04/05/2024
How can bougainville leverage its natural resources to drive economic growth?
Bougainville can leverage its natural resources for economic growth by implementing strategic measures:
1. **Resource Revenue Management**: Adopting a model similar to Alaska's oil and gas revenue management can ensure public benefit and prevent corruption[1]. Directly compensating the public from resource rents can create economic spillovers and enhance accountability.
2. **Agricultural Development**: Investing in cash crops like cocoa and copra, which have a long economic impact, can boost revenue generation and create sustainable growth[3]. Reviving large plantations and adding value to coconut products offer opportunities for economic diversification[3].
3. **Tourism Development**: Exploiting Bougainville's natural beauty through tourism can attract investment and create employment opportunities, driving economic growth[2]. Developing infrastructure and promoting eco-tourism can unlock the region's potential.
By focusing on responsible resource management, agricultural development, and tourism initiatives, Bougainville can harness its natural resources to stimulate economic growth and foster sustainable development.
Citations:
[1] [PDF] Increasing Revenues for the Bougainville Government - pngnrihttps://pngnri.org/images/Publications/Research_Report_09_Increasing_Revenues_for_the_Bougainville_Government2.pdf
[2] DOMER sets focus for 2023 https://abg.gov.pg/index.php/news/read/DOMER-sets-focus-for-2023
[3] Economy | Bougainville Tours – PNG https://bougtours.com/economy/
[4] (PDF) Rural Development Potential in Bougainville Province, Papua New ... https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364326244_Rural_Development_Potential_in_Bougainville_Province_Papua_New_Guinea
[5] Edit Stories - Bougainville Natural Resource Portal https://bougainville-nr.org/apps/4/view