Annual Report 2012–13environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/505b721f-556a... · Annual Report 2012–13 The Kokoda Initiative is a partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia

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




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

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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)




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.

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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




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

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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.




and Australia

2012–13:yearinreview

TheSecondJointUnderstandingontheOwenStanleyRanges,BrownRiverCatchmentandKokodaTrackRegion(JU2)specifiesthevision,goalsandobjectives fortheKokodaInitiative.Therearefiveconcurrentandmutuallyreinforcingprogramgoals.Theyare:

1. Asafeandwell-managedKokodaTrack,whichhonoursitswartimehistorical significanceandprotectsandpromotesitsspecialvalues.

2. Enhancedqualityoflifeforlandownersandcommunitiesthroughimproveddeliveryofbasicservices,incomegenerationandcommunitydevelopmentactivities.

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3. Thewiseuseandconservationofthecatchmentprotectionarea,includingthe KokodaTrack,and its naturalandculturalresourcesandvalues.

4. BuildingnationalandinternationaltourismpotentialoftheOwenStanleyRangesandKokoda Trackregion,supportedbyapossiblefutureWorld Heritagenomination.

5. Workingwithcommunities,landowners,industryandalllevelsofgovernmenttoensurethatactivitiesestablishedundertheKokodaInitiativeare sustainedintothefuture.

Thisannualreportcapturestheoutcomesdeliveredthroughpartnershipandcooperationfortheperiodfrom1July2012to30June2013.Thefollowingsectionshighlightprogresstowardsachievingthese fivegoalsandtheirassociatedoutcomesthroughouttheyear.




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

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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)




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.

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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




and Australia

Goal2

enhanced quality of life for landowners and communities through improved delivery of basic services, income generation and community development activities


• Continuingtosustainablyimprovethestandardofhealth,education,water,sanitationandinfrastructureservicesforcommunitiesalongthetrack.

• Facilitatingaccesstobenefitstreams,incomegenerationandothercommunitydevelopmentprojectsforcommunitiesintheinterimprotectionzone,includingpotentialopportunitiesthroughdevelopmentofrenewableresources,particularlyhydropowerandwater,forestcarbon,andtourism.

• Enablingcommunitiesandlandownerstomanagedevelopmentopportunitiesandincomestreamsgeneratedthroughthisinitiative.

• Nurturingthealliancebetweenalllevelsofgovernment,tourismoperatorsandnot-for-profitorganisationstoprovidestrongandcoordinatedsupportforthesustainabledevelopmentoftheregionandthewellbeingofitspeople.


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.

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• 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




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.




and Australia

the wise use and conservation of the catchment protection area, including the kokoda track and its natural and cultural resources and values


• DevelopinganintegratedlanduseplanforthecatchmentprotectionareainpartnershipwithkeyNational,ProvincialandLocalGovernmentstakeholderswhichprovidesaneffectivebalancebetweenenvironmentconservationanddevelopment

• Identifyingandconservingthekeynatural,culturalandhistoricvaluesoftheOwenStanleyRangesforheritageconservation,protectionandtourismdevelopmentpurposes.


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.




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


• Promotingthenatural,culturalandhistoricmilitaryvaluesofthetrack

• Developingastrategictourismplanandassociatedmarketingactivities

• ExploringtheheritageconservationvaluesoftheregionandconductingafeasibilitystudyforpossibleWorldHeritagenomination,consistentwithitsinclusioninthePNGGovernmentWorldHeritageTentativeList(2006).


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




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.




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


• Maximisingthedeliveryandmaintenanceofservicesandactivitiesthroughthe responsiblePNGprovincialandlocal-levelgovernments

• BuildingcapacitywithinkeyPNGandAustralianGovernmentagenciestoensurethegoalsofthisinitiativecanbedeliveredandaresustainable.


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.




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




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)




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

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AporterontheKokodaTrackheadingtowardsNaoro(Photo:KTA)


CanebridgeoverEoraCreek(Photo:KTA)

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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.




and Australia

• ExpansionofTPAinvolvementinthenorthernbeachesthroughcommunitytourismawarenessatkeybattlesitecommunities.Thiswillincludetourguidetraininganddesignandtheinstallationofsignageatkeybattlesites,whichisalsobeingconsideredfortheKokodaTrack.

• ImplementationbytheTPAofguesthousecertification(aPNG-wideaccommodationclassification)alongtheKokodaTrack.Inadditiontoaccreditingguesthousesthisprocesswouldalsoincludeacampaigntoincreaseawarenessoftheclassificationsystem.

GuesthousetrainingatMenari.Thetallpoleshavebeenmarkedwithstandardmeasurementsforconstructionofguest houses(Photo:KTA)

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www.dec.gov.pg

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www.environment.gov.au

[email protected]

Cover photos: Kokoda Track Authority

Documents

Annual Report 2012–13environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/505b721f-556a... · Annual Report 2012–13 The Kokoda Initiative is a partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia