Transporting ourselves to the Kokoda Trail

Kokoda Case Study   August 16-17, 2017

Location August 16-17, 2017

Geography and Ecology The Kokoda Track is dominated geographically by the rugged Owen Stanley Ranges. Accessibility is a challenge in this geographic context and one in which access to services and transport is prohibited by cost and environmental preservation factors. This is one of the most biologically important areas in the Asia Pacific with over 4000 plant species and many endemic bird and animal species. August 16-17, 2017

History of the Kokoda Track The track was first used by European miners in the 1890s to access the Yodda Kokoda goldfields. Between July 1942 and January 1943, a series of battles, afterwards called the Kokoda Track Campaign, were fought between Japanese and Australian forces. Since 2001, there has been a rapid increase in the number of people walking the track. In 2006, the Owen Stanley Ranges and Kokoda Track was included on the Tentative List for World Heritage status. August 16-17, 2017

People and Culture The Koiari and Orokaiva peoples, the traditional owners of the region, retain a subsistence economy augmented by income from a growing tourism industry. Communities strongly support the protection of the historical and natural values of the Kokoda Track and proudly demonstrate their culture. There is significant outmigration from the southern region to Port Moresby by people seeking better access to services and livelihood opportunities. While the population of the northern part is less disadvantaged relative to other parts of PNG. The population are predominantly Christian from a range of denominations with Seventh-day Adventists being the majority. August 16-17, 2017

People and Culture August 16-17, 2017

Australian Involvement – High Level Agreement August 16-17, 2017

Australian Involvement – Kokoda Initiative Since 2010, Australian-funded community development activities have included: construction/renovation of 15 double classrooms, 16 school staff houses, 5 health posts and 36 water and sanitation facilities; training and certification of 88 elementary and primary school teachers to improve learning outcomes for over 1,900 students; training, certification and equipping 96 Village Health Volunteers to provide basic health services, benefiting over 14,000 people; and administration of 2,467 vaccines to children under the age of five years. In 2015, a new joint declaration was signed between the two governments recognising the enduring significance of the Kokoda Track region to both nations. The Australian Government has committed up to $25 million from 2016-2020. August 16-17, 2017

Australian Involvement – Trekking and Tourism There are 36 Tour Operators (TOs) registered with the KTA. The significant majority of these are Australian owned and operated. A 2012 study of the economic significance of trekking on the Kokoda Track conducted by Curtin University on behalf of the KTA calculated the Total Direct Economic Value of trekking on the Kokoda Track in 2011 at AUD $15,275,374. The total direct expenditure accruing to villages on the track was AUD $1,827,059. August 16-17, 2017

Key Stakeholders National Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia Province, District and Local Level Government Authorities Local Communities and Clans Kokoda Track Authority Kokoda Initiative Non-Government Organisations Churches Tour Operators August 16-17, 2017

Development Challenges Economic Political Social Ecological Cultural The following are the survey results from Kagi Village in Central Province which is one of nine villages in the region that has no road access and lies within one hour walking distance from an airport. They are generally representative of similar villages in the Kokoda Track region, noting that communities that have road access or conversely neither road nor airport access display a number of differences especially in relation to access to services and livelihood opportunities. August 16-17, 2017

Kagi Village - Livelihoods August 16-17, 2017

Kagi Village - Livelihoods August 16-17, 2017

Kagi Village - Livelihoods August 16-17, 2017

Kagi Village - Livelihoods August 16-17, 2017

Kagi Village - Livelihoods August 16-17, 2017

Kagi Village - Livelihoods August 16-17, 2017

Kagi Village - Livelihoods August 16-17, 2017

Kagi Village - Livelihoods August 16-17, 2017

Kagi Village - Livelihoods August 16-17, 2017

Kagi Village - Livelihoods August 16-17, 2017

NGO Illustration In 2016 the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Papua New Guinea, began to explore the possibility of engaging in livelihoods development programs in the Kokoda Track region. Their work was carried out with support from ADRA Australia. As a result some initial funding has been committed by both ADRA Australia and ADRA International. The following information outlines some of the information associated with the early stages of ADRA PNG’s planning and work in the region. August 16-17, 2017

NGO Illustration ADRA PNG aims to contribute to the wellbeing of five selected communities in the Kokoda Track region by enhancing livelihood opportunities that generate sustainable income. The project aims to utilise an approach based on the Development Triangle model which emphasises that any development project needs to encompass three elements: service delivery, capacity building and advocacy. Accordingly the project aims to: Strengthen the capacities of the local community to undertake participatory assessment and project design. Increase income in the local community through support for identified livelihood opportunities and income generation activities. Strengthen the capacity of the local community to assess and communicate the value of increased livelihood opportunities to key stakeholders. August 16-17, 2017

NGO Illustration In 2016 the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Papua New Guinea, began to explore the possibility of engaging in livelihoods development programs in the Kokoda Track region. Their work was carried out with support from ADRA Australia. As a result some initial funding has been committed by both ADRA Australia and ADRA International. The following information outlines some of the information associated with the early stages of ADRA PNG’s planning and work in the region. August 16-17, 2017