WWF calls on governments to support Kokoda Track strategy
03 Oct 2006
Port Moresby - Conservationists have a solution to the impasse between the Australian and Papua New Guinea governments over the proposed mining of part of the Kokoda Track, claims the global conservation organisation, WWF.
Prime Minister Howard has declared that mining on the Kokoda Track would be an affront to the memory of Australian soldiers who fought on there in 1942 in the defence of Australia. In response, the PNG government has asserted its right to determine what happens in their country. Australian officials are currently in Papua New Guinea to determine the risk to the Kokoda Track from mining.
"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", 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. It is the first step in developing a master plan for the management of the Track.
"PNG communities have a right to earn income from their land", said Mr Avosa. "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 sets out a clear process to help them avoid an Ok Tedi or a Bougainville disaster in the middle of the Track".
In May 2006, the Kokoda Track was recognised as one of two top priorities for World Heritage listing in PNG.
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 Programs Manager for WWF-Australia. "As part of the Australian aid program 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 Dr Otter. "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".
WWF calls on the Australian and Papuan New Guinean governments to join forces to develop a master plan for the management of the Kokoda Track to protect it from a range of serious threats, including unsustainable logging and in appropriate mining.
Find out more
Lydia Kaia, Communications Officer, WWF-PNG
Phone: +675 320 0149
Email: lkaia@wwfpacific.org.pg
