Peri-urbanisation in Papua: A participatory and geospatial impact assessment of peri-urban development and transmigration in Port Numbay

This article aims to shed light on the impacts of periurbanisation processes across two case studies in Port Numbay within the Province of Papua. Five methods were used to gather data: focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, archival research, ethnographic observations, and remote sensing imagery and geospatial analysis tools. The results generated insights into: (1) the lasting legacy of historical transmigration and decentralisation policies that have influenced the processes of peri-urbanisation in shaping the social and economic conditions within peripheral communities; (2) how peri-urbanisation has impacted biophysical environments including social-ecological systems and environmental health systems; (3) a range of periurbanisation trends (land clearing, deforestation and expansion of settlements over time). The article tests an interdisciplinary method for monitoring processes of peri-urbanisation. It concludes that approaches to decentralisation, health service delivery and sustainable development interventions into peri-urban zones should consider local conditions. Recommendations for policy and further research are also provided.