Miriam Supuma

Her field research has centred around Birds of Paradise, particularly in relation to the use of their feathers for traditional adornment by people in the highlands of PNG.

Her research that led to her first-class honours degree at UPNG was carried out on forest dynamics in Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area, in the PNG highlands.

One of the activities she carried out with the PNGIBR was to survey the use of Bird of Paradise feathers and other adornments at the annual Goroka Show, which is attended by about 100 tribes wearing traditional costumes.

Her intention was to influence national policy in the areas of natural management, land use, and conservation planning to enable better protection of PNG's flora and fauna, as well as the country's cultural diversity and heritage.

[2][4][9] After obtaining her PhD, Supuma worked briefly with the Port Moresby Nature Park before joining The Christensen Fund, an organization that assists indigenous communities.