WWF Calls On Governments To Support Kokoda Track Strategy

© WWF PNG/ Paul Chatterton. View of the Kokoda Track

Port Moresby - WWF is part of a solution to the impasse between the Australian and Papua New Guinea governments over the proposed mining of part of the Kokoda Track.

“A plan already exists to safeguard the Track and WWF calls on both governments to drop their differences and get behind it”,

said Michael Avosa, Country Program Manager for WWF-PNG.

The "Eco-Trekking Kokoda Strategy"1, launched last Anzac Day, aims to develop a World Heritage listed sustainable eco-trekking destination across the Kokoda Track and to support local management to deal with threats such as mining and logging.

The strategy was prepared by the Kokoda Track Foundation, the Kokoda Track Authority, WWF and the University of Technology Sydney following consultations with over 500 landowners, trekking operators, government and community groups.

“PNG communities have a right to earn income from their land. Neither government can dictate terms to them. However, many landowners on the Track are afraid of pollution, social change and the damage to tourism that would come from a mine. The Strategy setsout a clear process to help them avoid an Ok Tedi or Bougainville disaster in the middle of the Track”.

said Mr Avosa.

In May 2006, the Kokoda Track was recognised as one of two top priorities for World Heritage listing in PNG.

© WWF PNG/ Paul Chatterton. The Kokoda Track is under threat from logging and mining activities

As well as exemplary military and cultural history, the Track passes through some of the richest rainforests in the Asia Pacific with more plant species on this one mountain range than in the entire Wet Tropic rainforests of North Queensland.

“The Kokoda Track is an important cultural treasure to Australians and they expect their government to contribute to its preservation”, says Mark Otter, the International Programmes Manager for WWF-Australia. “As part of the Australian aid programme to PNG, the Australian government should provide tangible support to the Eco-Trekking Kokoda Strategy.”

“The Track has been neglected by both governments since WWII and these squabbles are only damaging PNG's premier tourism income earner” said Mr Avosa.

“Surely the lesson from the roads issue on Gallipoli is that both governments need to take a longer term view if these iconic battlefields are to be properly cared for”
- Michael Avosa, WWF PNG

WWF is calling on both the PNG and Australian government to support the Kokoda Track Authority and the Eco-Trekking Kokoda Strategy.

Editor’s notes:

  1. 1 The Strategic Plan for Sustainable Eco-Tourism along the Kokoda Track

For further information please contact:

Lydia Kaia, Communications Officer, WWF Papua New Guinea, telephone: +675 320 0149; fax: +675 320 0519

Michael Avosa, Country Programme Manager, WWF Papua New Guinea, telephone: +675 320 0149; fax: +675 320 0519