The Bougainville Peace Agreement is a significant accord signed in 2001 to end the violent conflict in the Bougainville region of Papua New Guinea. The agreement aimed to address issues related to autonomy, governance, and the management of natural resources, particularly following disputes over the Panguna copper mine. The agreement established a framework for peace, allowing for greater self-governance for Bougainvilleans. It also set the stage for a referendum on independence, which took place in 2019, resulting in a strong majority favoring independence from Papua New Guinea.