ICBG | CoP, University of Utah

CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Imke Schmitt and George Weiblen

The ICBG Program is a unique effort that addresses the interdependent issues of biological exploration and discovery, socioeconomic benefits, and biodiversity conservation. Modern medicine, crop protection, and bioenergy remain very dependent on chemical or biological derivatives of diverse organisms from nature and advances in these areas continue.

Research supported by the ICBG program focuses upon collection-based exploration of bioactive small molecules, proteins, and metabolic pathways derived from diverse plants, marine organisms, and microbes to identify potential lead candidates for drug development, crop protection and bioenergy development as well as analytical advances for plant-based dietary supplements.

The International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups (ICBG) Program is managed by the John E. Fogarty International Center

ICBG News and Highlights

News: NACS funding

The ICBG team has leveraged capacity developed by ICBG activities over the previous seven years to successfully compete for PNG National Aids Council funding. The project will investigate whether commonly used PNG herbal medicines can antagonize anti-retroviral therapies dispensed to people living with HIV.

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News: Conservation area established by landowners

CTFS/SIGEO (Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute) to study forests of Papua New Guinea: October 20, 2008 Collaboration with landowners, the Smithsonian Institution, The Binatang Research Centre and many other stake holders has led to the establishment of a long-term rainforest study area in PNG. This is the site of many current ICBG projects.

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News: Student Achievement

PNG Students aren't afraid of snakes! Projects stemming from a University of Papua New Guinea and Australian Venom Research Unit collaboration have provided opportunities for ICBG supported students to participate in anti-venom development.

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News: PNG Strategic Development

Big changes are in store for Papua New Guinea as the country looks forward to a doubling in its GDP by 2015. A national vision for development and a 20 year strategic development plan have recently been adopted. The University of Papua New Guinea is being called upon to align its mission with the new development plan, and to develop strategies for leading the country through this time of drastic change.

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