Books, research & publications

Scholarship across law, governance and community

Dr. Kwa’s authored and co-authored books, edited volumes, journal articles, chapters, conference contributions and academic research.

The scholarly record

Writing that supports learning and informed debate

This collection brings together work recorded in Dr. Kwa’s professional bibliography through March 2025. Books, articles and conference presentations are listed separately, with co-authors and editorial roles identified.

Books & edited volumes

Thirteen titles across law, culture and faith

  1. Development of the Underlying Law of Papua New Guinea: Proceedings of the 3rd Underlying Law Conference

    E. Kwa, M. Matui and D. Gonol (editors) · CLRC, Port Moresby · 2024

  2. Kowai Wisdom (of the Kowai People of Siassi Island)

    E. L. Kwa, F. Aikung, P. Samuel, V. Kwa and E. Aikung · 110 Ltd, Port Moresby · 2021

  3. Constitution of Papua New Guinea with Commentary

    E. L. Kwa and T. Wolfers · 110 Ltd, Port Moresby · 2020

  4. Kwa’s Legal Dictionary

    E. L. Kwa · 110 Ltd, Port Moresby · 2018

  5. My Faith My Church

    E. L. Kwa, D. Gonol, W. Simiong and T. Zerriga (editors) · Mapra Publishers, Port Moresby · 2017

  6. Public Consultations on Constitutional Reform in Papua New Guinea

    E. L. Kwa, M. Matui and X. Winnia · CLRC, Port Moresby · 2017

  7. Decentralisation for an Integrated, Strong and Prosperous Papua New Guinea

    E. L. Kwa, S. Lois, D. Kesenga, M. Fairio, X. Winnia and V. Kwa (editors) · CLRC, Port Moresby · 2016

  8. Access Benefit Sharing: Policy and Legal Implications for Papua New Guinea

    E. L. Kwa, S. Kamene and J. Kouni (editors) · UPNG Press, Port Moresby · 2011

  9. Judicial Scrutiny of the Electoral Process in a Developing Democratic State

    E. L. Kwa, A. Gelu and W. Golman (editors) · UBSPD, New Delhi · 2002

  10. Constitutional Law of Papua New Guinea

    E. L. Kwa · Law Book Co, Sydney · 2001

  11. Natural Resources Law of Papua New Guinea

    E. L. Kwa (editor) · Law Book Co, Sydney · 2001

  12. Twenty Years of the Papua New Guinea Constitution

    A. Regan, O. Jessep and E. L. Kwa (editors) · Law Book Co, Sydney · 2001

  13. The Development of Administrative Law in Papua New Guinea

    E. L. Kwa, S. Bhalla, G. Muroa, G. Linge, D. Tennent and G. Yapao (editors) · School of Law and Business Studies & UBSPD, New Delhi · 2000

Journal scholarship

Articles in legal and policy journals

  1. Kwa, E., “The State Policy on Leadership in Papua New Guinea” (2021), volume 3, Attorney General’s Law Journal, p. 1.
  2. Kwa, E., “The Power of the Parole Board: In the Matter of an Application for Human Rights” (2021), volume 3, Attorney General’s Law Journal, p. 57.
  3. Kwa, E., and Matthew, L., “The Role of Custom in Developing the Administrative Law” (2020), volume 2, Attorney General’s Law Journal, p. 14.
  4. Kwa, E., “Strengthening the Village Courts in Papua New Guinea” (2019), volume 1, Attorney General’s Law Journal, p. 74.
  5. Kwa, E., “Monitoring the Development of the Underlying Law: A Research Agenda” (2015), volume 2, Underlying Law Journal, p. 31.
  6. Kwa, E. L., “Traditional and Modern Law: A Marriage in Progress – The Draft Talasea Local Government Marine Environment Law (Papua New Guinea)” (2004), volume 17, Traditional Marine Resource Management and Knowledge Bulletin, p. 27.
  7. Kwa, E. L., “Strengthening Local-level Governments for Sustainable Rural Development” (2001–2002), volume 28, Melanesian Law Journal, p. 37.
  8. Kwa, E. L., “Environmental Law and Policy in Papua New Guinea: Country Report” (1998), volume 3/4, Asia Pacific Journal of Environmental Law, p. 333.
  9. Kwa, E. L., “Treaty Law-Making in Papua New Guinea: After Two Decades Yumi Stap We?” (1997), volume 25, Melanesian Law Journal, p. 43.
Contributions to edited works

Book chapters

Browse all 14 chapter entries
  1. Kwa, E, Onom, N, “Adoption Law in Papua New Guinea” in Corrin, J et al; Law of Adoption in the South Pacific (Springer, 2017)
  2. Kwa, EL and Winnia X., “Introduction to the Review of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-level Governments” in Kwa, E, et al (eds). Decentralisation for an Integrated, Strong and Prosperous Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby: CLRC, 2016)
  3. Kwa, EL., “Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples in the South Pacific: The Need for Regional and Local Change” in Richardson, B et al (eds). Climate Law and Developing Countries: Legal and Policy Challenges for the World Economy (Northampton: Edward Elgar Publishing Inc; 2009)
  4. Kwa, EL, “Sustainable Development Policy and Law” in Sullivan, N (eds). Prospects for Sustainable Development in Papua New Guinea (Madang: Divine Word University Press, 2008)
  5. Kwa, EL, “Constitution of Papua New Guinea” in Robbers, G (eds). Encyclopedia of World Constitutions (2006)
  6. Kwa, EL, “In the Wake of the Hagahai Patent: Policy and Legal Developments on Gene Ownership and Technology” in Mead, A and Ratuva, S (eds). Pacific Genes and Life Patents: Pacific Indigenous Experiences & Ownership of Life (Wellington: COE/UNUIAS, 2007)
  7. Kwa, EL, “Preventing the Abuse of Elections through Judicial Innovation and Intervention” in Kwa, EL, Gelu, A and Golman, W (eds). Judicial Scrutiny of the Electoral Process in a Developing Democratic State (New Delhi: UBSPD, 2002)
  8. Kwa, EL and Golman, W, “Legal Framework for Resolving Election Disputes in Papua New Guinea” in Kwa, EL, Gelu, A and Golman, W (eds). Judicial Scrutiny of the Electoral Process in a Developing Democratic State (New Delhi: UBSPD, 2002)
  9. Kwa, EL, “Freezing Customary Rights in Forestry Resource Development Projects” in Sullivan, N (eds). Melanesian Philosophy of Land (Madang: Divine Word University Press, 2002)
  10. Kwa, EL and Wafwaf SL, “Communication, language and participation in mining and hydrocarbons project development in Papua New Guinea” in Imbun B and McGavin P (eds). Mining in Papua New Guinea: Analysis and Policy Implications (Port Moresby: UPNG Press, 2001)
  11. Kwa, EL, “Provincial Government Reforms and the Plight of the Motu-Koita People” in Gaudi, H (eds). Partners in Coastal Development: The Motu Koitabu People of Papua New Guinea (Paris: UNESCO, 2001)
  12. Kwa EL, “Forestry Law” in Kwa, EL (eds). Natural Resources Law of Papua New Guinea (Sydney: Law Book Company, 2001)
  13. Kwa EL, “Treaty Law-Making in Papua New Guinea: After Two Decades Yumi Stap We?” in Regan A, Jessep O and Kwa, EL (ed), Twenty Years of the Papua New Guinea Constitution (Sydney: Law Book Company, 2001)
  14. Kwa EL, “The Enforcement of Human Rights in Papua New Guinea: Tru O Giaman” in Kwa EL, Bhalla S, Muroa G, Linge, G, Tennent D and Yapao G (ed), Development of Administrative Law in Papua New Guinea (New Delhi: School of Law and Business Studies & UBSPD, 2000)
Public and academic discussion

Conference papers and country statements

Presentations cover constitutional reform, justice, women’s participation, climate change, customary knowledge, natural resources and sustainable development.

2024–2013 · Justice, gender, oceans and reform
  1. Kwa, E, “Papua New Guinea’s Response to the Mutual Evaluation Report” (paper presented at the Asia Pacific Group on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-terrorist Financing Conference, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, September 2024)
  2. Kwa, E and Maimai, P, Government Policy and Legal Response to Violence in Papua New Guinea (paper presented at the 2024 Medical Symposium, 1-6 September 2024)
  3. Kwa, E, “Papua New Guinea Country Statement” (paper presented at the UNODC Conference, Vienna, Austria, June 2024)
  4. Kwa, E, “Papua New Guinea Country Statement” (paper presented at the 2nd UN International Conference on Oceans (Lisbon, Portugal, June 2022)
  5. Kwa, E; “Gender Parity in PNG: Reforming Law on Women” (paper presented at the Gender Parity Symposium, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, 12-17 Oct 2015)
  6. Kwa, E; “Rethinking Decentralisation in PNG” (paper presented at the State of the Pacific Conference, ANU, Canberra, 6-8 September 2015)
  7. Kwa, EL., Sustainable Development Law in Papua New Guinea (paper presented at the RSD Conference, UPNG, Nov 2014)
  8. Kwa, EL., “Research Agenda for the Underlying Law” (paper presented at the Underlying Law Conference in Port Moresby, Oct 2013)
2008–2004 · Environment, policy and traditional knowledge
  1. Kwa, EL, “Developing a Climate Change Policy and Law in PNG: The Challenges” (paper presented at the Ingram Colloquium at NSW University, ( 6-7 November 2008), Sydney, Australia)
  2. Kwa, EL, “Climate Change and Indigenous People in the South Pacific” (paper presented at the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Conference on “Climate Law in Developing Countries post-2012: North and South Perspectives” (26-28 September 2008), Faculty of Law, Ottawa, Canada)
  3. Kwa, EL, “Policy Proposals for Decentralization in PNG: A Commentary” (paper presented at the Reform of Decentralization and Sub-national Fiscal Policy in Papua New Guinea Conference (28-30 April 2008), Port Moresby, PNG)
  4. Kwa, EL, “Sustainable Law, Policy and Practice” (paper presented at the Sustainable Development Conference at the Divine Word University (13-17 August 2007), Divine Word University, Madang, PNG)
  5. Kwa, EL, “Developing Fisheries Resources: A Pacific Perspective” (Presented at the Ingram Colloquium at NSW University, (20 October 2006), Sydney, Australia)
  6. Kwa, EL and Matui, M, “Developing a Policy and Legal Framework for Sustainable Economic Development in PNG” (Presented at the Oceania Development Network Conference on “Building Better Pacific Communities” (12-14 October 2005), Port Moresby, PNG)
  7. Kwa, EL, “Implementing Sustainable Development: A Developing Country Perspective” (Presented at the 6th Asia Pacific Regional Universities Doctoral Students Conference (8-12 August 2005), Oregon University, United States of America)
  8. Kwa, EL, “The Role of Traditional Knowledge in Achieving Sustainable Economic Development” (Presented at the Te Ara Matariki: Pathway to New Beginnings Conference (20-21 June 2005), Rotorua, New Zealand)
  9. Kwa, EL, “Policy and Legal Framework on Gene Ownership and Technology Since the Hagahai Patent” (Presented at the Dialogue on Pacific Experiences and Perspectives on the Use and Ownership of Genes (5-8 June 2005), Suva, Fiji)
  10. Kwa, EL, “Integrating Traditional Knowledge in Environmental Law-making for Sustainable Development: A Melanesian Perspective” (Presented at the 5th Asia Pacific Regional Universities Doctoral Students Conference (8-12 August 2004), Sydney University, Australia)
2002–1994 · Elections, customary rights and legal development
  1. Kwa, EL, “Strengthening Local-level Governments for Sustainable Rural Development” (Paper presented at the 4th Huon Seminar on “Strategies for Effective Rural Development, Business, Industry and Education” (10-12 September 2002), Unitech, Lae ,PNG)
  2. Kwa EL, “Judicial Review of Election Petitions: Closing the Floodgate?” (Paper presented at the National Legal Convention (5-6 November 2001), Port Moresby, PNG)
  3. Kwa EL, “Freezing of Customary Land Rights under the Forest Management Agreement” (Paper presented at the “Culture v Progress Symposium”(5-9 June 2001), Divine Word University, Madang, PNG)
  4. Kwa EL, “Forest Resource Allocation in Papua New Guinea: The Myth of the Forest Management Agreement” (Paper presented at the Conference on "Resource Tenure, Forest Management and Conflict Resolution: Perspectives from Borneo and New Guinea” (9-11 April, 2001), ANU, Canberra, Australia)
  5. Kwa EL, “Constitutional Protection on Traditional Culture and Knowledge: The Changing Paradigm” (Paper presented at the Conference on "Tradition, Knowledge and Ownership: Protection and Transaction” (28-29 November 2000) Motupore, Port Moresby, PNG)
  6. Kwa EL, “The Marginalization of Indigenous City Dwellers in the South Pacific: The Case of Motu-Koita People of Port Moresby City, Papua New Guinea” (Paper presented at the ALTA Conference (3-6 July, 2000), University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia)
  7. Kwa EL, “Implementing Agenda 21 Through the Legislative Framework in Papua New Guinea” (Paper presented at the UN International Workshop on National Implementation of the Rio Declaration (12-14 January, 1999), organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations, New York, USA)
  8. Kwa EL, “Walkabout Sawmilling Projects and the Environment in PNG: The Legal Paradigm” (Paper presented at the GTZ-LOAP/NRI Symposium on Practical Experiences in the Area of Small Scale Sawmilling (16-20 February 1998), NSI, Goroka, PNG)
  9. Kwa EL, “Law and Ecologically Sustainable Development in Papua New Guinea” (Paper presented at the Catalyst 1997 Conference, (5 - 8 December, 1997) Canberra University, Australia.)
  10. Kwa EL, “The Imbalance of Information Flow Between the Natural Resource Owners and the State and the Developers in Papua New Guinea.” (Paper presented at the 22nd Waigani Seminar, (16 - 18 August, 1997), Port Moresby, PNG)
  11. Kwa EL, “Enforcement of Human Rights in Papua New Guinea: Tru o Giaman?” (Paper presented at the Commonwealth Secretariat Workshop on Administrative Law (28 Oct 1st Nov, 1996), Port Moresby, PNG)
  12. Kwa EL, “Landownership in PNG and its Implications on Forestry Resource Development” (Paper presented at the Huon Seminar (5-10 June, 1994), Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Lae, PNG)
Academic research

Research interests and dissertations

Constitutional law · Administrative law · Sustainable development law and policy · Biodiversity law and policy · Biosafety and biotechnology policy and law · Intellectual property rights · Climate change law · Environmental law · Natural resources law · Sustainable community and rural development.

Dissertations

  1. Kwa, EL, “Traditionalizing Sustainable Development: The Law, Policy and Practice in Papua New Guinea” (PhD Thesis, August 2005, Auckland University, NZ)
  2. Kwa EL, “Environmental Aspects of Forestry Development Projects in Papua New Guinea: A Critique” (LLM Thesis, December 1994, University of Wollongong, Australia)
  3. Kwa EL, “The Recognition of Maritime Claims in Papua New Guinea with Particular Reference to the Siassi Islands of Papua New Guinea” (October, 1991), Law Faculty - University of Papua New Guinea (Sub-thesis submitted (and passed) for the part-fulfillment of the Law Degree program at UPNG)
Writing programme

Planned titles

The following titles were listed as forthcoming in March 2025. Publication dates and availability are not announced here.

  1. Kwa, EL., Leadership for the Next 100 Years (Port Moresby: 110 Ltd)
  2. Kwa, EL, Constitutional Law of Papua New Guinea (Second Edition) (Port Moresby: 110 Ltd)

Publication and research enquiries

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