Wading through dangerous, fast flowing rivers in the wet season will become a thing of the past for some communities in the Mount Koiari region following the construction of two reinforced foot bridges.
The bridge construction was a collaboration between Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) rangers, local landowners and communities, and supported by ranger training specialists INLOC Australia.
The two bridges are the first of eight bridges planned for the Kokoda corridor, to be constructed as part of the KTA Ranger Capacity Development Project (RCDP), funded by the Australian Government through the Kokoda Initiative.
The bridges mean local villagers can access health and education services, and livelihoods opportunities, no matter the weather. They will also improve safety for the trekking industry, while still using local materials and labour.
The RCDP is training rangers to ensure the Kokoda Track remains safe and accessible for communities and tourists, and the special heritage of the region is protected. The RCDP is the first formal certified training for rangers to manage a protected area in Papua New Guinea and will inform ranger programs throughout the country.
KTA rangers, local landowners, and community members with the INLOC team on the newly fabricated 12.5 meter footbridge in Vabiavu, Manari of Central Province.
The RCDP has trained nine men and three women rangers – each from communities in the Kokoda region – in conservation and ecosystems management, according to internationally certified standards.
The RCDP also facilitated training for the rangers from the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Causalities Unit and the American Defense Missing-In-Action Accounting Agency.
These agencies delivered a short course in basic forensics to equip rangers with knowledge and skills to document and report discoveries of human remains.
This information will assist the National Museum and Gallery to identify, protect and manage sites of historical significance along the Track.
The training establishes the KTA as part of referral pathways to Australian, Japanese, and US remains recovery authorities when communities discover human remains from the War in the Kokoda region.
Rangers learning to use technology to capture information during forensics training.
Mr Julius Wargirai, KTA Acting CEO said, “In partnership with Australia, our rangers are receiving internationally recognised training in conservation and the protection of military and cultural heritage.”
“This provides an excellent opportunity for KTA rangers and local community members to work together to learn how to protect the Track, the environment and its heritage, and sustain trekking tourism for future generations.”
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100