Archive for March, 2011
KOKODA’S FUTURE LOOKS MORE SECURE
March 15th, 2011 | Author: Jim the Backpacker
Having attended the Kokoda Initiative meeting held in Sydney on 9th March, I have come away with a wonderful feeling of great hope that the Kokoda Track will continue its progress to becoming one of the world’s great walking experiences and as well for all Australians a safe and rewarding pilgrimage site.
The meeting was attended by many groups and individuals collectively termed stakeholders, who in one way or another are dedicated to the protection of the area through which the Track passes. The concerns of all the stakeholders attending, varied from areas such as aid programmes for the continued material, financial and social development of landowners and village people living in the region through which the Track passes, to the RSL concerned that the wartime historical integrity of the Track is protected. Many Australian and PNG Government departments were represented who are working co-operatively to ensure the future of PNG through the properly planned development of water and power resources in that region. Even University representatives and academics and historians all with particular interests in ensuring that the Kokoda Track is well managed were in attendance.
As a tour operator of nearly 30 years experience, most of which has been in developing nations worldwide, for me to witness such heartfelt goodwill amongst all the attendees and passion and enthusiasm for the long term view of – “let’s get it right’, was inspiring.
I left the meeting feeling what more can I do and so positive that the Kokda Track will have a future that all Australians will be proud of their connection. I can assure you that this is not the case in many parts of the world. So many developing nations are driven solely by the mantra of – ‘progress through uncontrolled development.’
All the stakeholders, though many may hold opposing views on issues ,are however united in the one goal and that is to protect and manage the Track properly.
The tour operators also have a lot to contribute and are an important stakeholder as demonstrated by the good numbers that made the effort to attend. We as tour operators have a sacred role to get our part right. We are the custodians of the Track’s history. We have been given the task to ensure that the history of the Track is properly presented both reverently and accurately to all who make the pilgrimage over the Track under our care. This is a serious responsibility that my company for one does not take lightly or for granted.
Our company, as one, is dedicated to the preservation of the Track in all aspects so that all people not just Australians and Papuan Nnew Guineans can walk the Kokoda Track and happily and safely have their own special Kokoda Experience.
To learn more about the Kokoda Initiative follow this link:- http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/international-projects/kokoda.html