Drivers of Change

The strategic location of the Torres Strait places it at risk from the impacts of shipping, mining, resource over-exploitation, increasing tropical diseases and climate change.

Recent research (Bohensky et al, 2014) has identified a range of factors influencing the region’s natural and cultural values, including:

• potential loss of culture and weakening of Ailan Kastom and Aboriginal Lore/Law
• climate change
• energy security
• changing economic circumstances and rising costs of living
• PNG population growth and demand for resources
• natural resources extraction and infrastructure development impacts (especially in PNG’s Western Province)
• exploitation of shared Torres Strait resources
• increased shipping and marine pollution
• changing technologies
• local resource exploitation
• emerging tropical diseases and pests
• poor waste management.