World
The treasured 'eternal snow' on this tropical island is about to disappear forever
Climate change is transforming Papua's snowy peaks, which hold scientific value and spiritual significance.
BBC World•
The mountains of Papua are not far from the equator, but they've been topped with "eternal snow" for centuries.
The peaks in this Indonesian region on the world's second-largest island, just north of Australia, have offered scientists countless insights into the Earth's climate history.
They're also the epicentre of the spiritual universe for many Papuans - a Mecca or a Vatican, as one activist puts it.
The Moni people refer to it as Mbainggela, and believe their ancestors watch over the mountain. To the Amungme people, the range is known as Nemangkawi, or the "White Arrow".