Annual Report 2012–13environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/505b721f-556a... · Annual Report...
Transcript of Annual Report 2012–13environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/505b721f-556a... · Annual Report...
Annual Report 2012–13
The Kokoda Initiative is a partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia on the Owen Stanley Ranges,
Brown River Catchment and Kokoda Track region
Kokoda Initiative
Brigade Hill aerial image
© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia, 2013.
Department of the Environment is licensed by the Commonwealth of Australia for use under a Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 Australia licence with the exception of the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia, the logo of the agency responsible for publishing the report, content supplied by third parties, and any images depicting people. For licence conditions see: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/
This report should be attributed as The Kokoda Initiative Annual Report, 2012–13, Commonwealth of Australia 2013.
The Commonwealth of Australia has made all reasonable efforts to identify content supplied by third parties using the following format ‘© Copyright, [name of third party]’.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian Government or the Minister for the Environment.
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication.
Table of contents 1
Executive summary 2
Acronyms 4
Kokoda – our shared interests 5
The Kokoda Initiative 6
Area of interest 7
Partners and stakeholders 8
• GovernmentofPapuaNewGuineapartners 8
• GovernmentofAustraliapartners 9
• Importantstakeholders 9
2012–13: year in review 10
Goal 1 – The Kokoda Track 12
Goal 2 – The People 16
Goal 3 – The Environment 20
Goal 4 – Tourism 23
Goal 5 – Sustainability 26
Kokoda Initiative 2012–13 expenditure 30
• AustralianGovernmentfunding 30
• KokodaDevelopmentProgram 30
• PNGpartnerfunding 31
• KokodaTrackAuthority 31
• PNGDepartmentofEnvironmentandConservation2012 31
• PNGTourismPromotionAuthority2012 31
Goals for 2013–14 32
Tableofcontents
ThisreportwasfundedthroughAustralianAidmanagedbytheKokodaInitiativeonbehalfofthe AustralianGovernment’sAidProgram.TheKokodaInitiativeisajointagreementbetweenthegovernmentsofPapuaNewGuineaandAustraliaworkingtowardsthesustainabledevelopmentandongoingprotectionoftheOwenStanleyRanges,BrownRiverCatchmentandKokodaTrackRegion.
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 1
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
ThisannualreportprovidesanoverviewofthekeyoutcomesdeliveredundertheKokodaInitiativefortheperiod1 July2012to30 June2013.TheSecondJointUnderstanding2010–2015oftheKokodaInitiativeprovidestheoverarchingvisionunderwhichtheinitiativepartnersworkandsetsoutfiveclearlydefinedgoals.WorkcarriedouttomeetthesegoalsisundertakeninamannerthatwillcontinuetobesustainableaftertheSecondJoint Understandingexpiresattheendof2015.
Thedeliveryofoutcomesin2012–13hasbeenachievedthroughthepartnershipof keyagenciesfromAustraliaandPapuaNewGuineaincooperationwithanumberofkeystakeholders.Theseare:
• PNGCentralandNorthernProvincialAdministrations
• PNGNationalMuseumandArtGallery
• landownersandcommunitieslivingintheregion,especiallyalongtheKokodaTrack
• touroperatorsandtrekkers
• charitygroupsandNon-GovernmentOrganisations(NGOs)
• theReturnedServicesLeague(RSL)
Activitiescarriedoutinthisreportingperiodinclude:
• ongoingmaintenanceoftheKokodaTrackinpartnershipwithlocalcommunitiestoprovideasafeenvironmentfortrackcommunitiesandtrekkers
• deliveryofhealth,educationandinfrastructureservicestotrackcommunities
• continuedmentoringforlocalcommunitymemberstoassistinthecreationoflong-termlivelihoodopportunities
• continuedprogressonthelong-termconservationandwiseuseoftheKokodaTrackanditscultural,naturalandmilitaryvaluesthroughscientificstudiesanddevelopmentofmanagementstategies
• increasingcapacityofinitiativepartnersthroughworkexchanges,reciprocalvisitsandcooperativeworkpracticestoensurethelong-termsustainabilityof KokodaInitiativeoutcomes
Executivesummary
2
Theupcoming12monthsoftheKokodaInitiativewillseethedeliveryofanumberofprojectsthatwillcontinuetoenhancetrekkerexperiencesandimprovethelivelihoodsoflocalresidentsintheOwenStanleyRanges.In additiontheimplementationofanumberofstrategicmanagementsystemsandprocesseswillensurecontinuedsuccessofinitiativeprogramsaftertheSecondJointUnderstandingdrawstoanend.TheongoingcommitmentshownbythegovernmentsofPapuaNewGuineaandAustraliawillensurethattheinitiativecontinuestoworktowardsachievingthegoalsoftheSecondJointUnderstandingandbuildingclosertiesbetweenthetwonations.
SeniorKokodaInitiativestaffKimberleyDrippsandKayKalim(centre)withchildrenfromAlolaPrimarySchool
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 3
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
AusAID AustralianAgencyforInternationalDevelopment
DE AustralianDepartmentoftheEnvironment(formerlyDepartmentofSustainability,Environment,Water,PopulationandCommunities–DSEWPaC)
DEC PNGDepartmentofEnvironmentandConservation
DFAT AustralianDepartmentofForeignAffairsandTrade
DNPM PNGDepartmentofNationalPlanningandMonitoring
DPLGA PNGDepartmentofProvincialandLocalGovernmentAffairs
DVA AustralianDepartmentofVeterans’Affairs
GEF GlobalEnvironmentFacility
IPZ InterimProtectionZone
JU FirstJointUnderstanding2008betweenPapuaNewGuineaand AustraliaontheKokodaTrackandOwenStanleyRanges
JU2 SecondJointUnderstanding2010–2015betweenPapuaNew GuineaandAustraliaontheOwenStanleyRanges,Brown RiverCatchmentandKokodaTrackRegion
KDP KokodaDevelopmentProgram
KTA KokodaTrackAuthority
KTF KokodaTrackFoundation
NGO Non-GovernmentOrganisation
NMAG PapuaNewGuineaNationalMuseumandArtGallery
PNG PapuaNewGuinea
RET AustralianDepartmentofResources,EnergyandTourism
TPA PNGTourismPromotionAuthority
WHMD Wildlife,HeritageandMarineDivision(Departmentofthe Environment)
Acronyms
4
Kokoda–oursharedinterests
TheKokodaTrackisoneofthevitalbattlegroundsoftheSecondWorldWar.Thesecondhalfof1942sawsomeofthebloodiestfightingofthewarastheAustralianssoughttostemtheJapaneseadvanceacrossthePNGmainland.Wrackedbydisease,fatigueandjungleinfections,thewoundedsoldiersreliedheavilyonsupportfromthelocalcommunities.Throughdenserainforest,‘FuzzyWuzzyAngels’guidedAustraliantroopsinanactofdedicationandcouragethathelpedtoprotectourregionduringwartime.TodaytheKokodaTracksymbolisesthelastingbondoffriendshipandmutualunderstandingbetweenthepeopleofPapuaNewGuineaandAustralia.
ThepastdecadehasseenanincreaseinthenumberofAustraliansvisitingtheKokodaTrack,bringingsignificanteconomicopportunitiesforthetrack’scommunitiesandtransformingitintooneofPapuaNewGuinea’spremiertourismdestinations.ThisreflectstheexistenceofagenerationofAustralianswhorecognisethetrackandtheregion’shistoricsignificance,itsexceptionalbiodiversityandnaturallandscape,andtheuniqueexperienceitoffersinconnectingthepeopleandculturesofPapuaNewGuineaandAustralia.TheOwenStanleyRanges,withinwhichthetrackislocated,includesthecriticallyimportantBrownRivercatchment,whichhasbeenidentifiedasapotentialsourceofcleanwaterandenergyfortherapidlygrowingnationalcapital,PortMoresby.
Recognisingthespecialvaluesofthetrackandthecatchmentarea,aswellasthepressureonthesevaluesfromhigherlevelsofusebytrekkersandpotentialalternativelandusessuchasminingandforestry,thePNGandAustraliangovernmentsareworkingcloselytogethertopromotethesustainabledevelopmentoftheareaandpreserveitsimportantnaturalresourcesandmilitary heritagevalues.
ThroughtheKokodaInitiative,establishedinApril2008,thePNGGovernmenthasmadestrongprogressindefiningabroadareaofinterestfortheinitiativeandaninterimprotectionzone(IPZ)(seeimagespage7).TheIPZprovidesafocusfortheinterestsintheareaandthemanagementofcompetinglanduses.ItisausefulmechanismforprotectingthecorevaluesoftheBrownRivercatchmentareaandhelpstoassurethelong-termprotectionoftheKokodaTrack.However,theareaofinterestoftheKokodaInitiativeisbroaderthantheidentifiedIPZ.ThewiderOwenStanleyRangesregion–alreadyplacedonPapuaNewGuinea’sTentativeListundertheUNESCOWorldHeritage
Convention–providessignificantopportunitiesinareassuchastourism,andfullWorldHeritagelistingisapossibility.InthenexttwoandahalfyearstheKokodaInitiativewillcontinuetoinvestigatethenatural,culturalandhistoricvaluesinthisbroaderareawhileatthesametimeexploringsustainableeconomicopportunitiesforthecommunitiesintheregion.Thismayresultinanextendedprotectedarearequiringcarefulandstrategicintegratedland useplanning.
TheKokodaTrackandOwenStanleyRangesregionisprovingtobeaverysuccessfulpilotareaforthePNGandAustraliangovernmentstodemonstratehowabalancebetweenthecompetingpressuresofdevelopmentandprotectioncanbeachievedforthelong-termbenefitofallPapuaNewGuineans.TheKokodaInitiativehasalsodevelopedmodelswithinPNGforcollaborationonthedeliveryof basicservices,thedevelopmentofeconomicopportunities,themanagedgrowthofsustainabletourism,integratedlanduseplanningandsustainedcooperationbetweenthePNGandAustraliangovernments.BothgovernmentsarecommittedtoworkingtogethertoensurethattheKokodaTrackandbroaderOwenStanleyRangesregionretaintheirspecialqualitieswhilealsomakingasignificantcontributiontoPNG’slong-termsustainabledevelopment.
TheKokodaInitiativebringstogetherarangeofPapuaNewGuineanandAustralianstakeholders,includingalllevelsofPNGgovernment,localcommunitiesandlandowners,thetourismindustryandnon-governmentorganisationstosupportthewiseuseandeconomicdevelopmentoftheregionandtheprotectionofitsspecialvalues.
FuzzyWuzzyAngelRaphaelOimbarileadingAustraliansoldierPrivateGeorge‘Dick’Whittingtontoafieldhospital(1942)
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 5
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
TheKokodaInitiative
On8July2010theSecondJointUnderstandingbetweenPapuaNewGuineaandAustraliaontheOwenStanleyRanges,BrownRiverCatchmentandKokodaTrackRegion2010–2015wasagreed.Activitiesimplementedundertheagreementbringtogetherarangeoforganisationstoworktowardsachievingthiscommonvision:
Sustainable development of the Owen Stanley Ranges, Brown River Catchment and Kokoda Track Region and protection of its special natural, cultural and historic values.
TheSecondJointUnderstandingbuildsonthelongrelationshipbetweenthetwocountries–abondthatwasborninatimeofsharedsacrificeandstrengthenedthroughmutualrespect.Today,PapuaNewGuineaandAustraliaworktogetherin strongpartnershiptodeliverreal,tangibleoutcomesforcommunities,landowners,trekkersandthefuturegenerationsofthetwocountries.
BuildingonactivitiesdeliveredunderthefirstJointUnderstandingsignedin2008,theKokodaInitiativeimplementsactivitiesunderthefivegoalsoftheSecondJointUnderstanding.Thesegoalsare:
1. Asafeandwell-managedKokodaTrack,whichhonoursitswartimehistoricalsignificanceandprotectsandpromotesitsspecialvalues.
2. Enhancedqualityoflifeforlandownersandcommunitiesthroughimproveddeliveryofbasicservices,incomegenerationandcommunitydevelopmentactivities.
3. Thewiseuseandconservationofthecatchmentprotectionarea,includingthe KokodaTrack,anditsnaturalandculturalresourcesandvalues.
4. BuildingnationalandinternationaltourismpotentialoftheOwenStanleyRangesandKokodaTrackregion,supportedbyapossiblefutureWorldHeritagenomination.
5. Workingwithcommunities,landowners,industryandalllevelsofgovernmenttoensurethatactivitiesestablishedundertheKokodaInitiativearesustainedintothefuture.
TheKokodaInitiativeisawhole-of-governmentprogram,managedjointlythroughaspeciallymandatedtaskforceineachcountry.ThetwotaskforcesarechairedbythePapuaNewGuineaDepartmentofEnvironmentandConservation,andtheAustralianDepartmentoftheEnvironment.Undertheleadershipofthetwoagencies,thisgovernancemodelensuresaninclusiveapproachtomanagementandprogramdelivery,reflectingtheunifyingnatureoftheKokodastory.
6
Areaofinterest
TheKokodaInitiativeAreaofInterestissubjecttoabroadassessmentofnatural,culturalandhistoricvalueswithinwhichasustainabledevelopmentmanagementplanwillbedeveloped.Thisplanwillincludearegionaltourismstrategy,alongwithotherpotentialeconomicdevelopmentopportunities.TheoutcomeofthisprocessmayresultinarecommendationforWorldHeritagenominationhighlightingtheoutstandinguniversalvaluesintheregion,therebyenhancingthe tourismpotentialastheglobalsignificanceoftheOwenStanleyRangesbecomesinternationallyrecognised.
KokodaInitiativeAreaofInterest
Theinterimprotectionzone(IPZ)–identifiedbytheorangelineonthemap(seebelow)–representsthecoreareaforpossiblelegalprotectionoftheBrownRivercatchmentareaandmostoftheKokodaTrack.TheIPZincorporatestheBrown,NaoroandGoldieRivers–thepriorityareasinCentralProvince–for future developmentofhydropowerandwatersupplyforPortMoresby.It extendsintoNorthernProvincetoprovideabufferzonethatprotectsthehistoric valuesoftheKokodaTracktomaintainitspotentialasPNG’spremierland-basedtouristdestination.
KokodaTrackInterimProtectionZone
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 7
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
Partnersandstakeholders
ThefollowingisalistofkeypartnersandstakeholdersdeliveringtheKokodaInitiative.
Government of PaPua new Guinea Partners
Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC):DECistheleadPNGagencyfortheKokodaInitiativeandisthesecretariatforthePNGKokodaInitiativeTaskforceasmandatedbythePNGNationalExecutiveCouncil.DEC’smissionis‘To ensureournaturalresourcesaremanagedtosustainenvironmentalquality,humanwellbeingandsupportimprovedstandardsofliving’,supportingthevisionoftheSecondJointUnderstanding(JU2).
Kokoda Track Authority (KTA):TheKTAisaspecialpurposesauthoritycommissionedtopromoteandmanagetheKokodaTrackfortouristswhileimprovingthelivesofcommunitieslivingalongthetrackthroughfundinganddevelopmentprograms.TheKTAischargedwithpreservingthelegacyofthetrack,promotingtrekkingandtourism,administeringrevenuefromtrekking,supervisingtrack-relatedprojectsandconsultingwithlandownersontheirneeds andpriorities.
Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA):TheTPAisastatutorybodyresponsibleformarketingPNGasadesirabletouristdestination.Itsmissionistoenhancethedevelopment,marketingandsustainabilityofPNGTourisminpartnershipwithindustry,governmentandcommunity.TheTPAisresponsibleformarketingtheKokodaTrackasapremiertrekkingdestinationandisinvolvedinstrategicdevelopmentoftourismintheKokodaTrackandOwenStanleyRangesregion,whichincludescapacitybuildingandtrainingforlocaltourismbusinesses.
Provincial administrations:TheinterimprotectionzoneidentifiedintheKokodaInitiativefallswithintheNorthernProvinceandCentralProvince.Thetwoprovincialadministrationsareresponsiblefordevelopingandimplementingtheir
NothofagussunsetfromMtVictoria
8
corporateandfive-yeardevelopmentplansinresponsetoawide rangeofinfluences,includingtheKokodaInitiative.Theseadministrationsworkcloselywith thenationalagenciestoensureKokodaInitiativeplanningisintegratedwithin provincialplanningprocessesandavailableresourcing.
Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA):DPLGA’s mainfunctionistoprovideeffectiveliaisonwithandcoordinationof assistancetoprovincialandlocaladministrations.Itcoordinatesandmonitorsnationalpoliciesimplementedatprovinciallevelsandalsocoordinatescapacitybuilding forprovinces.
Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM):DNPMhastheprimaryroleindevelopmentplanningandadministeringthedevelopmentbudget.PNGfunding fortheKokodaInitiativeis administeredthroughDNPM,whichalsomonitorstheexpenditureoffundsand theeffectivenessofactivities.
Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG):NMAGisPNG’scustodianofnationalhistoricandculturalheritagecollections,and providesaculturalfocalpointfortheKokodaInitiative.NMAGadministersthenationallegislationprotectingWorldWarIImilitaryartefactsandhousesthemodernhistorycollection,whichincludesobjectsfromtheKokodacampaign.
Government of australia Partners
Department of the Environment (DE):DEisthe leadAustralianagencyfortheKokodaInitiative.ItsInternationalHeritageSection(Wildlife,HeritageandMarineDivision)undertakesthesecretariatrolefortheAustralianKokodaInitiativeTaskforce.DE’scontributiontoachievingtheoutcomesoftheKokodaInitiativeisthroughstrategicanddeliberatebuildingofPNGpartnercapacityandrelationshipsas wellasthroughitsresponsibilityforheritageplaces,recognisingtheimportanceoftheKokodaTrackasa placeofheritagesignificancetoAustralians.
Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID): AusAIDdeliverstheKokodaDevelopmentProgram,anelementoftheKokodaInitiative,whichsupportsthesustainabledevelopmentofcommunitiesintheregionthroughassistancetoprovincialadministrationsinbasicservicedeliveryintheareas
ofeducationandhealth.AusAIDfundstheAustraliancomponentoftheKokodaInitiativethroughitsdevelopmentassistanceprogramandensuresthatit is alignedtoAustraliadevelopmentprioritiesinPapuaNewGuinea.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT):DFATprovidesforeignandtradepolicyadviceandensuresthatAustralia’spursuitofitsglobal,regionalandbilateralinterestsiscoordinatedeffectively.DFATensuresthattheKokodaInitiativecontinuestoactivelycontributetoAustralia’sbilateralrelationshipwithPNG inaccordancewithforeignpolicypriorities.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA):DVA’smissionistosupportthosewhoserveorhaveservedindefenceofAustraliaandtocommemoratetheirserviceandsacrifice,alongwithmanagementofwargraves.DVAaimstoprotectthewarhistoryvaluesoftheKokodaregionthroughprovisionofexpertadviceandtoassisttheDEtomanagestakeholderissuesrelatingtowarveterans.
Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET):RETprovidesadviceandpolicysupporttotheAustralianGovernmentregardingAustralia’sresources,energyandtourismsectors.TheTourismDivisionofRETworkstowardsenhancinginternationalgovernment-to-governmentrelationshipsthrougharangeofbilateralagreementsandparticipationinmultilateralfora.Thisinvolvementreflectstheimportanceoftourismininternationaltradeandglobal markets.RETprovidesadvicetotheKokodaInitiativeontourismissues.
imPortant stakeholders
ThefollowingstakeholdersalsocontributetothesuccessoftheKokodaInitiative:
• landownersandcommunitiesintheregion,especiallyalongtheKokodaTrack
• touroperatorsandtrekkers
• charitygroups
• theReturnedServicesLeague(RSL)
• non-governmentorganisations.
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 9
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
2012–13:yearinreview
TheSecondJointUnderstandingontheOwenStanleyRanges,BrownRiverCatchmentandKokodaTrackRegion(JU2)specifiesthevision,goalsandobjectives fortheKokodaInitiative.Therearefiveconcurrentandmutuallyreinforcingprogramgoals.Theyare:
1. Asafeandwell-managedKokodaTrack,whichhonoursitswartimehistorical significanceandprotectsandpromotesitsspecialvalues.
2. Enhancedqualityoflifeforlandownersandcommunitiesthroughimproveddeliveryofbasicservices,incomegenerationandcommunitydevelopmentactivities.
10
3. Thewiseuseandconservationofthecatchmentprotectionarea,includingthe KokodaTrack,and its naturalandculturalresourcesandvalues.
4. BuildingnationalandinternationaltourismpotentialoftheOwenStanleyRangesandKokoda Trackregion,supportedbyapossiblefutureWorld Heritagenomination.
5. Workingwithcommunities,landowners,industryandalllevelsofgovernmenttoensurethatactivitiesestablishedundertheKokodaInitiativeare sustainedintothefuture.
Thisannualreportcapturestheoutcomesdeliveredthroughpartnershipandcooperationfortheperiodfrom1July2012to30June2013.Thefollowingsectionshighlightprogresstowardsachievingthese fivegoalsandtheirassociatedoutcomesthroughouttheyear.
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 11
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
a safe and well-managed kokoda track, which honours its wartime historical significance and protects and promotes its special values
TheobjectivesassociatedwithGoal1are:
• FurthersupportingandenhancingtheKokodaTrackAuthority’smanagementofthetrackandtrekkingoperations
• Workingwithlocalcommunitiesandtourismoperatorstoimprovethetrekkingexperienceandtrackfacilities
• Workingwithregulatoryauthoritiestoimprovesafetyforlocalcommunitieslivingalongthetrackandtouristsvisitingtheregion.
achievements for 2012–13
Duringthe2012–13year,KokodaInitiativepartnerscontinuedtoprioritisethe safetyofallpeoplewhousetheKokodaTrackbymaintainingtheeffectiveoperationoftheKokodaTrackAuthority(KTA)andworkingwithcommunitiesandtouroperatorstoimprovethetrackandthetrekkingadventure.Thisworkhas greatlyassistedinensuringasafeexperienceforcommunitiesandvisitors.
RubenMaleva(KTAChairman)addressingacommunitymeetingatAlola.KTACEOJamesEnageisintheforeground.(Photo:LukeJames)
effective operation of the kokoda track authority
TheKokodaInitiativeprovidedongoingsupportthroughout2012–13forthecontinuedeffectiveoperationoftheKTA.ThisincludedthefundingandimplementationofongoingprogramactivitiestostrengthentheorganisationalcapacityoftheKTA,includingcontinuingworkplacementsforKTAstaff(discussed underGoal5).
• TheAnnualKIManagementTrekwasheldinFebruary2013,withrepresentativesfromKokodaInitiativepartnersledbyJamesEnage(CEO),RubenMaleva(Chairman),andRobertBatia(DeputyChairman)oftheKTA.
Goal1
12
The trekprovidedavaluableopportunityforcommunityconsultationonmattersofimportanceregardingtheimpactoftrekkingandcommunitydevelopmentopportunities,toincreaseawarenessofKIactivitiesandencourageacloserworkingrelationshipbetweenKIpartners.
• ImprovementsandupgradestoITsystemswereundertakentostrengthentheKTA’sabilitytodeliverservices.Apilotdatabasewasdevelopedtobettermanageinformationonthenumberandlocationoftrekkersonthetrackatanyonetime.WhenfullydevelopedthiswillenabletheKTAtoquicklylocateparticularpeopleintimesofemergency,andwillassistwithmoreeffectivemanagementoftrekkernumbersatcampsitesalongthetrack.
Removaloffallentreesispartofthetrackmaintenanceprogram(Photo:KTA)
working with local communities and tour operators to improve the track
KokodaInitiativepartnerscontinuedtoensurethesafetyofcommunitiesandtrekkerswhousethetrackbyimplementingacomprehensivemaintenanceprogram.Themaintenanceprogramquicklyrespondedtoemergencymaintenanceneedsarisingfromlandslidesandtreefalls,andoversawtheconstructionofsafer crossingsoverthelargerwaterways.
• Trackconservationworkcontinuedtobeprovidedundercommunitytrackmaintenanceagreements,longertermannualtrackconservationworkprograms,andtheprovisionoftrainingofKTArangersinmoreeffectivetrackconservation.
• Thenumberoftrackmaintenanceagreementswith communitiesalongtheKokodaTrackincreasedfrom18inearly2012to24.
• Amajortrackconservationprogramwascompletedalongall96 kilometresofthetrackfromOwers’CornertoKokodaunderthesupervisionoftheKTArangers.
• ConstructionofamajorcanebridgeacrossEoraCreekwascompletedinFebruaryusinglocalmaterialsandtechnologydatingbackhundredsof years.Thisbridgeprovidesaprototypeforfuturebridgesbuiltbycommunitymemberstoimprovethesafetyofcreekcrossings.
• UpgradeswereundertakentotoiletfacilitiesatOwersCornerandDepo.
ensuring a safe experience for communities and visitors
InadditiontotheextensivetrackmaintenanceworkledbytheKTA,arangeofmeasureswereundertakenin2012–13toensureasaferexperiencefor communitiesandvisitors.
• TheKokodaairstripcontinuedtobemaintainedby localcommunitymembersunderthesupervisionof theKTA.
• Owers’CornerRoadcontinuedtobemaintainedto anall-weathertwo-wheeldrivestandard.
• MaintenanceandupgradesoftheradiosystemcontinuedandnewradioswerepurchasedforIsuravaWarMemorialParkandMadilogo.Amaintenanceprogramfortheradiosystemcontinuestobeimplemented.
• TheKTAarrangedforthetrainingof20guidesand portersineitherbasicemergencyorremoteareafirstaid.
ArivercrossingontheAnnualKokodaInitiativemanagementtrack(Photo: KTA)
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 13
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
lucY miroPermits/finance officer
LucyhasworkedattheKokodaTrackAuthoritysinceApril2013.Priortothis sheworkedasDeputyFinanceandAdministrationOfficerfortheRuralWater SupplyandSanitationProgrammefundedbythe EuropeanUnion.
AsPermitsOfficer,Lucyisresponsibleforissuinglicencesandtrekkingpermitstotouroperators.SincejoiningtheKTA,she hasworkedontheTrekker Number Database System(TNDS),whichprovidesinformationonthenumberoftrekkersonthetrackandtheirplannedlocationonanyparticularday.DatafortheTNDSiscollectedmainlyfrom theapplicationstheKTA receivesfortrekpermits.AccordingtoLucy:
The TNDS will enable KTA to provide tour operators with up-to-date, quick and easy information on the location and number of trekkers at any given date on the track. This information will assist tour operators in planning when and where to guide their groups on the track to avoid congestion and over-booking of campsites. The system will also improve safety of the track by providing accurate information on the location of groups to be used in times of emergency.
14
indiGenous enGineerinG – the storY of the cane bridGe
Indigenousengineering.ThecanebridgeatEoraCreekbuiltbythePapuanWariaintheNorthernProvinceisconsidereda demonstrationoftheircharacterthroughtheirbridge-buildingskills.
ThestoryoftheKokodaTrackinPapuaNewGuineacanneverbefullyappreciateduntilyouexperiencethelocalpeopleandtheirskills.ThecanebridgebuiltbythePapuanWariapeopleintheNorthernProvinceshowcasesindigenousengineeringskillrarelyfoundanywhereinPapuaNewGuinea.
TheWariatribalareacoverstheupperreachesoftheWariaRiverandextendsalongtheKiraintheNorthernProvinceandacrosstoGarainaintheMorobeProvincetothenorth.StoriestalkaboutWariapeopleandhowtheirlifestyleisfusedintonatureandnurturedbytherichalluvialplainoftheWariaRiver.Theytalkabouttheriverthatinordinarytimesremainstameandharmlessbutinthewetseasonrunswildlikearagingboar,causingdestructionandmiserytopeopleandthe surroundingareas.
Iremembersittinginameetingcontemplatingthelatesttechnologyonsustainablebridgebuilding,whichhadbecomethesubjectofcontesteddebatebetweenthetouroperators,thelocalpeopleandtheKTA,thecustodianofthetrack.Irememberoneparticipantsaying,
‘Weneedtopreservetheauthenticityofthetrack.’Anotheragreedbutasked‘Whataboutthe1942WorldWarIIstories–howcanweunderstandwhattheFuzzyWuzzyAngelsdidtogettheDiggersoverthetorturousrivers?’.Thereseemedlittlechanceofconsensusandnoclearsolutionwasapparent.
ThecanebridgehangingproudlyovertheEoraCreekdemonstratestheskillsofthelocalindigenouspeople.It attractsandenticesasitswingsitsbellyacrossthefastflowingriver,encouraginguserstohangon.Itisauniqueexperiencefortrekkers,comingfacetofacewiththeuniquecraftsmanshipofthePapuanWariacanebridge.
IhadmytasteofthisspectacularbridgeinFebruary,crossingwithasmile,knowingthelocalindigenousskillshavefoundtheirrightfulplaceinthisbeautiful,pristineenvironmentshowingitsmajestytowardsgorgeousrainforestmountains.Iwroteinmydiarythat evening,‘Confirmedtrustworthy.’
By Michael O’Kave, Operations Manager, Kokoda Track Authority
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 15
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
Goal2
enhanced quality of life for landowners and communities through improved delivery of basic services, income generation and community development activities
TheobjectivesassociatedwithGoal2are:
• Continuingtosustainablyimprovethestandardofhealth,education,water,sanitationandinfrastructureservicesforcommunitiesalongthetrack.
• Facilitatingaccesstobenefitstreams,incomegenerationandothercommunitydevelopmentprojectsforcommunitiesintheinterimprotectionzone,includingpotentialopportunitiesthroughdevelopmentofrenewableresources,particularlyhydropowerandwater,forestcarbon,andtourism.
• Enablingcommunitiesandlandownerstomanagedevelopmentopportunitiesandincomestreamsgeneratedthroughthisinitiative.
• Nurturingthealliancebetweenalllevelsofgovernment,tourismoperatorsandnot-for-profitorganisationstoprovidestrongandcoordinatedsupportforthesustainabledevelopmentoftheregionandthewellbeingofitspeople.
achievements for 2012–13
AusAID’sKokodaDevelopmentProgram(KDP)focusesitsactivitiesonimprovinghealthandeducationservicesfortrackcommunities.Thisworkisundertakeninconjunctionwithlocalcommunities,localandprovincialgovernmentsandotherKokodaInitiativepartnerstoensureincreasedlevelsofserviceinthisremoteareaofPNG.ItaimsforsustainableoutcomesbeyondtheendoftheJU2.
health
TheintentionofthePNGGovernment’sNationalHealthPlan2011–2020istotransformthehealthsystemthrough‘strengtheningprimaryhealthcareforallandimprovedservicedeliveryfortheruralmajorityandurbandisadvantaged’.ThroughouttheyeartheKDPcontinuedtomakeimprovementstothedeliveryof healthservicesintheKokodaTrackregionthroughthesupplyandinstallationof healthinfrastructure,aswellasthroughthecontinuedprovisionof health-relatedtraining.Anoverviewofthekeyachievementsisoutlinedbelow.
• SixstaffhousesattheKokodaHealthCentrewererenovated.
• AstaffhousewasconstructedattheAbuariaidpost;relatedbuildingswere alsorenovated.
• SubstantialmaintenancewascarriedoutattheKeparaaidpost.
• AnewcommunityhealthpostwasbuiltatNaduri.WorkscommencedinOctober2012andthepostwascommissionedinJune2013.
• HealthradioswereprocuredandinstalledattheNaoroandAbuariAidposts.RepairsandmaintenancetoexistingradioswereundertakenatSogeri.
16
• Anadditional14villagehealthvolunteersweretrainedandjoinedtheVillageHealthVolunteers(VHV)program.Thisprogramcontinuestoengagecommunitymembersbyprovidinghealthpromotion/educationandsupporttocompleteprimaryhealthcareactivitiestoimprovehealthandwellbeingintheirvillages.For2012–13thisincludedactivitiessuchas:
– community-basedhealth-relatedtraining,includinghome-basedcare
– firstaidtrainingandrefresherfor38participants,includingcommunityleaders,villagehealthvolunteersandcommunityhealthworkers.
• HIVpreventionawarenessworkcontinued,includingactivitiessuchas:
– assessmentandsupervisionoftrainedHIVhealthworkersandVHVcounsellors
– increasingthenumberofvoluntarycounsellingandtestingcounsellorsat healthfacilities
– supportforongoingtrainingforHIVpeereducation
– aworkshopheldinSogeriwith18representativesfromacrossthetrackto explorestrategiesfora2013HIVprevention andbehaviourchangestrategy
– improvedaccesstopreventativehealthmeasures.
• TwohealthworkerstrainedforvoluntarycounsellingtestingundertookclinicalattachmentsandassessmentsinPortMoresby.
• Continuedsupportwasprovidedforthedeliveryofintegratedoutreacheverysixweeksthroughpatrols.Thesepatrolssupportandimproveimmunisation,maternalandchildhealthandaccesstoearlytreatment,aswellasprovidinggeneralhealthpromotionandeducation.
• TwohealthworkersfromNorthernProvinceand thenewlytrainedSohedistrictvillagehealthvolunteercoordinatorwerementoredontheVHVprogram.TheKDPhealthadviseralsomentoredOroprovincialhealthofficeworkersontheuseofthenewNationalDepartmentofHealthfacilityaudittool.
• Health-relatedtrainingwasundertaken,includingsessionsonemergencymanagementandpatientcare for12healthworkersatKokodaGeneralHospitalandonmaternalandchildhealth,minor surgeryandoralhealth.
• ClinicalattachmentswerefacilitatedfortheNaduricommunityhealthworkertoSogeriHealthCentre,andtwohealthworkersfromtheKokodaDistrictHealthCentrereceivedadditionaltrainingonmaternalandchildhealth,birthing,medicine,paediatriccareandminorsurgery.
• AcommunityhealthworkerfromKokodaDistrictHealthCentrecompletedaclinicalattachmenttoPopondettaGeneralHospitalforanoralhealthprogram.
• InpartnershipwiththeHiridistricthealthmanager,theKDPprovidedtwohealthworkersonsix-weeklyrotationstomaintainhealthservicesintheregion.
• PostgraduatesupervisionwasprovidedforfourstudentsfromVeifa’aSchoolofNursingCollegeandStMargaret’snursingschoolinpartnershipwiththeKokodaTrackFoundation(KTF),whichprovidedscholarshipsforthecommunityhealthworkers’trainingandsalariesfortheirinternships.
education
During2012–13theKokodaDevelopmentProgrambuiltonpreviousachievements,withthefocusbeingoncompletingthefirststageofitstwo-stageinfrastructureprogram.Schoolinfrastructuredevelopmentfollowsacommunity-basedprocess,particularlyinremoteareas,wheretheKDPdeliversbasicmaterialstothesiteandthecommunitytakesresponsibilityforconstruction.Infrastructureworkincluded:
• deliveryofmaterialsforadoubleclassroomforAlolaElementarySchool–theKTFsupportedthecommunitytocompleteoneroomofthedoubleclassroom
• deliveryofmaterialsfordoubleclassroomsatNaduri–theKTFsupportedthecommunitytocompleteoneroomofthedoubleclassroom
• deliveryofmaterialsfordoubleclassroomsatEnvilogo–theKTFsupportedthecommunityto completeoneroomofthedoubleclassroom
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 17
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
• completionofakitsetdoubleclassroomforKokodaPrimarySchool–theclassroomwasprovidedbytheOroprovincialadministrationandtheKDPfundedtransportationtoKokodaandmetconstructioncosts
• completionofakitsettrainingroomfortheskillsvocationaltrainingcentreinKokoda
• completionofrenovationstosomeoftheclassroomsattheKokodaElementarySchool.
livelihoods
ThroughtheKTA,avarietyoffacilitatedtrainingcourseswereprovidedthroughouttheyeartothelocaltrackcommunities,helpingtobuildcapacity,expertiseandconfidencetocarryoutabroadrangeoflivelihoodandtrackmanagementactivities.TheselivelihoodsactivitiesaredesignedtoincreasethecapacityofKokodaTrackcommunitiestogenerateincomefromtourismbyaddingvaluetothetrekkingexperience.Allactivitiesweredevelopedandimplementedincloseconsultationwithcommunities.
• Thenumberofcommunitybasedmentorsincreasedfrom19inthepreviousyearto22.Thesementorsprovidevaluablelocallybasedadviceonbasicbusinessmanagement,bookkeepingandtheidentificationofpotentialbusinessopportunities.
• Twenty-fiveparticipantsundertookrefreshertraininginbasicphysiotherapy.
• Guesthouseauditswereconductedat87sitesalongthetracktoensurethatlocalvillagersareabletoprovideanappropriatestandardofaccommodationto trekkers.TheauditorsalsoprovidedsuggestionsforimprovementstofacilitiesinlinewithPNGnationalstandards.
• AdditionaltoiletfacilitieswereprovidedbytheKTAto25accreditedguesthousesandcampgroundsalongthetrack.
• Basicfinancialmanagementtrainingwasprovidedforanumberoftrackcommunities.
ConstructionofadryingroomfortheEfogiprimaryschoolusingtimberfromthemillingprocesstraining
18
timber mill traininG
Timbermilltrainingwasconductedforsixrepresentativechainsawmilloperatorsonthetrack,withtimber fromthetrainingusedtoconstructadryingroomfortheEfogiprimaryschool.Thepilotdryingroomprojectistobeusedfortrekkerstodrytheirwetgearandwillbeasmallbusinessactivityfortheschool.Theextratimberthatwasaby-productoftheprocesswasusedbyvillagerstodomaintenanceworkoncommunitybuildings,whilesawdustwasusedasmulchingforgardens.
By Hollen Mado, Livelihoods Officer, KTA
social mapping
ThePNGDepartmentoftheEnvironmentandConservation(DEC)continuedtoworkcloselywithexpertstodevelopanunderstandingofthegenealogicalmake-upandlandownershipsystemsofthecommunitieswithintheKokodaInitiativeprogramarea.Theobjectiveofthesocialmappingprogramintheinterimprotectionzone(IPZ)istobetterunderstandthecommunitiesandtheirenvironmentinordertoguideaneffectiveconsultativeprocessintheKokodaInitiativefordeliveryoftheJU2.Thisinformationwillhelptoidentifythemenandwomenwhoneedtobeconsultedregardingcatchmentprotectionandmanagementplans.ThefieldworkforthecurrentprogramwascompletedinOctober2012andafinalreportoftheKoiarisocialmappingprojectinCentralProvincehasnowbeenreleased.Plansareunderwayforsimilarsocialmapstobe developedfortheOrokaivapeoplefromNorthernProvince.
JamesSabifromDECspeakingattheJune2013socialmappingworkshop
AsocialmappingworkshopwasheldinJune2013inPortMoresbywiththeaimofcomparingdifferentmethodologiesusedbypractitionersofsocialmappinginscenariosacrossPNG.ParticipantsintheworkshopincludedprominentpractitionersfrombothPNGandAustralia.
SocialmappingbeingcarriedoutatEnvilogo
DECisnowintheprocessofreviewingthemethodologiesandapproachesdiscussedattheworkshoptodetermineapractical,efficientandaffordablemethodforuseintheKokodaIPZ.ThisexcitingworkwillshapethewayinwhichthePNGGovernmentengageswithcommunitiesforprotectedareamanagementintothefuture.
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 19
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
the wise use and conservation of the catchment protection area, including the kokoda track and its natural and cultural resources and values
TheobjectivesassociatedwithGoal3are:
• DevelopinganintegratedlanduseplanforthecatchmentprotectionareainpartnershipwithkeyNational,ProvincialandLocalGovernmentstakeholderswhichprovidesaneffectivebalancebetweenenvironmentconservationanddevelopment
• Identifyingandconservingthekeynatural,culturalandhistoricvaluesoftheOwenStanleyRangesforheritageconservation,protectionandtourismdevelopmentpurposes.
achievements for 2012–13
ThePNGDepartmentofEnvironmentandConservation(DEC)hascontinuedtomakesignificantprogressunderGoal3,investinginactivitiesthatprovideastrongfoundationforeffectivemanagementandprotectionoftheBrownRivercatchment.KeyachievementsincludeforgingstrongpartnershipswithinstitutionsincludingtheBishopMuseum,theForestResearchInstituteofPapuaNewGuineaandtheAustralianNationalBotanicGardenstosupportabiodiversitycaptureand collectionprogramandtocontinuecapacitybuildingandtrainingintheareas ofspatialmappingandarchaeology.
DECcontourmapfortheregioncontainingtheinterimprotectionzone
Goal3
20
catchment Protection
In2012DECreleasedadiscussionpaperforapolicyguidinganationalprotectedareassysteminPapuaNewGuinea.ThispolicypaperprovidesvaluableguidanceforKokodaInitiativeprogramsandisavitalsteptowardsensuringmoresustainableprotectionofdiverseareasincludingtheOwenStanleyRanges,Brown RivercatchmentandKokodaTrackregion.The papercontinuedtostimulate nationaldebateonthefinalformofthenationalprotectedareaspolicy.InMay2013adraftpolicywasfinalisedandcirculatedforfurtherdiscussion.
• MsMaureenEwaiwasengagedinDecember2012astheLandUsePlanningandBiodiversityAssessmentsOfficer.MsEwai,adoctoralcandidatefromtheUniversityofQueenslandinbiodiversitymanagement,hashelpedprogressthebiodiversityprogramthisyear,includingrunningtwobiodiversityworkshopsandscopingtermsofreferenceforbiodiversitystudiesintheregion.ThepositionhasproveninvaluableforthesuccessoftheKokodaInitiative,andDEChasadvertisedforalong-termpositiontoaidfutureeffortsinlanduseplanningandbiodiversityassessments.
• AbiodiversityworkshopwasheldinGoroka,PNG, inApril2013withafurthermeetingplannedforCairns,Australia,inJuly2013todevelopstandardisedmethodologiesinbiodiversitysurveys,dataanalysisandspeciesinformationmanagementforapplicationinPNG.TheGorokameetingencouragedPNGfieldpractitionerstoshareexperiencesandpreparedthemtoengagein discussionswithinternationalexpertsinCairns.
Recommendationsfromthetwoworkshopswillprovidestandardisedguidance forfutureworkofthiskindinPNG.
• DECcontinuedtoworkcloselywiththeAustralianCooperativeResearchCentreforSpatialInformation(CRC-SI)throughcapacitybuildingto supportandimprovethetechnicalskillsofDECofficers,whohavelearnedtointerrogatedatasetstodeveloparangeofmapstobeusedforeffectivefuture managementoftheregion.Thesemapscanshowlandusechange,land coverandarangeofotherhigh-resolutionfeaturesnecessaryforeffectivelanduseplanning.
CoringandsievingsoilforlabanalysisduringtheMadilogoarchaeologysurveyinNovember2012(Photo:EltonKaitokai)
• TheKokodaInitiativeSpatialMappingWorkshopheldinconjunctionwithCRC-SIinJune2013wasagreatsuccessandwasattendedbygeographicinformationsystem(GIS)techniciansacrossPNGagencies,researchinstitutionsanduniversities.ThefocusoftheworkshopwasonhowspatialtechnicianscanworkmorecloselytogetheracrossPNGagenciesandNGOs,whatspatialdataisaccessibletoeachinstitutionandwhatdatacanbeshared.Theworkshopalsohighlightedthecutting-edgetechnologyusedtoproduceadigitalelevationmodelfortheKokodaIPZandhowremotelysenseddatawasusedtoclassifylandcoverformanagementpurposes.DECnowchairsanewlyformedgroupofPNGGISspecialiststoencourageinformationanddatasharingamongagenciesandtoworktowardsthedevelopmentof nationalstandards.
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 21
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
Eclectus parrot (Photo: David Kirkland)
Values identification and conservation
Work continued on the identification of cultural, historic and natural values in the IPZ in advance of developing a sustainable development management plan for the region.
• A scoping study was undertaken of the historical and military values of an area outside Port Moresby known as Blamey’s Garden, which was established by General Blamey during the Kokoda campaign in the Sogeri area. While the majority of the built structures and landscaping have disappeared, it is believed that the remaining features may have sufficient military heritage value that they should be conserved and will be of interest to tourists visiting the area. Recommendations from the study are now being considered in conjunction with the National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) to identify further work necessary to properly manage the site for visits by military historians, tourists and other interested parties.
• A preliminary assessment of the World War II military collection at NMAG was undertaken, with emphasis on the Kokoda Campaign Collection. DEC, together with NMAG, is in the process of progressing recommendations from the study to improve conservation and preservation of these materials and to develop the skills and technical expertise of museum staff.
• Exploration of the archaeological values of the region commenced with an initial desktop study of the IPZ to collect archival literature and relevant reference site records as part of the values mapping of the area. This was followed by a rapid survey of the proposed hydro project at Madilogo and the surrounding area to identify sites of local cultural significance. The four-day survey involved coring, soil sampling and documenting surface finds and other sites of interest, with the aim of identifying conservation measures needed to preserve the cultural and historical values. These values form an integral part of the Kokoda story and need to be professionally managed before any hydro power development goes ahead.
22
building national and international tourism potential of the owen stanley ranges and kokoda track region, supported by a possible future world heritage nomination
TheobjectivesassociatedwithGoal4are:
• Promotingthenatural,culturalandhistoricmilitaryvaluesofthetrack
• Developingastrategictourismplanandassociatedmarketingactivities
• ExploringtheheritageconservationvaluesoftheregionandconductingafeasibilitystudyforpossibleWorldHeritagenomination,consistentwithitsinclusioninthePNGGovernmentWorldHeritageTentativeList(2006).
achievements for 2012–13
During2012–13theKokodaInitiativecontinuedtobuildthenationalandinternationaltourismpotentialof theregionbystrengtheningthecapacityoflocaltouroperatorsthroughconferences,fieldtripsandtrainingtargetedfortrackcommunities.ThereisongoingnegotiationbetweenthePNGTourismPromotionAuthority(TPA)andotherKIpartnersfortheplanningoftourismactivitiesinthewiderKokodaArea.
• TheTPAandtheNorthernProvincialGovernor’sOfficeundertookareviewoftheOroProvincialPlantoidentifypossibleactivitiesattheNorthernBeaches(Buna,GonaandSanananda)wheretheJapaneseadvanceacrosstheKokodaTrackbeganinJuly1942andwheretheJapanesewerefinallydefeatedinJanuary1943.
• TheTPAwasinvitedtobecomeamemberoftheCentralProvinceEconomicSectorCoordinationMonitoringCommitteetoensurethattourismhasavoiceinprovincialdevelopment,particularlyinrelationtotheOwenStanleyRanges.TheTPA’spresenceonthiscommitteeensuresthatKItourismdevelopmentactivitiesarealignedwithprioritiesandresourcesoftheCentralProvincialAdministration.
• TheTPA,inconjunctionwiththeKTA,agreedtotheinclusionofKokodaguesthousesandcampsitesintheNationalAccommodationAccreditationSystem.Thiswillensurethataccommodationsitesalongthetrackmeetnationallyagreedminimumstandards.
• TheTPAconvenedtheSustainableCulturalTourismConferenceinKokopo,PNG,inOctober 2012.Theconferenceachievedwideindustryparticipation,withrepresentativesfromtourismbusinesses,culturaltourismsitemanagementauthorities,educationfacilities,governmentagenciesandNGOs.Theobjectiveoftheconferencewastotakeasolutions-basedapproachtoaddressingidentifiedchallengesofculturalheritagetourismthatcanbeappliedatavaryingscale,fromsmallbusinesstobroaderstrategiesatprovincialornationallevels.TheconferencestrengthenedregionalnetworksbetweentourismprofessionalsoperatinginPNG,theSolomonIslandsandVanuatuandencouragedsharingofinformationandlessonslearntinareasofcommonchallenges,includingsustainableculturalheritagetourismpracticesthatmightbeapplicableintheKokodaTrackregion.
• TheKTA,inassociationwithotherKIpartners,assistedinhonouringthe70thanniversaryoftheKokodacampaign.InJuly2012theKTAsponsoredstudentsfromSogeriHighSchool,situatedontheroadtoOwersCorner,tomarktheanniversaryofthefirstengagementbetweenAustralianandJapanesearmies.Theschoolhostedadaylong‘sing-sing’wherestudentsfromprovincesalloverPNGdonnedtraditionaldressanddancedfortheappreciativecrowd.The celebrationswereopenedbytheAustralianHighCommissioner,Mr IanKemish,andattendedbyanumberofother membersofthediplomaticcorps.
Goal4
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 23
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
– TheKTAalsoassistedwithcelebrationsinNovembertomarktheanniversaryofAustraliansoldiersretakingKokoda.ThiswasattendedbyanumberofAustralianveteransoftheKokodabattles,assistedbytheDepartmentofVeterans’AffairsandtheKokodaTrackFoundation.A rangeoflargeeventsandsmallervillage-basedeventswereheld,suchastheBrigadeHillcelebrationinEfogion7September 2012andtheeventatIsuravaon18December2012celebratingthebattlesofIsurava,AlolaandEoraCreek.
– Theincreasedpublicityresultingfromtheseactivitiesappearstohavehada directimpactontrekkernumbersandthusincreasedrevenuefortheyear.Trekkernumbersfor2012wereabout20%higherthanthosefor2011.
world heritaGe
TheOwenStanleyRangesandKokodaTrackregionwasinitiallynominatedforUNESCOWorldHeritageTentativeListingbyDECinconjunctionwiththeWorldWideFundforNaturein2006.In2012–13someeffortwasmadetodevelopaplanforexploringwhethertheregioncouldclaimthe‘outstandinguniversalvalues’requiredforaWorldHeritagelisting,withdesktopstudiesrevealingsomeintriguingpossibilities.Biodiversityexpertspointtotheseriesofhighmountains(includingMountVictoria,over4,000 metreshigh)intheregionthathostavarietyofrareandendemicspeciesoffloraandfauna.Mostareasarelargelyunexploredandmanyspeciesremainundescribed.ArchaeologistspointtoMyolaLakesonthetrackitselfandnotethespectacularsimilaritieswithlakesfurthernorthalongtheOwenStanleyRanges,datingfromthePleistoceneperiod,whereevidenceofhumanoccupationmorethan35,000yearsagohasbeendiscovered.
Crestedbirdofparadise(Photo:DavidKirkland)
24
Sub-alpineLakeatMountVictoria(Photo:PeterHitchcock)
Theimportantnaturalheritagevaluesidentifiedtodateinclude:
• Glaciallandscapes:MountVictoriaretainsclearevidenceofglaciationduringthelastIceAge.Evidenceofglaciationincludesglaciallakes,icesculptingandprobablemoraines.Thesefeaturesareofhighheritagevalue.
• Peatlands:Thereareextensiveareasofprobablepeatlanddevelopment.Peatlandsarepotentiallyveryimportantasanancientpollenresourceforscientificresearch,especiallyresearchonpastclimatechange.
• Gondawanian‘timecapsule’:TheMountVictoriaregionisavirtualtimecapsule,withrelictualplanttaxawithclearlinkstoGondwanadatingbackmorethan65 millionyears.Theclosestrelativesofsome
ancientconiferandfloweringplantsarefoundasfarawayasTasmania,NewZealandandChile.
• Localendemicplants:ThehighermountainpeaksoftheOwenStanleyRangessupportmanylocalendemicplantspecies.MountVictoria,inparticular,isthesiteofanumberofspeciesofrhododendronsfoundonlyonthismountain,whileothersarefoundonjustafewofthehighestmountainsintheranges.
• Localendemicanimals:Faunalsurveysonthehigh mountainsoftheOwenStanleyRangeshave beenlimitedtodate;neverthelessithasbeenestablishedthattherearesomeendemicbirdspeciesconfinedtothehighmountainsofthe ranges,suchasMacgregor’shoneyeaterandthegreaterground-ribbon.
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 25
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
working with communities, landowners, industry and all levels of government to ensure the activities established under the kokoda initiative are sustained into the future
TheobjectivesassociatedwithGoal5are:
• Maximisingthedeliveryandmaintenanceofservicesandactivitiesthroughthe responsiblePNGprovincialandlocal-levelgovernments
• BuildingcapacitywithinkeyPNGandAustralianGovernmentagenciestoensurethegoalsofthisinitiativecanbedeliveredandaresustainable.
achievements for 2012–13
ThisgoaldirectsthewaysinwhichtheKokodaInitiativepartneragenciesaimtoimplementactivitiestoensuresustainabilityisachieved.Itrecognisestheimportanceofeffectivecollaborationandcooperationbetweenabroadrangeof partnersandstakeholderstoensurethesuccessandsustainabilityoftheKokoda Initiative.Particulareffortsinthisareain2012–13included:
• buildingcapacityofPNG-basedagenciesandpartnerstomanageandimplementactivities;and
• strategicplanningandprogramdesigntoensureactivitiesareresponsivetotheneedsoftheregionandtheprioritiesofthePNGandAustraliangovernments,enablingprogramstohavealastinginfluenceonthesustainabledevelopmentoftheKokodaTrackandOwenStanleyRangesregion.
ParticipantsintheCanberrajointplanningmeeting,August2012(Photo:DepartmentoftheEnvironment)
Goal5
26
Joint planning meetings
JointplanningmeetingsareanimportantstrategiceventinthecalendaroftheKokodaInitiative.InAugust2012theDepartmentoftheEnvironment,aschairofthetaskforceinAustralia,hostedaplanningmeetinginCanberra.Overthecourseofthemeetingthepartneragenciesundertookaseriesofstrategicdiscussionsandestablishedkeypolicyprioritiesfortheforwardworkplan.AsecondjointplanningmeetingwasheldinPortMoresbyinMarch2013toprogressthedevelopmentoftheannualworkplansfortheKIagenciesandtoensuretheyalignedwiththeJU2DesignDocument,whichwasalsoundergoingfinalisationbeforebeingcompletedinApril2013.
work exchanges
SupportingstaffexchangesbetweenAustraliaandPapuaNewGuineaisanimportantpartofprogramdelivery.Theseexchangesprovideopportunitiesforstafftoincreasetheirtechnicalskills,improvetheircapacitytodeliver,and strengthenrelationshipsbetweenagenciesbybetterunderstandingthecultural andpoliticaldriversofthetwocountries.
• TausiAlekevu(FinanceandAdministrationManager,KokodaTrackAuthority)visitedCanberrainlate2012tobuildabetterunderstandingof fundingsystemsandprocessesandofworkpracticeswithintheAustralian partneroffices.
• MalcolmKeakoandFrederickOhmana(GIS specialists,DEC)attendedtwoweeksofprofessionaldevelopmenttrainingattheUniversityofNewSouthWalesinOctober2012,followedbyashortplacementwiththeDE’sEnvironmentResourcesInformationNetwork,whichhasworkedcloselywithDECoverthepastfewyears.
• StafffromtheCanberraDEofficevisitedPNGonanumberofoccasionstoassistpartnerswithKokodaInitiativeworkandtoliaisewithstakeholders.
forums and events
KokodaInitiativeforumsandeventshavebeensuccessfullyusedtoengagewitha widerangeofstakeholdersinbothAustraliaandPNG.
• End-of-seasontouroperatorforumswereheldinNovember2012andbeginning-of-seasontouroperatorforumsinMarch2013inbothPNGandAustralia.TheseforumsenabledtheKTAtoreportontheiractivitiesandtoidentifyanddiscussanyareasofconcernrelatingtotrackmanagement,administrationandmarketing.Keyoutcomesoftheseforumsincluded:
– agreementontheneedtochangesometrack managementpracticestoensuregreatercompliancewiththelicensingconditionsand theTourOperatorsCodeofConduct
– agreementtoimprovethestandardsofaccommodationandfacilitiesalongthetrack in linewithPNGnationalstandards
– agreementonrecognisingtherightsofportersandguides,includingensuringthattheyareproperlyaccommodated,thatmaximumpackweightsaremonitoredandenforced,andthattheageofportersisconfirmedtopreventemploymentofchildporters
– agreementtoworkcollaborativelyonprotectingtheenvironmentalongthe track,includingmanagementoffirewoodatcampsites,rubbishremovalbytouroperatorsandensuringvillagegardensdonotimpactonthetrack
– agreementtoresolveindustryconcernsregardingentryvisastoPNGforAustraliantouroperators.
Feedbackfromtouroperatorswasverypositiveandprovidedendorsementthatsuchforumsarevitalforeffectivetrackmanagement.
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 27
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
• TheKTAparticipatedintheFirstWorldIndigenousNetworkConferenceheldinDarwininMay2013withanumberofstaff,includingtheCEOandbusinessadviser,attending.KTArangersattendedawidevarietyofpresentationsregardinginnovativeandsuccessfullandandseamanagement,includingmanyexamplesfromremotelocations.TheKTAlivelihoodsofficerattendedanumberofcommunitydevelopmentpresentations,whichincreasedawarenessofinternationalinitiativesinthisspaceandprovidedunderstandingoftheissuesandopportunitiesfacedbyothersdoingsimilarwork.
Program design
Anumberofprogramdesigndiscussionswereundertakenover2012–13;thesehelpedtoincreasetheeffectivenessoftheprogramintothefuture,andassistin thelong-termsustainabilityoftheKokodaInitiativepostJU2.
• TheJU2DesignDocumentwasfinalisedwithAusAIDandPNGpartnersinApril 2013.ThiswillguidetheprogramimplementationuntiltheendoftheJU2inDecember2015.
• Earlyin2013acomprehensiveframeworkwasdevelopedtoinformthemonitoringandevaluationoftheKokodaInitiative;areportwasprovidedtothePNGtaskforceinMarch2013.TheAustralianDepartmentoftheEnvironmentandthePNGDepartmentofEnvironmentandConservationare currentlyworkingtoassesstherecommendationsandimplementstandardisedmonitoringandreportingacrosstheKokodaInitiative.The frameworkisdueforimplementationin2013–14.
• Anupdatedrecordofunderstandingwassigned,withAusAIDprovidingagreementontheAustralianGovernmentcontributiontoKokodaInitiativeactivitiesbetweenAusAIDandtheDEthroughtotheendoftheJU2.
strategic planning
Anumberofstrategicandprogramdesignprocesseswereundertakenover2012–13toensurethattheKokodaInitiativecontinuestodeliverwithastrategicfocustoaddresspolicyprioritiesofboththePNGandAustraliangovernments.
SeniorAdviserMrHowardBamsey
• In2012–13theKokodaInitiativeengagedMrHowardBamsey,aformerdiplomatandseniorpublicservant,toprovideadvicetobothgovernmentson thestrategicadvancementoftheinitiative.MrBamsey,wholeftthepositioninearly2013,wasavaluableassetinthecomplexprogramimplementationenvironmentinPNG.ThesenioradviserfunctionhasalsobeenvitalintermsofprovidingadviceonembeddingsustainabilityintotheKokodaInitiativebyensuringthatPNGpartnerscaneffectivelycontinueactivitiesastheAustralianGovernment’sfundingprofiledeclineswhentheJU2isfinalisedattheendof2015.
MrBamseywasabletomeetwithseniorofficialsfromboththePNGandAustraliangovernmentstoensurethattheywereawareof,supportiveofandfocusedontheimplementationoftheagreedprioritiesoftheKokodaInitiative.
28
OnvariousvisitstoPNGoverthisperiodMrBamseymetwithPNG’sEnvironmentMinister,TourismMinister,ChiefSecretaryandotheragencyheadstofostereffectivelong-termPNGengagementinandownershipoftheKokodaInitiativeatthehighestlevels.HesimilarlyliaisedwithAustralianGovernmentministersandseniorofficialstodiscussthehigherlevelstrategicoutcomesofthebilateralrelationshipandtoengendersupportfortheJU2andanongoingrelationshipwithPNGthroughtheKokodaInitiative.
KokodaInitiativeSeniorExecutiveTrek
InSeptember2012deputysecretariesfromDEC andtheDepartmentoftheEnvironmentmet ontheKokodaTrackandspentfivedayswalkingtogetherfromIsuravaupthroughtheKokodaGapanddowntoNaduri.Theyexperiencedfirsthandthetoughconditionsofthewalkandengagedcloselywithcommunitiestounderstandthechallengesofdeliveringthe
Kokoda Initiativeinsucharemoteandinaccessiblelocation.ThepartyincludedDECDeputySecretaryKayKalim,DEDeputySecretaryKimberleyDripps,KTACEOJamesEnage,KTABoardChairRubenMaleva,AustralianHighCommissionSecondSecretaryPatrickMullinsandKokodaInitiativeAdviserMarkNizette.
The2012KokodaInitiativeSeniorExecutiveTrekwasdesignedtoprovidetheseexecutiveswithanintenseexposuretothelogisticsofworkingonthetrack,anopportunitytomeetwithlocallandownersandotherresidentsofvillagesthroughwhichthetrackpasses,andauniqueexperienceofthewartime,naturalandculturalvaluesoftheregion.Heldduringthe70thanniversaryoftheKokodaCampaign,thetrekreaffirmedbothgovernments’commitmenttotheJU2andtheresolutiontocontinuethecloseworkingrelationshipbetweenPNGandAustralia.
BrigadeHillaerialimage
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 29
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
australian Government fundinG
PGk aud
Outcome1:Stakeholderengagementand communications
99,688 $39,875
Outcome2:Tourismsupport 198,878 $79,551
Outcome3:Heritagevaluesidentification 85,170 $34,068
Outcome4:KokodaTrackAuthoritybusinessmanagementsupport
281,558 $112,623
Outcome5:KokodaTrackAuthorityoperational support
819,495 $327,798
Outcome6:KokodaTrackAuthoritytrackmanagementandsafetysupport
1,131,250 $452,500
Outcome7:Incomegenerationsupport 306,250 $122,500
Outcome8:SupporttothePNGDepartmentof environmentandConservationtoImplementtheSecondjointunderstanding
1,561,140 $624,456
Outcome9:Twinning,trainingandexchanges 112,392 $44,957
Operatingexpenditure 3,580,632 $1,432,253
Total expenditure 8,176,453 $3,270,581
kokoda develoPment ProGram
PGk aud
–Infrastructure 744,517 297,807
–Capacitybuilding 190,930 76,372
–Procurement(includingdeliveryofmaterialsto remoteareas)
713,365 285,346
–Communityandpublichealth(includingHIV) 415,355 166,142
–Staffofficecostsandmanagement 1,020,963 408,385
Total expenditure 3,085,130 1,234,052
KokodaInitiative2012–13expenditure
30
PnG Partner fundinG
kokoda track authoritY
PGk aud
Trekfeeincome
–Localtrekkers:8,040
–Overseastrekkers:1,037,627
1,045,667 418,267
Licencefeeincome 26,800 10,720
Firstaidtrainingcoursefees 2,340 936
Total 1,074,807 429,923
PnG dePartment of environment and conservation 2012*
PGk aud
Travelandsubsistenceexpenses 235,000 94,000
Operationalmaterialsandsupplies 40,000 16,000
Transportandfuel 35,000 14,000
Administrativeconsultativefees 346,800 138,720
Otheroperationalexpenses 238,300 95,320
Routinemaintenanceexpenses 4,900 1,960
Furnitureandofficeequipment 100,000 40,000
Total expenditure 1,000,000 400,000
*ThePNGGovernmentaccountsitsfundsbycalendaryear
PnG tourism Promotion authoritY 2012*
PGk aud
SirinimuandVariarataNationalPark 5,000 2,000
TraveltoKokodaInitiativebiannualmeeting 3,000 1,200
Total expenditure 8,000 3,200
*ThePNGGovernmentaccountsitsfundsbycalendaryear
Note: Exchange rates calculated as per rates at 8/10/2013 (1AUD = 2.50PGK, or 1PGK = 0.40AUD)
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 31
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
ThePapuaNewGuineaandAustraliangovernmentswillcontinuetoworkinpartnershiptoimplementtheKokodaInitiativeandachievethesharedvisionandgoalsoutlinedintheSecondJointUnderstanding,whichisscheduledtofinishattheendof2015.Theupcoming12monthsoftheKokodaInitiativewillseethedeliveryofanumberofprojectsthatwillgreatlyenhancetrekkerexperiencesandimprovethelivelihoodsoflocalresidentsintheOwenStanleyRanges.TheimplementationofanumberofstrategicsystemsandprocesseswillalsoensurethesuccessofKokodaInitiativeprogramsaftertheJU2drawstoanendinDecember2015.Keyprojectsforthe2013–14yearareasfollows.
stakeholder engagement
• AppointmentofanewsenioradvisertotheKokodaInitiative.
• ConsultationwiththeCentralandOroprovincialgovernmentstoensurelong-termsustainabilityofKokodaInitiativeoutcomesthroughthealignmentofinitiativeimplementationplanswiththeprovincialadministrations’five-yeardevelopmentplansandassociatedfundingsources.
• ConsultationwithphilanthropicNGOstobetteralignaidworkalongtheKokodaTrackandwithintheareaofinterestwithlong-termstrategicplanningprocessesoftheprovincialandPNGnationalgovernments.
• ConsultationwithlandownerstoensurethatKokodaInitiativeprogramsmeettheneedsofcommunities.
Program governance
• CompletionoftheKokodaInitiativeGenderSnapshotandGenderStrategy.
• ImplementationoftheMonitoringandEvaluationFramework.
• CommencementandcompletionoftheKokodaInitiativeMidTermReview.
capacity-building strategies
• SupporttotheKTAtoenforcecompliancewithKTAcommercialconditionsrelatingtotrekkinglicencesandpermits.
• ContinuedpresenceofAustralianGovernmentadvisersworkingalongsidePNG partneragencies.
• DevelopmentofaKTACapacityDevelopmentPlan.
• MentoringandsupportforSohedistricthealthmanagementtostrengthendistrict-levelsupervisionofhealthandeducationservicesintheKokodaregion.
• Partnershipwithrelevantlocal-levelgovernmentstostrengthentherolesofvillagehealthvolunteersandidentifiedfunctionswithinthelocalgovernmentareas.
• Supporttocatchmentschoolboardsforgoodgovernance.
Goalsfor2013–14
32
AporterontheKokodaTrackheadingtowardsNaoro(Photo:KTA)
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 33
CanebridgeoverEoraCreek(Photo:KTA)
34
track safety and improvements
• RefurbishmentoftwotimberbridgesalongOwers’ CornerRoadinthelastquarterof2013.
• Constructionofadditionalcanebridgesforlocalcommunityandtrekkeruse.
• UpgradingoflandslipdefencesbetweenAlolaandIsurava.
land use and catchment protection
Plannedfurtherbiodiversityassessmentsandlanduse planningeffortsincludethefollowing.
• AbiodiversitysurveyexpeditionfortheNaoroandBrownRivercatchments–thesiteofaproposedhydroelectricityproject.
• AnexoticspeciessurveyontheKokodaTracktocollectbaselinedataonspeciesandtodevelopanongoingmonitoringmethodologyforthefuture.The processwillincludewide-rangingcommunityconsultationandcontributionsbylocalcommunities.
• ContinuedcollationofPNGspeciesdata,includingthatfromtheOwenStanleyRanges,forinputintoPNGspeciesinformationmanagementsystems.
• Abiodiversitysurveyinvarioussignificantbiodiversityregions,includingMountVictoriain the OwenStanleyRanges,byBishopMuseum,whichhassecuredfundingthroughtheNationalScienceFoundation.DECofficersarein communicationwithBishopMuseumtosupport/agreelogisticsfortheexpedition,whichwillalsosupportinitiativesin theregionwithcapacitybuildingand biodiversityinformation.
• ContinuedsocialmappingfortheOrokaivapeopleinNorthernProvincetoidentifyrepresentativesforlandmanagementdiscussionswith thePNGGovernment.AdditionalsocialmappingwillalsobecarriedoutinCentralprovincetoelaborateonpreviousfindings.Thesefindingswillenableworktocommenceon developingequitablebenefit-sharingagreementsandpaymentforecosystemsmanagementmodels,feedingintothe finalcatchmentlandusemanagementplan.
• CommencementofapilotoralhistoryprogramtocapturethestoryofWorldWarIIandtheKokodacampaignfromtheperspectiveofthelocalcommunitiesandvillagerswhowereforcedtolivethroughaconflictbetweentwoforeignarmies.Thisprojectisvitalinbalancingthenarrativeofthe Kokodacampaign,whichuntilnowhaslargelyonlybeentoldfromtheAustralianperspective.
• Furtherworkrequiredtomoreclearlyidentifythemilitaryandarchaeologicalvaluesoftheregiontoenableadraftofasustainabledevelopmentmanagementplantobedevelopedforconsultation.
health and education
• Constructionofahealthworker’shouseandrelatedbuildings,alongwithcompletionofmajorrenovationsattheKeparaaidpostin2013.
• ContinuedprovisionofcommunitypublichealthandHIVstrategies,inadditiontointegratedoutreachatvillagelevelalongwithaidpostsupervision.
• Integratedplanningwithhealthandeducationrepresentativesfromdistrictandprovincial-levelgovernments.Progresswillbemonitoredthroughlinkageswithprovincialauthorities.
• Ongoingsupportforimprovementsinmaternalandchildhealth.
• DeliveryofaninfrastructurepackageforKebaravillagehealthservices.
• NewelementaryschoolsforidentifiedcommunitieswithintheKokoda‘new’footprintwhichincludesWardsoutsideofthetrack,butidentifiedbytheSpecialPurposeAuthority.
tourism and livelihoods
• Tourismindustrytrainingandcapacitybuilding.
• Trainingneedsassessmentforlocaloperatorsand tourguides.
• BrownRiverbirdwatchingtourismproductdevelopment,includingcommunityawareness-raisingsessions.
KoKoda InItIatIve annual RepoRt 2012–13 35
The Kokoda Initiative is a flagship of the bilateral
cooperation between Papua New Guinea
and Australia
• ExpansionofTPAinvolvementinthenorthernbeachesthroughcommunitytourismawarenessatkeybattlesitecommunities.Thiswillincludetourguidetraininganddesignandtheinstallationofsignageatkeybattlesites,whichisalsobeingconsideredfortheKokodaTrack.
• ImplementationbytheTPAofguesthousecertification(aPNG-wideaccommodationclassification)alongtheKokodaTrack.Inadditiontoaccreditingguesthousesthisprocesswouldalsoincludeacampaigntoincreaseawarenessoftheclassificationsystem.
GuesthousetrainingatMenari.Thetallpoleshavebeenmarkedwithstandardmeasurementsforconstructionofguest houses(Photo:KTA)
36
www.dec.gov.pg
www.environment.gov.au
Cover photos: Kokoda Track Authority