Preparations are well underway for the launch of the new Kumura Foundation and the first eco-tourism product in Upper Bundi, Madang Province.
The double launch event is scheduled on February 17-19 at Snow Pass, Upper Bundi.
The Kumura Foundation was established to support healthcare, education, Eco-Tourism and other much needed community development projects.
While the Snow Pass mountain cabin is located at mid-point between the majestic Ramu plains and the lofty ridges of Mt. Wilhelm, it is a major transition point for migrating birds passing up and down.
The cabin is settled at 2,200m on a ridge top bordering three provinces, namely Eastern Highlands, Chimbu and Jiwaka.
The eco-lodge specialises in offering eco-tourism products and services such as tracking, bird watching, star gazing, culture and the rich flora and faunas.
Founder of Kumura Foundation and Snow Pass Eco-Lodge managing director, Vincent Kumura said they’re working around the clock to be ready for launching.
Kumara said logistics especially transporting food, people and items to Snow Pass will be a steep challenge given this time of the year during the wet season.
He said the area normally experiences frequent rainfall leading to landslides and floods along the Ramu Plains and this is their biggest challenge in getting the launch set.
Kumara revealed that funding is also a big issue at hand and they hope to raise enough funds this week to launch the event.
They’ll need about K40,000 to successfully host the event.
“I really hope to raise enough funds to host the event because this will be an historic event at Bundi,” Kumura said.
The highlight of the event is having medical doctors from the United States to launch the foundation which will take place on Saturday, February 18.