The Sepik is unlike anywhere else on earth. 

Seen as the Great Mother (Avsiak) by many communities in Papua New Guinea, the Sepik River winds its way from the mountains to the Bismarck Sea through one of the largest remaining intact rainforests in the world, connecting the unique biodiversity and spiritual consciousness of the region. 

The Sepik region holds 50,000 years of living culture, wildlife not found anywhere else on earth, and is home to approximately 430,000 people, whose lives are deeply intertwined with the Sepik River.  

This map reveals the many villages who have signed onto the Supreme Sukundimi Declaration, committing to protect the Sepik River as guardians: 

‘Our future is in peril from this proposed mine, and therefore we have gathered together as Guardians of the River to stand firm as one.’ 

 This map also shows the destruction that the Frieda River mine will cause to the Sepik way of life, with river ports ferrying mine construction materials and traffic along the River, a giant combined tailings dam and hydroelectric facility, and roads into previously untouched rainforest that will open up these pristine forests to illegal logging. 

Legend to picture: A map of the mighty Sepik River, the villages that have signed onto the Supreme Sukundimi Declaration, and the proposed infrastructure of the Frieda River mine.