ENVIRONMENTAL-CHANGE IN THE BALIEM VALLEY, MONTANE IRIAN JAYA, REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

New evidence for environmental change and human impact from the floor of the Baliem Valley, at 1420 m altitude, is presented along with previous evidence from the Highlands of New Guinea. The valley is largely cleared and an initial date for burning and slope degradation is 26,000 yr BP, based on charcoal in slopewash. Kelela Swamp is an infilled meander which commenced building organic sediments about 7000 yr BP. Pollen and magnetic analyses show a high level of human disturbance from that time. Casuarina is widely grown after 2900 yr BP and changes since then support the supposition that quite recent expansion to higher altitudes is taking place. The record provides a contrast with the nearest available equivalent site at Telefomin, but is in general agreement with those from central Papua New Guinea.