[5] The Tonda Wildlife Management Area in the south-western corner of the province is a wetland of international importance.

[7] The flora and fauna of much of Western Province resemble those of northern Australia.

Fauna includes wallabies, bandicoots, goannas, coastal taipans, and mound-building termites.

[8]: 648 The drier, southern parts of the province have eucalyptus and melaleuca savannas (the Trans-Fly savanna and grasslands) that support large populations of birds, wallabies, and introduced deer, with dense rainforests being located to the north.

[9] The major economic activity in the province is constituted by the Ok Tedi Mine, initially established by BHP and the subject of considerable litigation by traditional landowners both in respect of environmental degradation and disputes over royalties.

Following reforms taking effect that year, the national government reassumed some powers, and the role of Premier was replaced by a position of Governor, to be held by the winner of the province-wide seat in the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea.