Great Papuan Plateau
The Great Papuan Plateau is a karstplateau in the Southern Highlands and Western Provinces of Papua New Guinea. It is bordered the upper stretches of the Kikori River and the Strickland River on the east and west, respectively, and the Karius Range, the southern edge of the highlands, including Mount Sisa, to the north, and Mount Bosavi to the south.
The eastern part of the plateau, east of the Sioa River, covers about 525 square miles (1,360 km2) and had a sparse population of 2,100 people (1966 government census), speaking at least five different languages. The dominant ethnic groups of this region are the Bosavi, Hawalisi, and Onabasulu. Further to the west are the Etoro, Petamini, and Sonia. In general, these groups practice swidden agriculture with exploitation of taro.
The Great Papuan Plateau has petroleum resources, and a pipeline from the plateau to Daru is under construction.
The Great Papuan Plateau is included within the Kikori River Basin/Great Papuan Plateau included in 2006 on a tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, for its well-preserved natural systems and culturally significant sites.
The original inhabitants of the area is unclear, because of a dearth of evidence. According to the Bosavi people, they have always inhabited the plateau. The relationship of the various ethnic groups and languages remains somewhat unclear.
The first Westerners to visit the Great Papuan Plateau were Australian colonial patrol officers Jack Hides and Jim O'Malley, who led a patrol from the Strickland River to the Purari River in 1934 and 1935. They approached up the Strickland and then the Rentoul River by canoe, leaving their boats about five miles (8 km) below the confluence of the eastern and western branches of the river. From there they continued by foot along the south side of the river, travelling several days without seeing any people or signs of habitation. Then they camped at the confluence of the Sioa and Rentoul river, in view of three longhouses on the opposite side of the valley, and their inhabitants, who seemed to take no notice of the explorers.
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