Nineteen rangers recently completed the inaugural Ranger Capacity Development Project (RCDP). They are ready to strengthen the Kokoda Track Authority’s (KTA) management of the iconic Kokoda Track.
The rangers completed five months of basic training including Conservation and Ecosystems management skills to equip them to better manage the Track and its unique surrounds.
The KTA RCDP is supported by the Australian Government through the Kokoda Initiative. It is part of the PNG-Australia Partnership. KTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Julius Wargirai congratulated the rangers at the ceremony and acknowledged their commitment through the intensive training program.
“This is an important milestone. This is the first ever training provided to KTA rangers to conserve and maintain the Track, support the tourism and trekking industry, protect the natural environment, and maintain sites of military significance,” said Mr Wargirai.
“Through this ranger training program KTA, for the first time, has engaged four women as rangers on the Kokoda Track.
“The Kokoda Track is one of Papua New Guinea’s most important tourism assets. The better trained our rangers are, the better and safer the Kokoda Track will be for both international and domestic trekkers to visit,” added the KTA CEO.
A select number of graduates will progress to an advanced curriculum in 2022 to enable the KTA to take on more responsibilities to protect the environment, tourism and heritage resources in partnership with Kokoda Initiative agencies including Conservation & Environment Protection Authority (CEPA), the National Museum & Art Gallery (NMAG), the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Oro and Central provincial governments. This will see advanced graduates awarded with an internationally recognised Certificate in Conservation and Ecosystems Management.
In attendance during the graduation were the Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp, Northern Province Governor, Gary Juffa, Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Isi Henry Leonard and other guests.
High Commissioner Philp acknowledged the resilience of the of men and women rangers.
“The Kokoda Track is an important symbol of the enduring partnership between PNG and Australia, and an important driver of people-to-people links,” the High Commissioner said.
“This ranger capacity training program will strengthen what the KTA is doing to ensure the track is safe and well managed for everyone.
“Australia is very pleased to support the PssssNG government and local communities in their management of the Kokoda Track and the surrounding region.
“The addition of more rangers, including women rangers, to the KTA team will make the Kokoda Track an even more attractive tourist destination when international travel can resume,” said High Commission Philp.