Dataset Information

Recent change in the extent of mangroves in the northern Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea.

ABSTRACT: Existing at the interface of land and sea, in regions of low topographic relief, mangroves are likely to be some of the first ecosystems that undergo spatial modification due to sea-level rise. The mangrove ecosystems of the Gulf of Papua New Guinea are some of the largest and most pristine in the Asia-Pacific region; they have not been subject to clearance for crustacean farming nor suffered from land reclamation projects. This article establishes through analysis of a time series of aerial photography and satellite imagery from the period 1973-2007, that there have been substantial changes in the distribution of mangroves in this region. These changes include the seaward progradation of the Purari Delta and the regression of the Kikori Delta by an average of 43 m year(-1) at its most seaward point. While these findings are likely to be continuations of long-term trends, it is probable that they can be explained by a variety of interacting factors including climate change, sea-level rise, subsistence in the northern Gulf of Papua and changes in sediment dynamics.

SUBMITTER: Shearman PL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3357694 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Recent change in the extent of mangroves in the northern Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea.

Shearman Philip L PL

Ambio 20100301 2

Existing at the interface of land and sea, in regions of low topographic relief, mangroves are likely to be some of the first ecosystems that undergo spatial modification due to sea-level rise. The mangrove ecosystems of the Gulf of Papua New Guinea are some of the largest and most pristine in the Asia-Pacific region; they have not been subject to clearance for crustacean farming nor suffered from land reclamation projects. This article establishes through analysis of a time series of aerial pho ...[more]

PMID: 20653280

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Project description:BackgroundSince 2004, the Global Fund-supported National Malaria Control Programme of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been implementing country-wide free long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) distribution campaigns. In 2009, after the first distribution, only 32.5% of the population used a LLIN, mainly due to an insufficient number of nets available. This study investigated changes in mosquito net ownership and use following the continued free distribution of LLINs across PNG.MethodsFive villages from each province and 30 households from each village were randomly sampled in a country-wide household survey in 2010/11. A structured questionnaire administered to household heads recorded information on mosquito net ownership and use alongside household characteristics. Revised ownership and access indicators were applied in the analysis to reveal coverage gaps.ResultsThe survey covered 1,996 households in 77 villages. Ownership of at least one LLIN was reported by 81.8% of households, compared to 64.6% in 2009 (P?=?0.002). Sufficient LLINs to cover all household members (one net per two people) were found in 41.3% of the households (21.4% in 2009, P?<?0.001). Of all household members, 61.4% had access to a LLIN within their household (44.3% in 2009 P?=?0.002), and 48.3% slept under a LLIN (32.5% in 2009, P?=?0.001). LLIN use in children under five years amounted to 58.2%, compared to 39.5% in 2009 (P?<?0.001). Significant regional differences in coverage and changes over time were observed. A recent LLIN distribution was a key determinant of LLIN ownership (adj. OR?=?3.46) while families in high quality houses would frequently not own a LLIN (adj. OR?=?0.09). Residents were more likely to use LLINs than household guests (OR?=?2.04).ConclusionsRepeated LLIN distribution has led to significant increases in mosquito net ownership and use with few regional exceptions. Additional nets are required in areas where access is low, while major efforts are required to encourage the use of existing nets in region where access is high but use remains low. Complementary vector control approaches should also be considered in such settings.

Project description:BackgroundMale circumcision (MC) is a well-established component of HIV prevention in countries with high HIV prevalence and heterosexually driven epidemics. Delivery and monitoring of MC programs are reliant on good quality MC data. Such data are often generated through self-reported MC status surveys. This study examined self-reported MC status in comparison with genital photographs from men in Papua New Guinea (PNG).MethodsThis retrospective non-interventional study collated self-reported MC status data from the 'acceptability and feasibility of MC' study at 4 sites in PNG during 2010-2011. Participants reported their MC status based on an 8-category photographic classification covering the range of foreskin cutting practices in PNG. Genital photographs of 222 participants from this study were independently classified by 2 investigators. The 8-category photographic classification was simplified into a 3 category classification of 'no cut', 'straight cut' and 'round cut' before comparing for agreement between self-reporting and investigator assessment using Cohen's Kappa measure.ResultsUsing the 3-category classification, there was 90.6% (201/222) agreement between self-assessment and investigator classification (? value 0.805). Of the discordant 9.4% (21/222), 3.6% (8/222) self-classified as having a cut foreskin (5 straight cut; 3 round cut) while investigators classified as having no cut; 4.1% (9/222) self-classified as having no cut while investigators classified them as having had a cut (6 straight cut; 3 round cut) and 1.8% (4/222) self-classified as having a round cut while investigators classified as having a straight cut. Given the great variety of foreskin cutting practices and appearances, feasible explanations are suggested for two-thirds (13/21) of these discordant results.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a high level of agreement between self-reporting and investigator assessment of MC status in PNG and suggests self-reporting of MC status to be highly reliable among men in PNG.

Dataset Information

Recent change in the extent of mangroves in the northern Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea.

Publications

Recent change in the extent of mangroves in the northern Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea.

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