Land,surveying and valuation research paper

was presented in the RKH last Wednesday afternoon. These research seminars along with the final year thesis presentations are informative for an understanding of the academic and educational interests specific to PNG. Last Wednesday's was particularly pertinent as the presenter dispelled the common misunderstanding that PNG is a homogeneous "nation". With 800 languages and 21 or so provincial governments, a better analogy for understanding PNG is Europe. Only in the last 20 years has there come into being the European Union which still has 30 or so languages. Land use in PNG is a difficult issue because 97% of it is customarily owned. By itself this should not be insurmountable: The Duchy of Cornwall of which Prince Charles is owner is customary land for example but the State is able to tax it because the State is recognised. This is not to say that PNG as an entity is not recognised but it does explain some of the difficulties. The Duchy of Cornwall and the State recognise mutual obligations and benefits in a relational way which is not quite so obvious in the PNG situation.