Louisiade Archipelago is in Milne Bay in Papua New Guinea. It is a beautiful, peaceful area in the south eastern tip of Papua New Guinea and is renowned for its beautiful coral reefs, a diver's paradise. Apart from passing yachties it receives very few tourists.
- Misima Island
- Deboyne Islands
- Calvados Chain
- Duchateau Island Group
- Sudest Island
- Rossel Island
The people of the Louisiade Islands predominately live a subsistance lifestyle. Most families have a garden - a reclaimed section of jungle where they grow fruit and vegetables, a few chickens and pigs, and each village has at least one fisherman with a sailing canoe. In these communities, almost everything is privately owned - including firewood, fruit and vegetables, and even the fish in the lagoon. More importantly, these resources are the only resources and property that these communities have, and they depend on them for survival. Please obtain permission from the locals before fishing or taking anything from the islands. If what you ask for is abundant, they will most likely give it to you, otherwise it would be appropriate to offer to buy or trade for it. The only exception is trolling for pelagic fish such as tuna and mackerel, which are too big and fast for the local fishermen to catch. Pelagic fish are abundant in the islands, and it is appropriate to catch more than you need and donate it to the local villages. For most communities, a trip to the nearest shop is at least a one to two day journey by sailing canoe each way. Although the need for money is increasing in these remote communities most trading consists of bartering for goods. Upon arrival at most islands, be prepared for several canoes to paddle over and offer to trade their local fruit and seafood in exchange for goods such as:
- t-shirts
- fish hooks and fishing line
- raw sugar
- hand tools
- batteries for torches
- hats
- sunglasses
- soap
- laundry powder Mostly, traders are happy to exchange for second-hand items if they are still fit for their purpose. For advice about the current needs of individual communities, refer to www.louisiades.net which provides up-to-date information about the type of tradegoods sought by various communities.
The indigenous language of the Louisiade Archipelago is Language Misima, however children also learn English at elementary school.