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By Simon Cooper, United Nations Development Programme
“Whether it’s a conservation zone, a logging site, or a mining prospect, they’ll be able to view it on a smartphone. . . You can see what’s happening on the other side of the mountain, or in neighboring provinces. That’s a game-changer.”
Land Use Monitoring Matters
Land is a scarce resource, and especially so in island states like Papua New Guinea. Complex land use challenges mean that land may not be used to the best effect. With overlapping mandates, scattered data, and competing interests from conservation to agriculture, mining, and logging, land management in Papua New Guinea has often been fragmented and inefficient.
Gibson Pitz is Deputy Chief Principal Planner at the Papua New Guinea Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) overseeing the FOLUR project, focusing on integrated palm oil, cocoa and coffee ecosystems: “Most land use data is held by NGOs, community-based organizations, and development partners,” Pitz noted. “It’s not always shared across sectors, which makes planning difficult.”
A new digital National Land Use Information Management System (LUIMS) could change this for generations to come: centralizing land use data and making it accessible to both government agencies and communities. “We want communities to log into the system and see what’s happening in their area,” said Pitz. “Whether it’s a conservation zone, a logging site, or a mining prospect, they’ll be able to view it on a smartphone.”
The two-way system allows users to both upload and access geospatial data, helping to resolve conflicts and improve transparency. “It’s about empowering people with information,” Pitz emphasized. “You can see what’s happening on the other side of the mountain, or in neighboring provinces. That’s a game-changer.” This overview helps to discern which land use best suits each area.
FOLUR’s Role in Driving Progress
Through the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact program, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has supported the Papua New Guinea government by funding and coordinating the development of the system.
The system was launched at a high-level event attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and other senior government officials, marking a significant moment for land governance in the country. “We delivered the project in less than two months,” Pitz said. “It’s now live and operational.”
Bridging Communities and Government
One of the most innovative aspects of the system is its accessibility. “You don’t need a computer, just a smartphone,” Pitz explained. “We’re developing an app so even small organizations and local users can access it.”
For communities, this means greater visibility and control over their land. “They’ll know what’s happening in their surroundings, even in coastal or highland areas affected by climate change,” said Pitz. “It’s about making data digestible and relevant.”
For government agencies, the system facilitates formal data sharing through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). “We’re working with key sectors such as environment, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, to share land use data securely,” Pitz said. “Only information relevant to public use will be accessible online, with proper registration and account setup.”
What’s Next?
The next phase of the project involves deploying technical officers to conduct land use planning in the eastern and western areas of New Britain Island. “Within a year, we aim to deliver a comprehensive land use plan for the region” Pitz said.
This will include landscape management plans and geospatial mapping, further strengthening the system’s usefulness. “We’ve already uploaded some data,” Pitz said. It is accessible at https://luims.dlpp.gov.pg/#/
As the system evolves, it promises to become a cornerstone of sustainable development in Papua New Guinea. “We’re giving communities and agencies the tools to make informed decisions,” said Pitz. “That’s the future of land use planning.”
A Model for the Region
Kumaras Kay Kalim from the Papua New Guinea Conservation and Environment Protection Authority hopes that the benefits of the LUIMS will spread beyond Papua New Guinea:
“Papua New Guinea’s experience offers valuable lessons for other countries grappling with land use challenges. By combining technology, policy, and community engagement, the Land Use Information Management System sets a new standard for inclusive and effective land governance.”
The National Land Use Information Management System is supported by the World Bank’s GEF-funded Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR) Impact Program and implemented through UNDP and the Papua New Guinea Department of Lands and Physical Planning.
[Published on Dec. 5, 2025]
