Tari is rich in natural resources. It is situated about 1800m above sea level, in a sub tropical climate. Tribal warfare during the last ten years has disrupted normal life and Government services are often ineffective.

There are many causes for the tribal conflict including a breakdown of law and order, political issues, corruption, greed, “wantok” system (cultural obligations to friends and relatives) and payback/revenge.

Moses Gomengi, the YAP coordinator, has been arranging workshops for 5 years. YAP members are very active in peace-making. Because they are seen to be impartial they are constantly in demand. Good relations have been created with a local mining company, around which conflicts often emerge.

YAP Tari ended the years 2007 and 2008 on a very high note with the coming together of warring tribal groups for the first time in the history of the Highlands of Papua New Guinea to attend a YAP workshop. This lead to 32 tribes signing a peace treaty, under which all weapons will be laid down and the tribes will compensate each other for lives and properties lost during conflict.

Downloadable resources:

Project Sheet