying and protecting these areas.

Living Heritage

Papua LNG also supports initiatives that help preserve intangible cultural heritage. One example is the Toare Gulf Mask Festival, which celebrates traditional mask-making and storytelling traditions of Gulf Province. In 2025, the project supported the festival for the third consecutive year, bringing together 52 mask dance groups and helping pass these traditions to younger generations. This festival aims to have the Toare mask tradition recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

The project also supports research through partnerships such as the Papuan Past Project, an international archaeological program studying the region’s history. Recent excavations near the Purari River uncovered artifacts dating back 5,000 years, contributing to a deeper understanding of Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage.

Through research, consultation and cultural initiatives, Papua LNG seeks to ensure that development respects and preserves the cultural legacy of the communities who call this region home.