Abstract

With the decision by the Indonesian government to restrict the export of unprocessed rattan for furniture construction, there is increased pressure in surrounding countries to produce their own rattan. The rattan resources of Papua New Guinea are extensive, but grossly under-developed with hardly any manufacturing base. This project will quantify the distribution of rattan resources in the country, develop techniques for its regeneration, and identify and provide improved methods of processing and utilization. Specifically, researchers will establish and maintain an arboretum to function as a seed and gene bank of native rattan species; determine the anatomical, physical and mechanical properties of selected canes; investigate and improve existing harvesting, transporting, processing and grading methods; and study socioeconomic aspects of rattan resource development.

Post-Project Summary

A complete postproject abstract could not be written due to the lack of a final report in the IDRC library. Available information indicates that the project objectives were met. See bibliography for project outputs.

Recipient Institution(s)